One night in Hämeenlinna

Last weekend we had a chance to travel without the kids. We chose Hämeenlinna for a quick weekend getaway.

In the afternoon we went to the movies. The night started with flair bowling at First Corner, in Tiiriö. Later it was time to enjoy good dinner at Popino, located in the centre.

Then we went to Birger for a beer. When returning to the hotel, we checked Julian Rock performing at Tawastia Bank.

Mäntsälä Ralli 2011

It was my first time in my life actually seeing a rally competition in action! We checked the start in the center of Mäntsälä, went to Sälinkää during the daytime and later in the evening to Pukkila for the last Special Stage. It was already dark then so there wasn't so much to see any more. The rally event ended at Hepolan koulu.

Since it is winter time, travelling to the seeing places had to be made along the same road where the rally went on. I must admit it was, at times, a pretty wild feeling checking some safe spots from the side of the road, when hearing those rally cars roaring and knowing they are approaching towards you at "maximum attack".. :)

Signs of Winter 2011, part.. oh well :)

During the past weeks I was thinking about headlines like "routa" or "kaamos", but I missed to make those updates in time.. it's been a great winter so far - lots of snow, and solid sub-zero temperature since some mid-November.

Starting from tomorrow, the forecast shows "suojasää" at least for the whole of next week. Suojasää basically means that the temperature will be above zero degrees Celcius at least during daytime. I just hope all the snow won't turn to "loska" and melt away..

Saaren Joulumaa

They say it's kind of a tradition for Keuda (Keski-Uudenmaan Ammattiopisto) to arrange this event annually at Saaren kartano.

I must say I was positively surprised, because I expected something smaller. The event was mainly set up in a large greenhouse. There were farm animals, a large Christmas market, a flower market, a cafeteria and even a chapel - and of course a possibility to meet Santa Claus.

For children there were events like the "gnome path", puppet shows and visits to a cowhouse. My kid had a great time.

Christmas markets @ Helsinki

Today is Epiphany, the end of Christmas time. So it's about time to post a few pictures from the Christmas Markets in the centre of Helsinki.

These pictures were taken on the 17th of December from Tuomaan Markkinat at Esplanadi Park, and Kampin Joulumaa at Narinkkatori. I visited these sites early on the morning, when they were not yet fully open, thus the closed booths and absence of other people. :)

Joulumaa was moreof a commercial setup for children, but it looked nice in any case.

The two other pictures are: Sokos department store in Christmas lights, and "the French market" event arranged at Lasipalatsin Aukio.

Happy New Year 2011 folks!