…as long as (s)he leads the Finnish foreign policy (in co-operation with the Council of State).

The 2nd round of the presidential elections on Sunday 5th February will be held between the favorite Sauli Niinistö (National Coalition Party) and Pekka Haavisto (The Greens). Both are capable, professional, wise and experienced and very unlikely to become foreign policy troublemakers.

…ät Töölö bay.

Not exactly what I had in my mind. I hurried from the Lasipalatsi square main event to Töölö bay but because of the fireworks the “road” to Linnunlaulu villas was closed. Unfortunately the “best viewing area” is also “the worst photography area.” Didn’t see anything that even looked like a background so the only option was to put the tripod in front of the first passable foreground since the rockets were already in the air.

Larger and better images in my main blog Learning to See in Helsinki including a lot better fireworks photo from Lasipalatsi square.

…this photo is from a 2010 performance.

Earlier photos from the same event:

• Dragons at Central Railway Station
• Juggling: 1, 2

…#6 is the favourite to go for the 2nd round and #2 and #4 have a chance to join him in today’s elections.

Click the image to enlarge.

…was pretty quiet. This was the most exciting scene I saw!

…sea fortress.

…by the observatory.

…smoking.

A practice shot while preparing for future #foto12 challenges. Now I’m supposed to take a photo with theme “dark light” and post it by latest on 14th January.

…Niinistö for president.

A practice shot while preparing for future #foto12 challenges. Now I’m supposed to take a photo with theme “dark light” and post it by latest on 14th January.

…stop.

I’m currently more active in my Learning to See in Helsinki photoblog.

Have a look at a gallery of my other personal 2011 favourite photos.

It’s City Daily Photo Theme day so Click here to view thumbnails for all participants to see Photos of the Year 2011 from all over the world. (Photos will appear in the gallery around Jan 1st when they are posted).

…Learning to See in Helsinki by yours truly. Minimal text but photos should be better than in here. Have a look!

Before the blog was even officially opened, the photo above got me involved in a weekly photo challenge.

This blog won’t die but don’t expect frequent posts.

The Flight of a Steller’s Sea Eagle

At The Central Railway Station

Chinese New Year

More Photos from Tour de Helsinki

It’s Not an Easter Egg

Lost in Helsinki, Part III

What the Helsinki Is Happening

Entering the Great Courtyard

Helsinki is Now One of the Hottest Places in Europe

Lost in Helsinki, Part II

Looking for a Place to Land

The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

The Tower of the Olympic Stadium

Villa Kivi

After 16 Years Wait Finland is Again Winland in Ice Hockey

Flags at Half Mast in Finland for Norway

The Man Who Didn’t See Mercy

Länsilinkki

In 2012 my photoblogging will mostly happen at Learning to See in Helsinki for reasons I’ll explain later. There are already some photos so have a look if you like.

…it wasn’t much.

The best of 2011 gallery coming tomorrow or a day later. And something new for the new year.

…to Christmas celebrations. One of the grayest Christmases that I can remember.

…this Saturday evening?

Santa wears 1930′s costume from the time when red Coca Cola Santas hadn’t arrived to Finland yet. He delivers gifts personally to Finnish kids during Christmas Eve evening.

Hyvää joulua ja onnellista uutta vuotta! See you after the new year celebrations with hopefully something new.

PS. Before the new year I might have the time to do a Best of 2011 gallery but let’s see.

…I noticed the shadow created by the bus headlights.

Today while passing the very same place, I saw a bus approaching and had just enough time to raise the camera.

If I would go there tomorrow to get the shot with proper settings, I’m quite sure nobody would stand there for hours.

…down there.

I don’t know if they are preparing for stuff that has been flushed by the heavy rainfall or has some other kind of accident happened.

…at ferry o’clock.