What have I been doing the last few days? Good food and good friends!
Now I am presently in Westville (Pictou County) visiting the in-laws and I was nervous about V being around so many cats but he's doing just fine. He doesn't get in their face and they respect him.
Tomorrow afternoon we're going on a hay ride which will be exciting! I haven't been on one in ages (Hatfield Farms in my cadet days) and discovered I have asthma that way. But now that I have two inhalers with me - I should be fine.
Taking many pictures with friends which is lovely as well.
I picked up three knitting/crochet magazines at Chapters and I nearly cried at the price ($34) - but it'll be worth it as there aren't any English knitting magazines back home in Finland. So I am taking advantage! Not sure if I'd get a subscription but it's definitely lovely to read in English and not guess at what I am trying to read.
Ate some Kentucky Yucky (Kentucky Fried Chicken) - just a pop corn chicken combo....and I'm aiming at a donair some time this weekend while in Westville. YUM YUM.
I've gained a few kilos....so a walk around Walmart will be necessary.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
OH Canada! - Part 1
I do not know how many parts this will have - but this will be a bit of a break about Learning about Finland and be about our adventure to and around Canada (Nova Scotia to be precise).
Please note that this first part is mostly a monster of a rant due to delayed flights and us sleeping in the airport overnight.
We left Helsinki in high spirits and discovered that the Finn Air representative did NOT do her job properly. She checked our luggage (including stroller - can anybody say sore shoulders?!) all the way to New York and that was fine. However there was no indication as to which one was the stroller (needed to know for future reference) and we are pretty sure she screwed up which luggage was to go straight to Halifax. Then she put them all to NY if I remember correctly...
We were given a boarding pass each and was sent on our merry little ways to Paris. Thankfully Paris is only a 3 hour flight and we were issued an infant seat belt for V�in� - which I thought would be a pain in the ass (but necessary of course!) for V�in� to wear, in the sense that it would be uncomfortable for him - but he didn't mind it once he was buckled to me and nursing. He also received a plastic soft book and a bib. Great! I am ecstatic about the service!
The cheese and tomato sandwiches - that's another story.
We arrive in Paris and have about an hour and a half to get to the next gate to board for NY. We quickly use the bathroom and change V�in�'s diaper while he's awake (as he slept the whole flight) - and went off to the check-in area because the Finn Air representative did not give us our boarding pass from Paris to NY. Well we were told the gates are closed an hour prior to departure so we had no way to get in. After being bounced around between different representatives - we found Finn Air and firmly chewed off their heads (minus screaming as V�in� was in a good and happy).
They offered us the next flight at 5:25pm that night (it was about 9am in Paris at the time) and we would connect in NY and while Tim stayed in NY for a conference, the baby and I would arrive in Halifax at 1:15pm. I don't know why I didn't think of the time difference and stupidly assumed it would be a smooth connection - because it wasn't.
We were given 2 dinner vouchers worth 15 Euros each and the Service Manager advised me "he doesn't have to do this for us". Well we were thankful, hungry (crappy sandwiches on the plane remember?) and wanted to get things straightened out quickly.
The luggage was re-routed for us and that was great. So we re-checked it in and that was that.
Then we looked at our new e-ticket and discover that we arrive in NY around 6pm or so? Oh and the baby and I do not leave until 10:25am.
We were never once offered a hotel by Finn Air and I think that's awful that they were perfectly fine with letting us stay overnight in the JFK airport...and figured a couple dinner vouchers would shut us up.
Tim and my parents suggested the baby and I get a hotel but it was pouring out in NY and I just wasn't up for putting V�in� at risk at catching another cold (or me) and was beyond frustrated and exhausted.
V�in� slept through the whole Paris-NY flight too - so he had 7.5 hours and was the happiest kid in the airport. I was cranky but surviving.
And there was no guarantee I would be reimbursed for my hotel by Finn Air.
I could not check in until 3:30am....so Tim graciously stayed with us until check in time.
We went up to see American Airlines to see if they could do anything for us and they recommended we file a complaint with Finn Air - and what do you know? Those reps won't be in until 2pm the next day. We'll be in Canada by then we advised her and stormed off.
During check-in a Jamaican lady ahead of us decided to flirt with me and Tim and ask if we were "overweight" while lifting an eyebrow to our luggage. I advised her definitely yes...she wanted us to take her luggage! What an idiot! Doesn't she listen to the intercom which they repeat every 30 minutes saying not to take stuff from strangers?!
We finally arrive and all is well. We fully intend on filing the hugest complaint to both Finn Air and American Airlines (they just have crappy service and were not helpful at all)....oh and not to mention, AA does not provide infant seat belts. We were advised "to just hold the kid"...well a 20 lb child will have no problem flying out of my arms and down the length of a plane should we have gotten into an accident.
We've been to Walmart, Michael's (art store), Chapters and other places to see friends and family....it's good to hear English all around and read it too!!!
So if you're thinking of flying American Airlines, especially with an infant - think again! And if you go with Finn Air - double check that you have ALL boarding passes. Thanks for reading this blog post/rant - have a nice day and pleasant journey.
(Said in a cheery flight attendant voice).
Please note that this first part is mostly a monster of a rant due to delayed flights and us sleeping in the airport overnight.
We left Helsinki in high spirits and discovered that the Finn Air representative did NOT do her job properly. She checked our luggage (including stroller - can anybody say sore shoulders?!) all the way to New York and that was fine. However there was no indication as to which one was the stroller (needed to know for future reference) and we are pretty sure she screwed up which luggage was to go straight to Halifax. Then she put them all to NY if I remember correctly...
We were given a boarding pass each and was sent on our merry little ways to Paris. Thankfully Paris is only a 3 hour flight and we were issued an infant seat belt for V�in� - which I thought would be a pain in the ass (but necessary of course!) for V�in� to wear, in the sense that it would be uncomfortable for him - but he didn't mind it once he was buckled to me and nursing. He also received a plastic soft book and a bib. Great! I am ecstatic about the service!
The cheese and tomato sandwiches - that's another story.
We arrive in Paris and have about an hour and a half to get to the next gate to board for NY. We quickly use the bathroom and change V�in�'s diaper while he's awake (as he slept the whole flight) - and went off to the check-in area because the Finn Air representative did not give us our boarding pass from Paris to NY. Well we were told the gates are closed an hour prior to departure so we had no way to get in. After being bounced around between different representatives - we found Finn Air and firmly chewed off their heads (minus screaming as V�in� was in a good and happy).
They offered us the next flight at 5:25pm that night (it was about 9am in Paris at the time) and we would connect in NY and while Tim stayed in NY for a conference, the baby and I would arrive in Halifax at 1:15pm. I don't know why I didn't think of the time difference and stupidly assumed it would be a smooth connection - because it wasn't.
We were given 2 dinner vouchers worth 15 Euros each and the Service Manager advised me "he doesn't have to do this for us". Well we were thankful, hungry (crappy sandwiches on the plane remember?) and wanted to get things straightened out quickly.
The luggage was re-routed for us and that was great. So we re-checked it in and that was that.
Then we looked at our new e-ticket and discover that we arrive in NY around 6pm or so? Oh and the baby and I do not leave until 10:25am.
We were never once offered a hotel by Finn Air and I think that's awful that they were perfectly fine with letting us stay overnight in the JFK airport...and figured a couple dinner vouchers would shut us up.
Tim and my parents suggested the baby and I get a hotel but it was pouring out in NY and I just wasn't up for putting V�in� at risk at catching another cold (or me) and was beyond frustrated and exhausted.
V�in� slept through the whole Paris-NY flight too - so he had 7.5 hours and was the happiest kid in the airport. I was cranky but surviving.
And there was no guarantee I would be reimbursed for my hotel by Finn Air.
I could not check in until 3:30am....so Tim graciously stayed with us until check in time.
We went up to see American Airlines to see if they could do anything for us and they recommended we file a complaint with Finn Air - and what do you know? Those reps won't be in until 2pm the next day. We'll be in Canada by then we advised her and stormed off.
During check-in a Jamaican lady ahead of us decided to flirt with me and Tim and ask if we were "overweight" while lifting an eyebrow to our luggage. I advised her definitely yes...she wanted us to take her luggage! What an idiot! Doesn't she listen to the intercom which they repeat every 30 minutes saying not to take stuff from strangers?!
We finally arrive and all is well. We fully intend on filing the hugest complaint to both Finn Air and American Airlines (they just have crappy service and were not helpful at all)....oh and not to mention, AA does not provide infant seat belts. We were advised "to just hold the kid"...well a 20 lb child will have no problem flying out of my arms and down the length of a plane should we have gotten into an accident.
We've been to Walmart, Michael's (art store), Chapters and other places to see friends and family....it's good to hear English all around and read it too!!!
So if you're thinking of flying American Airlines, especially with an infant - think again! And if you go with Finn Air - double check that you have ALL boarding passes. Thanks for reading this blog post/rant - have a nice day and pleasant journey.
(Said in a cheery flight attendant voice).
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Travelling! and A to E...
I will be travelling to Canada tomorrow morning.
My flat is a disaster zone right now as I have my third load of laundry (blankets/towels etc. for our dog sitters) going....the dish washer going and my son screaming at me non-stop.
I'm un-believably tired (running on 5 hours of sleep but feels like less) and pissed off because I cannot remember what is packed in what. However, I did make a list last night and am slowly checking things off.
My son is teething and that is also putting a damper on travelling...where did the "Super Happy Morning Kid" go?!
Some things you should know while travelling in Finland...
It is the law to wear your seat belt while in a taxi. It is recommended and I believe the law also in Canada - but many people don't for some reason but do while driving their own vehicle or with family/friends.
If you go to the Emergency facilities of the hospital - you meet with a nurse who determines how serious your condition is. You are ranked on your form you give to your doctor between A (super unbelievably serious/life threatening) to E (you have a long wait if there are other patients ahead of you).
It's a good system actually - I haven't heard of anybody dying in the waiting room while waiting for help. Unlike some places in Canada (cough cough - Nova Scotia).
Sorry the kid's screaming - gotta jet.
My flat is a disaster zone right now as I have my third load of laundry (blankets/towels etc. for our dog sitters) going....the dish washer going and my son screaming at me non-stop.
I'm un-believably tired (running on 5 hours of sleep but feels like less) and pissed off because I cannot remember what is packed in what. However, I did make a list last night and am slowly checking things off.
My son is teething and that is also putting a damper on travelling...where did the "Super Happy Morning Kid" go?!
Some things you should know while travelling in Finland...
It is the law to wear your seat belt while in a taxi. It is recommended and I believe the law also in Canada - but many people don't for some reason but do while driving their own vehicle or with family/friends.
If you go to the Emergency facilities of the hospital - you meet with a nurse who determines how serious your condition is. You are ranked on your form you give to your doctor between A (super unbelievably serious/life threatening) to E (you have a long wait if there are other patients ahead of you).
It's a good system actually - I haven't heard of anybody dying in the waiting room while waiting for help. Unlike some places in Canada (cough cough - Nova Scotia).
Sorry the kid's screaming - gotta jet.
Monday, October 11, 2010
2 versus 3 band...
So this is a complaint post about the cell phone reps (Gigantti anyway) of Jyv�skyl�.
I was on the hunt for a new phone (stupid me for not picking the one up I found online which turns out to be a 3-band and functional in Canada) as my son destroyed my other one. Lesson #1 learned.
I went to DNA to see if they could give me the PUK code (some special code in order to unlock the phone and change the PIN etc. That was fine - the guy lectured me for not bringing my Kela card with me (it has that special security number all Finnish citizens/residents have)...I guess my Canadian Passport and the fact I knew it off the top of my head wasn't good enough. He finally did accept it as V�in� was giving him dirty looks and yelling at him....
Then the DNA rep tells me that their systems are down but was I interested in getting another phone (since my phone would not turn on)? Of course I want another phone. I specified I would like a cheap tri-band as these phones work in North America and throughout Europe. We found one at 3 Euros per month provided I sign another 2 year contract. Hmm okay - that's reasonable! We'll be here in another 2 years - that's fine.
The fellow then complains he has to call back the call center of DNA (since their systems are down right?) - and proceeds to do so...but alas! Because the SAME SYSTEMS ARE DOWN - they could not do a credit check on me - so I'd have to pay for the phone outright (over a hundred euros - whereas the 3E/month ended up less than 100...). I declined and went elsewhere.
I followed my electronic senses to Gigantti and saw some really expensive phones and one for about 79E. Not too bad of a price considering taxes are included, it's purple, has a camera etc. Now I asked the fellow (this is where the rant will follow): "WILL THIS WORK IN CANADA? IS IT DUAL OR TRI-BAND?"
He states he doesn't know and isn't sure - but that he is positive these other, and much more expensive, phones WILL work in North America.
Lesson #2 (after "do not let baby play with phone - not even for a little bit at a time"): " Take that as a sign that the rep is lying."
Since my phone was completely a goner - I stupidly agreed to the phone (no contract - just buy it outright) - and get home to discover that oh - it won't work in North America.
So I hunt online on the University "kijiji" site and found a couple other options...but they're sold already.
So I'm in a dilemna...take it back (or re-sell it when I return from Canada) - which is doubtful because V�in� knicked it with the remote.....and get another????
Today is snowing a lot - so travelling downtown will be interesting as it's quite cold and slippery out. Maybe it will be worth it to get the 3 band...then whenever we're in Canada - it'll work.
I was on the hunt for a new phone (stupid me for not picking the one up I found online which turns out to be a 3-band and functional in Canada) as my son destroyed my other one. Lesson #1 learned.
I went to DNA to see if they could give me the PUK code (some special code in order to unlock the phone and change the PIN etc. That was fine - the guy lectured me for not bringing my Kela card with me (it has that special security number all Finnish citizens/residents have)...I guess my Canadian Passport and the fact I knew it off the top of my head wasn't good enough. He finally did accept it as V�in� was giving him dirty looks and yelling at him....
Then the DNA rep tells me that their systems are down but was I interested in getting another phone (since my phone would not turn on)? Of course I want another phone. I specified I would like a cheap tri-band as these phones work in North America and throughout Europe. We found one at 3 Euros per month provided I sign another 2 year contract. Hmm okay - that's reasonable! We'll be here in another 2 years - that's fine.
The fellow then complains he has to call back the call center of DNA (since their systems are down right?) - and proceeds to do so...but alas! Because the SAME SYSTEMS ARE DOWN - they could not do a credit check on me - so I'd have to pay for the phone outright (over a hundred euros - whereas the 3E/month ended up less than 100...). I declined and went elsewhere.
I followed my electronic senses to Gigantti and saw some really expensive phones and one for about 79E. Not too bad of a price considering taxes are included, it's purple, has a camera etc. Now I asked the fellow (this is where the rant will follow): "WILL THIS WORK IN CANADA? IS IT DUAL OR TRI-BAND?"
He states he doesn't know and isn't sure - but that he is positive these other, and much more expensive, phones WILL work in North America.
Lesson #2 (after "do not let baby play with phone - not even for a little bit at a time"): " Take that as a sign that the rep is lying."
Since my phone was completely a goner - I stupidly agreed to the phone (no contract - just buy it outright) - and get home to discover that oh - it won't work in North America.
So I hunt online on the University "kijiji" site and found a couple other options...but they're sold already.
So I'm in a dilemna...take it back (or re-sell it when I return from Canada) - which is doubtful because V�in� knicked it with the remote.....and get another????
Today is snowing a lot - so travelling downtown will be interesting as it's quite cold and slippery out. Maybe it will be worth it to get the 3 band...then whenever we're in Canada - it'll work.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Another Turkey-less year...
I am a Canadian and hate turkey. Please don't hate me! I know I've said it before but maybe I have to remind you!
I am a ham-kind-of-girl when it comes to the "holiday big meals"...or sometimes I go all vegetarian if ham is not available.
Here in Finland - Thanksgiving is not celebrated. Not sure how many people DO celebrate it - I imagine only those with North American ties...i.e. spouse or moved to Finland.
Also - I may have mentioned this before...but the ovens are really small! So it would be difficult to roast a turkey big enough for your family average of 4 and inlaws etc. They're not as wide as your average North American oven. My cookie sheets back home would NOT fit in an oven here - let's put it that way.
Despite being pregnant last year and going through the crazy hormonal phase of not remembering anything or paying attention to anything (I'm sure the husband would say this is normal without the extra boost of hormones) - that was one of the first things I noticed and I was slightly devastated. How was I going to bake cookies?! Not that the husband eats many baked goods - but thankfully 1 cookie sheet and a slightly deeper baking pan is provided with most flats when you rent them.
Kind of like a toilet - you tend to leave it behind when you move out.
Back to the bird. Yes turkeys are sold in Finland - it is possible to get a whole turkey (I'm pretty sure Taneli had one last year for Christmas....) but most people just purchase turkey breasts. They're in general, smaller than a whole turkey and fit in the oven much more easily!
I will be travelling this week to Canada - so for those of you that are Finnish and checking out this blog - thanks! I WILL try and take as many photos as possible of the "weird Canadian/North American things" as I can - so you can see what life's like in Canada.
Some random weird things right off the bat:
I am a ham-kind-of-girl when it comes to the "holiday big meals"...or sometimes I go all vegetarian if ham is not available.
Here in Finland - Thanksgiving is not celebrated. Not sure how many people DO celebrate it - I imagine only those with North American ties...i.e. spouse or moved to Finland.
Also - I may have mentioned this before...but the ovens are really small! So it would be difficult to roast a turkey big enough for your family average of 4 and inlaws etc. They're not as wide as your average North American oven. My cookie sheets back home would NOT fit in an oven here - let's put it that way.
Despite being pregnant last year and going through the crazy hormonal phase of not remembering anything or paying attention to anything (I'm sure the husband would say this is normal without the extra boost of hormones) - that was one of the first things I noticed and I was slightly devastated. How was I going to bake cookies?! Not that the husband eats many baked goods - but thankfully 1 cookie sheet and a slightly deeper baking pan is provided with most flats when you rent them.
Kind of like a toilet - you tend to leave it behind when you move out.
Back to the bird. Yes turkeys are sold in Finland - it is possible to get a whole turkey (I'm pretty sure Taneli had one last year for Christmas....) but most people just purchase turkey breasts. They're in general, smaller than a whole turkey and fit in the oven much more easily!
I will be travelling this week to Canada - so for those of you that are Finnish and checking out this blog - thanks! I WILL try and take as many photos as possible of the "weird Canadian/North American things" as I can - so you can see what life's like in Canada.
Some random weird things right off the bat:
- We can buy milk in bags, plastic jugs or cartons
- We have skim milk...it's disgusting really. Like white colored water...
- We add taxes on top of the price you see on the shelf...at the cash register. If you're not good at math - you should learn math before moving to Canada/US. Or just make sure you have enough money with you to pay for stuff.
- English and French are Canada's two official languages - so those are the only languages you'll see on products (i.e. shampoo)...you wouldn't see "IRL/GB"(Irish/Great Britain) written on it. Just "ENG/FRE"...(English/French) nor would you see "NOR/DSK/FI/" etc...you know - every EU language possible on an average bottle of shampoo - except English (sometimes).
- We don't weigh our own groceries and print labels to make things easier for the cashier.
- Nor do we pack our own groceries unless at a self-serve check-out...yes we have those machines!
Monday, October 4, 2010
A 15 minute night job...
Oh don't think dirty because of what the title could be suggesting!
Apparently there is the rare occasion in which you could get married at night in 15 minutes....by night I don't mean 7-9pm. I mean from the wee hours of 12am-6am!
It doesn't have to be a big wedding either - it's more for those that want a very tiny wedding or for those that want to elope and get it done and over with.
Why do I know this? While at Popelli, a lady came in yelling in Finnish "FINALLY we're getting married!" After some shock and some explanation (and translations for me) - we discovered that this lady has been with her boyfriend for ten years without any peep of marriage from him. Then suddenly she has a week to get prepared to get married.
Apparently there is the rare occasion in which you could get married at night in 15 minutes....by night I don't mean 7-9pm. I mean from the wee hours of 12am-6am!
It doesn't have to be a big wedding either - it's more for those that want a very tiny wedding or for those that want to elope and get it done and over with.
Why do I know this? While at Popelli, a lady came in yelling in Finnish "FINALLY we're getting married!" After some shock and some explanation (and translations for me) - we discovered that this lady has been with her boyfriend for ten years without any peep of marriage from him. Then suddenly she has a week to get prepared to get married.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
A Twitch
While hanging out with a friend, she commented that she felt weird. Because of my "House M.D." obsession lately (borrowing Seasons 1-4 from a friend of a friend) - I instantly ran through in my mind various medical terms - despite the fact that obviously it wasn't too serious and I am not a doctor.
She said, "It's like there's a mouse in my eye."
I kid you not! I was flabbergasted and said, "Well I don't know what that means?! Does it hurt?"
Apparently a TWITCH is what she was referring to and although I couldn't see her twitching, she felt it (I know what this is like - happens often to me!) and apparently the Finnish term is "a mouse in my eye".
Squeak-squeak...?
She said, "It's like there's a mouse in my eye."
I kid you not! I was flabbergasted and said, "Well I don't know what that means?! Does it hurt?"
Apparently a TWITCH is what she was referring to and although I couldn't see her twitching, she felt it (I know what this is like - happens often to me!) and apparently the Finnish term is "a mouse in my eye".
Squeak-squeak...?
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