The catch up

Well, Tandia was excellent, not quite as good as The Power of One, the "romance" definately could have been excluded.

Spent the last couple of weeks working on my business, watching movies, reading and getting ready for South Africa.

Movies

• Taking of Pelham 123 - quite good, wouldn't watch it again though.


• Public Enemies - a slow start, but thoroughly enjoyable.


• Bronson - had no idea what this movie was about before it began. Really great directing and interesting movie. Very unusual and needs an open mind to be enjoyed (Darn I missed my vocation in life - should have been a movie critic!).


• The Hangover - hilarious and highly recommended.


• L.A. Gigolo (aka Spread) - mmmm interesting, but save it for a rainy day - dvd.


• The Proposal - Chick Flick, predictable but still good entertainment.

Business
Going well and on track for the 1st Oct launch.

South Africa
Heading over to a Spring-time SA (in 3 weeks) and am really looking forward to it, however, it does mean one thing - packing AGAIN! I'm now officially an expert in packing, repacking, unpacking, pack pack pack!

Gym
OUCH is all I can say... my legs are sooooo sore - there must be an easier way!

Life
Loving life, I have been blessed to have a life overflowing with joy, happiness and love.
Strive everyday never to take it for granted.
Thank you Lord!

Finland Forest & Lakes

Awoke rather early for a Saturday, packed a bag and headed for a hike in the forests and lakes of Finland with an organised tour group. On the way to meet everyone, I stumbled across these guys...

I did chuckle at the guy on the right - he seemed on a different planet!

Two hours later we arrived at the Nuuksio Nature Reserve.

Super cute sign!

The guide had the most hypnotic voice, made you feel sooooo sleepy listening to him, however some of the facts were rather interesting:

The government allows you to pick berries in the forest and sell them, all profits are tax free.

As they also have a huge problem with wild mushrooms, you are entitled to pick these

Eat them - if they're edible (or you're just brave!)

BUT you cannot sell them.

The paths in the forest were lined with stunning yellow flowers, paradise for bees

and so pretty with all the butterflies.

The trees in the forest are NOT allowed to be cut down; however, if a tree falls naturally you may cut up the wood and use it.

The hike started out on a main road

then slowly turned into a well trodden path

in the more dense areas there were planks you walked across

Of course all the stagnant water around could only mean one thing: MOSQUITOS - In their drones! Luckily, our guide insisted we all use a repellent as we climbed off the bus - which he supplied - life saver!

The scenery was diverse

From the magnificent tree tops

to the ground - everything was alive

almost enchanted.

Then in the midst of it all... this! Cute.

After about an hour we reached the lakes

Wow

Wow

WOW!!!

Really exquisite!

That was until the heavens opened - but that just added to the mystique of it all.

A solitary jetty

then as if in the middle of nowhere - a home. Imagine living here - I think summer would be wonderful but winter... mmmm not so much.

That home above is actually visible in this photo (click on photo to enlarge).

The hike concluded with some sweet tea and Finnish bread. People from all over the world were on this trip: Saudi Arabia, India, Germany, South Africa, China and England. I'm sure there were more nationalities, but those were the only ones I spoke with.

All in all - a great day. Really beautiful and well worth the effort!

The Power of One

I must confess I have been totally engrossed in the book "The Power of One" and have neglected all else - it really was unputdownable!!! It is undoubtedly one of the best books I have ever read, second only to Nelson Mandela's "Long Walk to Freedom".

Unfortunately I have made the grave mistake of starting the sequel "Tandia"... so you may not hear from me in the next few days!

Happy Reading!

Finland Fun Fair

Now I LOVE funfairs, the rides, the atmosphere, the food, the people, the adrenalin - you name it! Finally the Helsinki Fun Fair opened (it closes during the winter months).

First things first, as the ritual begins...

Ritual 1: The Big Wheel.


You get a feel for where everything is and what rides are a go or no-go. You can see Helsinki in the distance.

Ritual 2: Always start with a crazy ride that gets you into the swing of things!

This one more than did it.

Ritual 3: Then a tame ride.

Caution: Never wear white while going on any water rides! (Advice I should have adhered to!)

We were drenched

Ritual 4: Dry out whilst gorging on real "healthy food" and then discuss the "veto" rides.

Marc is more of an adrenalin junkie than I am, so we agreed for every 10 rides I can veto 1 ride.

Ritual 5: Free for all!!!

"Veto" Ride 1

Definitely "Veto" Ride 2

Marc - Letting Loose!!!

"Veto" Ride 3

This is without doubt the worst ride!

My final "Veto" Ride 4

This is more my style - "The Rainbow"

But nothing beats the good old fashioned Roller Coaster!

Such Fun, such fun!!

BLING BLING!!!

When Marc first proposed it was without a ring, so we decided to look for one together. This process took WAY longer than expected. I never saw the purpose of actually buying a ring unless it was perfect. It only took 2 years... and finally it arrived today.

I just LOVE it!!!

My sister once said to me years ago, "It's not about the ring, it's here (pointing to her heart) that makes you married". Such wise words... but still great to have the "Bling Bling"!

Madonna

Helsinki is a buzzing tonight as Madonna is in town!

Would have rushed out to buy a ticket - if it weren't for my terrible experience at a Madonna concert in London.

I was at the concert with a friend, Monique, when the guys behind us bought some drinks. Mine was spiked! Monique turned around, grabbed the guy by the collar and gave him a piece of her mind... What a horrifying experience - totally ruined the concert!

Loving the Finnish Summer!

Watched "The Hangover" yesterday - it was brilliant, very funny indeed. Definitely worth watching.

Marc played cricket today while I worked on the 2008 blog. Then it was time for another fabulous braai / bbq.

Loving the Finnish summer!