lilacs in full bloom

it's like the whole city is wearing an amazing perfume. it's quite dreamy.

someone i recently met told me that living in finland changes people. foreigners who experience its harsh winters and gorgeous summers can't help but change, she said. and how? i asked a bit apprehensively.

"they become extreme," she answered. "maybe they become a bit tough and a little crazy, withdrawing a bit in the cold months and then being totally mad-happy in the summer."

tomorrow is the eve of midsummer.

the cat doesn't know

the best part of cod is the cheek. in japan, it's called neko shirazu, which translates to "the cat doesn't know." apparently, even japan's fish-loving cats miss out on this bit because it's so small and hidden behind the eye and jaw cartilage. which is a shame really.

i ordered the cod cheeks at oaxen krog. i normally find table-side service a bit embarassing, but i was quite happy to watch this preparation, the cod cheeks and tongue combined with lobster and a nice rich broth. 

ohh kitty... you don't know what you're missing

helsinki

it's been 2 months since i moved here, but this weekend was the first time i had a chance to look around and appreciate what a gorgeous city it is. and realise that it's summer already! where did spring go? i'm struggling to get my camera settings to adjust to this sudden explosion of light.

various shades of pale at suomenlinna: