Images from the Finnish Capital
…at the University of Helsinki earlier this week when people had a chance to visit the 175 years old observatory.
You foreigners might now think that Finnish astronomy is very primitive but observations are no longer done from this site. There is too much light pollution to allow scientific work. What used to be at the outskirts of the city is today a very central location.
The exterior of the observatory is one of the most impressive in the city – and not among the easiest to be photographed.
…that I found on the next day.
Some younger Finns have adopted some Halloween traditions through American movies and tv-series but it’s nothing like Halloween in the U.S.
Officially we celebrate pyhäinpäivä (All Saints Day) and people who have died are being remembered. It’s not uncommon to forget the whole day and notice too late that all the shops are closed.
Last year the traditional herring market had a perfect start when Ode to Herring was sang during the opening ceremony. This year weather made sure that the start wasn’t that perfect.
The song is from a Pelle Svanslös (Peter the cat who has no tail) children’s movie. Books and movies about the cat, known as Pekka Töpöhäntä in Finland, are very popular at least in Sweden and Finland. See and listen the original song
In the photo the highpoint of Swedish culture is performed by YL Male Voice Choir (ex-Helsinki University Chorus).
More about the centuries old herring market in my last year’s entry.
Lots of smiling people were on board the many sailing ships that paraded in central Helsinki last weekend.
Many have worked hard, most likely on their free-time, to keep the ships in good condition. So it must be special to spend a day at the sea with other heritage ships – and an evening with the other sailors.
On Saturday South Harbour was very lively. In addition to the many sailing ships that took part in Tervasaaren tynnyri competition there were also steam ships and fishermen who took part in the traditional herring market.
Have a look at some of the traditional sailing ships that are based in Helsinki.
Prime minister Matti Vanhanen welcomed people to Government Palace.
Today all government ministries had open doors day in celebration of the 200 years old Finnish Government. It was a chance to visit places that everybody knows from the news but which are usually off-limits to regular people.
It’s not a swineflu team. It’s the dragon boat team of Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (HUS).
At the time of writing (late September) there are some cases of swineflu in Finland but the experts are waiting for the real epidemic to start. No reported casualties.
Women are walking past the grave of Augustin Ehrensvärd to meet the arriving soldiers.
This is one of my favourite photos from the summer. This was a special event, normally there isn’t any military camp at the seafortress.
More photos from the event can be seen in my photography blog.
Leningrad Cowboys performing at Helsinki International Airshow. The cowgirls were having fun with the security. More about the gig in this entry.
Leningrad Cowboysin lehmitytöt kiusoittelevat järkkäriä. Kuva osallistuu myös 137. valokuvatorstaihin. Haasteessa oli tarkoitus jatkaa kuvasta, jossa tutti on jäänyt pöydälle.
