i’m blogging from my own (rented, of course, but self-furnished) new (fifties, really) home in helsinki, listening to one of my favourite radio stations, radio helsinki.
the weather has been amazingly hot, almost 30 degrees here in helsinki – but my new home is the coolest place i’ve been to over the last two weeks. (facing north and east with a french window.)
i had to furnish it from the scratch as i’ve been living abroad for the last ten years or so, and before that in a friend’s place. i got old furniture in great condition from the recycling centre (kierrätyskeskus). then i went to ikea and some other shops, as well as to my family to find some pieces of furniture. now i have a set of sofas, bookshelves, other shelving and a dinner table with chairs in the livingroom and a not-so-squeeky bed and wardrobes in the bedroom. it all looks pretty lived in, even if i only moved here just under two weeks ago.
already had the visit of my mother (crucial test: an appraised approval!) some of my best friends and my aunt and old friend with her family. they all felt pretty much at home here. which makes me happy, as i do, too.
the job at the university also has started, and although so far it’s been too much admin and too little research or even editing of old texts, it’s all fine. the community of colleagues seems nice.
moreover, there are hobbies. i’ve been seeing family and friends, celebrating their birthdays and looking for a bike to get to work and about for the few months before the snow arrives (worried how to cope with that after the ten year absence). this weekend, i’m going to the flow festival: seeing gilles peterson, cocorosie, and architecture in helsinki, in this let alone the local five corners quinted and many others in this home town of mine will be a great way to settle in.
and for those friends of mine who are reading this from a bit further away: i’ve got a spare mattress and a good couch. do come and check this all out!
