Havis Amanda

National symbol, City of Helsinki Havis Amanda is one of Vallgren's Parisian Art Nouveau works. She is a mermaid who stands on seaweed as she rises from the water, with four fish spouting water at her feet and surrounded by four sea lions. She is depicted leaning backwards as if to say goodbye to her element. Vallgren's intention was to symbolize the rebirth of Helsinki.

Entries

on April 28. 2010 6:57 in Countdown to Shanghai, Greater Helsinki . 0 Comments

Only 3 days to go – Expo 2010 Shanghai!

This is very exciting! The grand opening of the Shanghai World Expo is in only 3 days and I am absolutely thrilled. Unfortunately I am not able to attend due to the fact that the opening coincides with my yearly duties as the official May First Lady. The Finnish students give me one of those white caps and everything. It’s all very festive!

But my good friend EMMA tells me that there is a big Finnish delegation flying out for next week. The Cities of Espoo (where EMMA is from) and Shanghai will renew their sister city agreement and Espoo will host a very interesting seminar titled Creating Better Life on May 5th. How wonderful is that?!

On the 6th May Finnish and Chinese travel professionals will meet and network to learn more from each other.

This is just the beginning. I welcome all the participants of the Invitation to Helsinki… no, of the EXPO, to come and visit me in Helsinki. I know it will be worth your while!

on April 7. 2010 19:09 in Countdown to Shanghai . 0 Comments

Those funny monkeys!

So, the Shanghai World Expo is really near! Less than a month to the opening ceremony, which is going to be fabulous, no doubt about it.

I was cruising the web the other day when I came accross this utterly hilarious bit of Finnish trivia, told by monkeys!! Surely now no-one can claim that Finns take themselves too seriously? Check it out for your self.

The Daily Ape Show

http://www.dailyape.com/post/479650153/the-daily-ape-show-facts-about-finland-episode-1

on April 7. 2010 19:08 in Design & Culture . 0 Comments

Don’t take it from us…

but let the press impress you!

My dear, dear friend Mr. Norman Miller from the Guardian came for a visit and wrote about it. Take a look – he has compelling arguments to support the Finnish Design’s march towards a brilliant future. Join us and make it that much better!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2010/apr/03/helsinki-finland-design-city-break?page=all

on February 19. 2010 12:21 in Greater Helsinki . 0 Comments

Don’t worry – the green will come!

We’ve had a wonderful winter here in Helsinki this year. Some might argue that it has lasted long enough, but I don’t mind enjoying the snow and its beauty for a while longer. The good news is that we’re well on our way to long, lovely sunlight afternoons when you can have a coffee outside, wear your brand new sunglasses and get a few freckles. Don’t forget the sun block, people! (more…)