Modern Art, Architecture and Design in Helsinki As you might remember, I’ve already been to Harvard. But when I went to university in Finland, I got an A! Aalto University Campus was well worth the visit, in spite of having to endure being lectured by His Lordship. Herself wasn’t overly thrilled at being schooled by him either! But it was quite an experience to spend time in this amazing auditorium designed by Alvar Aalto. My poor little bird brain cells…
Suomenlinna and Kaunissaari islands, Helsinki I think I’ve done more island-hopping in Finland than I did in the Philippines. Then again, apparently there are over twenty times more islands here than in the Philippines – over 178,000 as opposed to 7,600. They are tiny here in comparison of course, but I don’t mind. Finnish islands are more my size. Like this one. I wonder if it even qualifies as an island. It’s basically a large stone with just enough room…
Nordic Art Nouveau in Helsinki Well, I think I’ve finally landed in gull heaven. Helsinki is the perfect place for me. A beautiful coastal city with dozens of sea inlets, promenades, beaches and islands not far offshore… and seagulls rule the roost! The proof is in all the signs warning about gulls. Yes. We gulls are a force to be reckoned with here. I couldn’t wait to hit the South Harbour, just a short stroll from the city centre. What…
Old town centre of Melaka, Malaysia I’ve seen many a weird sight while on the road with the Oldies, but this one has got to top the list: monkeys on the motorway! I’d dozed off on the flight from Manila to Kuala Lumpur and woke up in a rental car headed to Melaka, just in time to spot a troop of monkeys hopping around on the verge. What next? Fish flying overhead? Well actually, that was exactly what I saw…
Shopping Malls in Metro Manila I’d learned a fair bit about Spanish colonialism in Intramuros, but hadn’t realised that the Philippines had been a US colony for so long. In spite of it being independent of the US since 1946, I found the American influence is still very obvious today. English is widely spoken, most signage is in English and US brand names and chains proliferate. And like Americans, Filipinos sure love their malls. I soon came to see the…