Today is the last day of class. Mixed feelings...
I want this day to come, because that means that I am officially done with my 2nd year of study, so only 1 year left for my bachelor degree, and then I am gone forever from school (until I get another degree to prove to my colleagues that I am smart, educated and intelligent).
Also, I am very glad because this means all the courses are done, and all the assignments and case write-ups are DONE! The case write-ups are actually harder than those in HKUST. I mean, for BMGB 201 in HKUST (which we have 4 professors), the case write-ups are quite qualitative, not much analyzing the balance sheet and such, just apply whatever strategic models, and there you have your nice write-up. But for the cases here, you actually have to calculate a lot, so I guess the approach is quite different and I do learn a lot from them. But man, they're tough! So glad that they are done!
I am quite sad at the same time, because this means it is near the end of my exchange. All things come to an end.
Oh and today is Vappu! End of April, before May 1st! And you know the Finns, that calls for celebration = alcohol consumption = HUGE amount of alcohol consumption!!!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Day 113 Nearly a month left
Today, I had this sudden realization that my exchange is going to end in less than 1 month (actually my classes ended already, but there are still exams left until 19th May).
This exchange, for me, has gone very well. I have learnt, so far, 3 things about myself:
1. I learnt that I am quite interested in Finance, and I like to study Finance. Compared to all the information system courses I had last semester, I find that studying Finance is more interesting and enjoyable. I initially thought that I would go for information system and be a computer geek, and that I would try out some Finance courses on exchange (because no harm done to my GPA), but then, I think I am going to change my major when I get back home.
2. I learnt that I can be very motivated and very demotivated, depends on whether I want it or not. Hm... interesting find. I can be quite extreme. I think when I get back home, I will need to work on that and get myself motivated all the time.
3. I learnt that I have a lot of ideas (I sort of dream a lot). And these dreams are waiting for me to get them realized. Not that I don't act on them, but I am always pre-occupied with something, so my excuse is, no time to do that. But, then when I think back, I realize that if I plan it through, I might get them to work. So when I get back home, I will make a plan and stick to the plan!
Overall, this exchange has been a very very enjoyable one. I will write another entry to conclude this entire journey, but at the meantime, this is a preview of what I want to say at the very end.
This exchange, for me, has gone very well. I have learnt, so far, 3 things about myself:
1. I learnt that I am quite interested in Finance, and I like to study Finance. Compared to all the information system courses I had last semester, I find that studying Finance is more interesting and enjoyable. I initially thought that I would go for information system and be a computer geek, and that I would try out some Finance courses on exchange (because no harm done to my GPA), but then, I think I am going to change my major when I get back home.
2. I learnt that I can be very motivated and very demotivated, depends on whether I want it or not. Hm... interesting find. I can be quite extreme. I think when I get back home, I will need to work on that and get myself motivated all the time.
3. I learnt that I have a lot of ideas (I sort of dream a lot). And these dreams are waiting for me to get them realized. Not that I don't act on them, but I am always pre-occupied with something, so my excuse is, no time to do that. But, then when I think back, I realize that if I plan it through, I might get them to work. So when I get back home, I will make a plan and stick to the plan!
Overall, this exchange has been a very very enjoyable one. I will write another entry to conclude this entire journey, but at the meantime, this is a preview of what I want to say at the very end.
Day 112 Chinese Helsinki iphone app?
I recently came across this interesting iphone application. It is a Helsinki news application in Chinese. It's quite handy, gives me updates on what's going on in Helsinki, e.g. who's on strike, when do shops close etc etc.
But funny thing though, there wasn't any Helsinki news application in Finnish or English, yep, there is just in Chinese.
This makes me wonder what is the population of Chinese living here. I searched the web, and they say that Finland actually has the lowest share of foreign citizens living among the European Union, and most of the "foreign citizens' are from Russia, Estonia and Sweden (not that I don't know why anyone in Sweden would move to Finland, and not to Stockholm!!!) hm... so I'm guessing, Finland isn't a popular place among the Chinese then.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Day 111 Just how many flag raising days are there?
Today I was walking on the street, and I noticed that Finnish flags were raising, ah... today must be a flag-raising day.
I think that this country has a lot of flag-raising days. Since I have been here, I have encountered over 5 of them.
Above is what I found on the flag raising days of Finland. Apparently, there are up to 18 flag raising days in a year! I think Hong Kong should have more flag-raising days as well! Imagine raising a HKSAR flag on the Mother's Day and Father's Day. But it would be quite tedious for us, because we would also have to raise the China national flag as well.
I think that this country has a lot of flag-raising days. Since I have been here, I have encountered over 5 of them.
Above is what I found on the flag raising days of Finland. Apparently, there are up to 18 flag raising days in a year! I think Hong Kong should have more flag-raising days as well! Imagine raising a HKSAR flag on the Mother's Day and Father's Day. But it would be quite tedious for us, because we would also have to raise the China national flag as well.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Day 110 Last week of school!
This week has finally come, it's the LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL!
Finally, all the lectures are coming to an end, my corporate risk management class, my derivatives and risk management class and my advanced corporate finance class, all ending this week.
I cannot find words to describe how happy I am, for these classes to end, not that I don't like the class, but for some reason, I don't quite understand what the teacher is saying, maybe their accent is a bit heavy. But still, I enjoyed the content of the class!
But before this week ends, I have 3 homework assignment due. A derivative and risk management case write-up on Avon, then a Corporate risk management exercise 2 (requires a lot of work), and the advanced corporate finance exercise.
Yep.. back to homework and studies...
Finally, all the lectures are coming to an end, my corporate risk management class, my derivatives and risk management class and my advanced corporate finance class, all ending this week.
I cannot find words to describe how happy I am, for these classes to end, not that I don't like the class, but for some reason, I don't quite understand what the teacher is saying, maybe their accent is a bit heavy. But still, I enjoyed the content of the class!
But before this week ends, I have 3 homework assignment due. A derivative and risk management case write-up on Avon, then a Corporate risk management exercise 2 (requires a lot of work), and the advanced corporate finance exercise.
Yep.. back to homework and studies...
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Day 109 The World Wide Web
I have become so used to using the Internet to find information that I simply cannot imagine how people in the past can live their lives without the access of the world wide web.
Say for example, I had a sore throat yesterday, and I googled how I could get rid of it. I was doing a case write-up the other day, and I searched the Internet about case-related info. I can so easily send any documents to anyone with the help of e-mail attachments without fiddling with the fax machine and mail. Everything is within our finger-tips. I bet if people from the 18th century time-travel to 2010, they will be shocked.
It was on the Helsinki Times last week that "by year-end 2015, all residents in Finland will be equipped with high-speed internet connections". This was the target set by the Finnish communications ministry. The plan was to offer Finland residents a minimum of 100 megabytes per second by the end of 2015 such that users will be able to expand at-home businesses and other small businesses. I think it is quite brilliant that they are doing this!
I have this theory that with the Internet, our lifestyles can be quite different than the lifestyles that our parents lead. There is this blogger/writer/entrepreneur called Tim Ferrriss , who wrote a book called "The 4-hour workweek". It says that you don't really need to stay on your desk from 9 am to 6 pm (or not more), because of something called the automation. Money is not generated by the period of time that you work, but generated also when you are not working. Say a blog, you just have to update it, then if you get enough traffic, and googleads pays you, then you are generating income even when you are not working at all. Hm.. I think I should do the same with my blog.
Ah... the power of Internet. Let me devise a lifestyle that can fully make use of it!
Say for example, I had a sore throat yesterday, and I googled how I could get rid of it. I was doing a case write-up the other day, and I searched the Internet about case-related info. I can so easily send any documents to anyone with the help of e-mail attachments without fiddling with the fax machine and mail. Everything is within our finger-tips. I bet if people from the 18th century time-travel to 2010, they will be shocked.
It was on the Helsinki Times last week that "by year-end 2015, all residents in Finland will be equipped with high-speed internet connections". This was the target set by the Finnish communications ministry. The plan was to offer Finland residents a minimum of 100 megabytes per second by the end of 2015 such that users will be able to expand at-home businesses and other small businesses. I think it is quite brilliant that they are doing this!
I have this theory that with the Internet, our lifestyles can be quite different than the lifestyles that our parents lead. There is this blogger/writer/entrepreneur called Tim Ferrriss , who wrote a book called "The 4-hour workweek". It says that you don't really need to stay on your desk from 9 am to 6 pm (or not more), because of something called the automation. Money is not generated by the period of time that you work, but generated also when you are not working. Say a blog, you just have to update it, then if you get enough traffic, and googleads pays you, then you are generating income even when you are not working at all. Hm.. I think I should do the same with my blog.
Ah... the power of Internet. Let me devise a lifestyle that can fully make use of it!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Day 108 Free plastic surgery for Finnair flyers?!
LOL. As I was surfing the web finding how much money Finnair is losing a day due to the Iceland volcanic eruption, I came across this article, it left me O.O!!! (<-- wide-eyed Tanya looking at the screen).
(Photo: For further info, http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601205&sid=aV3NQ0TzSNsw)
This is from a legit source, our most trusted Bloomberg news, and it's not an April Fool's Day prank.
I quote "First it was free flights, hotel rooms and magazine subscriptions. Now, Finnair, Finland’s biggest airline, has a new idea for attracting frequent flyers: free plastic surgery in exchange for air miles."
The idea behind this, is that Finnair wants to "incorporate partners and services from all walks of life". Quite interesting. The news is dated Nov 19, 2009, I must find out if this offer still stands today.
Oh and Finnair, you know what else is awesome for frequent-flyers?
1. A surrogate mother for busy executives who don't have the time to be pregnant. I mean, what else can be worse than being a pregnant woman on a plane? The cabin pressure can't be good for a baby. If a facelift costs 4,640,000 air miles, I think a surrogate mother may have to cost about 10,000,000 air miles (after all, human lives should worth more air miles). SO those busy executives out there, fly Finnair from HK to Helsinki for that surrogate mother you have always wanted.
2. An assassin for busy executives who don't have time to eliminate their enemies. I mean, juggling with traveling, being on a plane, going to meetings and being on schedule with your assassination plans? Not that smart! Better outsource it to Finnair! Oh and since Finland is so close to Russia, just get some of those Russian mobs for these frequent-flyers. Now that's "incorporating services from ALL walks of life", eh?
3. Oh and about that surrogate mother, you still have to potty-train your kid and watch it (Oops, by "it", I mean the baby) grow up. With those face-lifts and Botox, you might not be able to move your face too much, talk too much and teach your kids how to handle their emotions. Finnair might want to throw in some baby-sitters or better yet, get a group of professionals to train your kid, and get them to give the kid back to you when he/she turns 21. Now then you can retire and he/she is of legal age to run your company for you.
Here are more funny articles about it:
http://www.thetraveltart.com/finnair-frequent-flyer-10-possible-new-names-for-its-plastic-surgery-benefits/
(possible names for the new plastic surgery benefits, my favourite: Botox Bonuses)
(Photo: For further info, http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601205&sid=aV3NQ0TzSNsw)This is from a legit source, our most trusted Bloomberg news, and it's not an April Fool's Day prank.
I quote "First it was free flights, hotel rooms and magazine subscriptions. Now, Finnair, Finland’s biggest airline, has a new idea for attracting frequent flyers: free plastic surgery in exchange for air miles."
The idea behind this, is that Finnair wants to "incorporate partners and services from all walks of life". Quite interesting. The news is dated Nov 19, 2009, I must find out if this offer still stands today.
Oh and Finnair, you know what else is awesome for frequent-flyers?
1. A surrogate mother for busy executives who don't have the time to be pregnant. I mean, what else can be worse than being a pregnant woman on a plane? The cabin pressure can't be good for a baby. If a facelift costs 4,640,000 air miles, I think a surrogate mother may have to cost about 10,000,000 air miles (after all, human lives should worth more air miles). SO those busy executives out there, fly Finnair from HK to Helsinki for that surrogate mother you have always wanted.
2. An assassin for busy executives who don't have time to eliminate their enemies. I mean, juggling with traveling, being on a plane, going to meetings and being on schedule with your assassination plans? Not that smart! Better outsource it to Finnair! Oh and since Finland is so close to Russia, just get some of those Russian mobs for these frequent-flyers. Now that's "incorporating services from ALL walks of life", eh?
3. Oh and about that surrogate mother, you still have to potty-train your kid and watch it (Oops, by "it", I mean the baby) grow up. With those face-lifts and Botox, you might not be able to move your face too much, talk too much and teach your kids how to handle their emotions. Finnair might want to throw in some baby-sitters or better yet, get a group of professionals to train your kid, and get them to give the kid back to you when he/she turns 21. Now then you can retire and he/she is of legal age to run your company for you.
Here are more funny articles about it:
http://www.thetraveltart.com/finnair-frequent-flyer-10-possible-new-names-for-its-plastic-surgery-benefits/
(possible names for the new plastic surgery benefits, my favourite: Botox Bonuses)
Day 107 Snowing? it's the end of April!?
Today is 23 April, 2010. I woke up this morning, and found that it was snowing. Nope, I am not kidding, it IS snowing!
(Photo: See the snow flakes? oh and it was -3 degrees Celsius at night.)
I like the snow, but I am also quite worried about the environment. I mean, snowing in April might be odd even for Finland. Helsinki had extreme weather this year. We had the coldest and most snow winter this year. Hm... do I hear global warming?
(Photo: See the snow flakes? oh and it was -3 degrees Celsius at night.)I like the snow, but I am also quite worried about the environment. I mean, snowing in April might be odd even for Finland. Helsinki had extreme weather this year. We had the coldest and most snow winter this year. Hm... do I hear global warming?
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Day 106 Iceland volcanic eruption
I am so glad that I didn't make any traveling plans out of Finland at this time of the month. I was going to go to Paris to meet up with my sister, but decided that I shouldn't go because it will be too rush (if I go, I will only stay for 2 days max).
Lucky for me, I didn't make any traveling plans, but not so lucky for those who are still stuck somewhere. I heard that quite a lot of my fellow exchangers have their plans ruined because of this volcano.
Now more about this Iceland volcano. You know why we just call it "the Iceland volcano" and quite rarely do we hear the actual name of the volcano? well, it's because (I think), the name is quite hard to pronounce, it's called "Eyjafjallajokull". Now that's a tongue-twister, eh? [According to the Iceland embassy, it's pronounced as "AY-yah-fyah-lah-YOH-kuul"].
Not only the passengers, I don't think the airlines are too happy about this eruption either. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), airlines are going to lose as much as 200m USD a day as a result of the planes being grounded. Well, that's really too bad. The pharmaceutical companies aren't that happy either because they rely on air freight for the high-value and low weight of their products, so with no planes flying, their drugs cannot be delivered.
Seems like everyone's hurt by this volcanic eruption. Well, almost everyone, but not me (yet)!
Lucky for me, I didn't make any traveling plans, but not so lucky for those who are still stuck somewhere. I heard that quite a lot of my fellow exchangers have their plans ruined because of this volcano.
Now more about this Iceland volcano. You know why we just call it "the Iceland volcano" and quite rarely do we hear the actual name of the volcano? well, it's because (I think), the name is quite hard to pronounce, it's called "Eyjafjallajokull". Now that's a tongue-twister, eh? [According to the Iceland embassy, it's pronounced as "AY-yah-fyah-lah-YOH-kuul"].
Not only the passengers, I don't think the airlines are too happy about this eruption either. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), airlines are going to lose as much as 200m USD a day as a result of the planes being grounded. Well, that's really too bad. The pharmaceutical companies aren't that happy either because they rely on air freight for the high-value and low weight of their products, so with no planes flying, their drugs cannot be delivered.
Seems like everyone's hurt by this volcanic eruption. Well, almost everyone, but not me (yet)!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Day 105 Jogging
I have come to realize that people here are quite into jogging. Almost everyday at around 4pm, I see people jogging on the pavements, in the forest next to my building, in parks, near the sea ...
So to join in the fun, Barbora and I decided that we should also go jogging, and we picked a spot next to the school, it's sort of like a long jogging trail next to the sea. You can see all kinds of people there, pro joggers, dog-walkers, people who just talk and walk, people who sit next to the benches, and of course amateurs like Barbora and myself.
I didn't take my camera with me when we were out jogging, but here is the place when there is snow.
(Photo: by the sea, with snow. Now the place is different, so different, no more snow, ground is dry, and we can't walk on the sea anymore!)
There is also one place that I found, that is very nice for jogging. That's the forest next to my building.
(Photo: My building is surrounded by forests. I live in the marked "A" on the map, and look around the marked "A", it's all green, meaning all trees!)
(Photo: This is the road near the forest. To the left is a forrest, and to the right is a highway, and across the highway is another forrest!)
I think my marathon-loving/ nature-loving/ tree-hugging parents will be really happy if they are here, I bet they will run non-stop everyday around this place!
So to join in the fun, Barbora and I decided that we should also go jogging, and we picked a spot next to the school, it's sort of like a long jogging trail next to the sea. You can see all kinds of people there, pro joggers, dog-walkers, people who just talk and walk, people who sit next to the benches, and of course amateurs like Barbora and myself.
I didn't take my camera with me when we were out jogging, but here is the place when there is snow.
(Photo: by the sea, with snow. Now the place is different, so different, no more snow, ground is dry, and we can't walk on the sea anymore!)There is also one place that I found, that is very nice for jogging. That's the forest next to my building.
(Photo: My building is surrounded by forests. I live in the marked "A" on the map, and look around the marked "A", it's all green, meaning all trees!)
(Photo: This is the road near the forest. To the left is a forrest, and to the right is a highway, and across the highway is another forrest!)I think my marathon-loving/ nature-loving/ tree-hugging parents will be really happy if they are here, I bet they will run non-stop everyday around this place!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Day 104 "Finnish people never steal..."
I have been in Helsinki for almost 4 months now, and one thing that surprises me the most is how safe this place is.
I did some research online, and guess what, it's not just me, almost every forum agrees that Helsinki or the entire Finland is one of the safest place that still exist on this planet. Here are some interesting facts about safety, among other things...
1. Due to the low crime rate, Finland has one of the lowest number of police officers in any European countries. They only have 147 police officers per 100,000 people, compared to 243 in the US and 290 in Germany.
2. 787,964 police-recorded crimes, almost 2/3 of which are related to drinking and traffic misdemeanors (like drunk-driving and parking at the wrong spot etc etc). The US and other Finnish neighbouring countries have a much higher recorded crimes than 787,964!
3. Finns have 4th most firearms in the world per capita (right after US, Yemen and Switzerland). A total of 1.8 million registered privately owned firearms and 100,000-200,000 unregistered firearms. BUT, only 14% of total number of homicides is related to these guns, this percentage is quite low.
Helsinki is really one of the best places to go for exchange, it's safe, it's fun, it has snow, it's slow, it's so unlike Hong Kong, no loud people shouting (Finns are quiet)... it's everything you can wish for!
I did some research online, and guess what, it's not just me, almost every forum agrees that Helsinki or the entire Finland is one of the safest place that still exist on this planet. Here are some interesting facts about safety, among other things...
1. Due to the low crime rate, Finland has one of the lowest number of police officers in any European countries. They only have 147 police officers per 100,000 people, compared to 243 in the US and 290 in Germany.
2. 787,964 police-recorded crimes, almost 2/3 of which are related to drinking and traffic misdemeanors (like drunk-driving and parking at the wrong spot etc etc). The US and other Finnish neighbouring countries have a much higher recorded crimes than 787,964!
3. Finns have 4th most firearms in the world per capita (right after US, Yemen and Switzerland). A total of 1.8 million registered privately owned firearms and 100,000-200,000 unregistered firearms. BUT, only 14% of total number of homicides is related to these guns, this percentage is quite low.
Helsinki is really one of the best places to go for exchange, it's safe, it's fun, it has snow, it's slow, it's so unlike Hong Kong, no loud people shouting (Finns are quiet)... it's everything you can wish for!
Day 103 Café Carousel
Today's weather was extremely nice. Cool breeze, blue sky, good amount of sunlight. We decided that after class, we should explore Café Carousel.
Café Carousel is located in Merisatamaranta, it has a large outdoor terrace on the water and has a great view of the water. We sat by the glass window, looking out of the blue water, talking, joking around, really just one of the good moments here in Helsinki.
We wanted to walk for longer hours in the sun, but it was still very cold. I guess we still need to wait till end of April to sit outdoors or walk around for long hours!
(Photo: I wish I could just sit there all day, bathing in the sun, drinking coffee, eating their delicious pastries. Ahh... that's the good life..)
(Photo: Coffee was nice! Vivien got hot chocolate, I think it was good as well!)
(Photo: Lukas and Barbora I laugh at their jokes so much... too much..)
Café Carousel is located in Merisatamaranta, it has a large outdoor terrace on the water and has a great view of the water. We sat by the glass window, looking out of the blue water, talking, joking around, really just one of the good moments here in Helsinki.
We wanted to walk for longer hours in the sun, but it was still very cold. I guess we still need to wait till end of April to sit outdoors or walk around for long hours!
(Photo: I wish I could just sit there all day, bathing in the sun, drinking coffee, eating their delicious pastries. Ahh... that's the good life..)
(Photo: Coffee was nice! Vivien got hot chocolate, I think it was good as well!)
(Photo: Lukas and Barbora I laugh at their jokes so much... too much..)
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Day 102 The countdown
I can't believe I am saying this, but time flies (these two words must be the most used words on earth, yea, time flies), today is Day 102 of my exchange, and I have a little more than 5 weeks before I am out of here.
Reading back the blog entries and my diary, I realized that I am in a completely different state of mind then. Don't worry, I am not going to ramble about all the sentimental stuffs, I am going to leave those on my very last blog entry on my last day of exchange. But just as a mid-exchange reflection, I think I have taken the most out of this exchange and I am proud of myself for doing that.
So what is going to happen in the last 5 weeks? Well, I have 1 case write-up and 2 assignments due next week, 3 exams in May, and then...
Barbora and I are leaving for Budapest as our last and final Europe trip of this exchange on the 23rd of May! I am really excited about this! We are going to visit Budapest, then go to Barbora's place in Slovakia, and finally to Vienna. I will leave on 29th of May from Vienna to Helsinki. Then fly back to HK on 31st May.
(Photo: Technology these days... Finnair sent me my itinerary to my phone. Now, I can remind myself when I am leaving everyday.)
I am going to miss all of this!
Reading back the blog entries and my diary, I realized that I am in a completely different state of mind then. Don't worry, I am not going to ramble about all the sentimental stuffs, I am going to leave those on my very last blog entry on my last day of exchange. But just as a mid-exchange reflection, I think I have taken the most out of this exchange and I am proud of myself for doing that.
So what is going to happen in the last 5 weeks? Well, I have 1 case write-up and 2 assignments due next week, 3 exams in May, and then...
Barbora and I are leaving for Budapest as our last and final Europe trip of this exchange on the 23rd of May! I am really excited about this! We are going to visit Budapest, then go to Barbora's place in Slovakia, and finally to Vienna. I will leave on 29th of May from Vienna to Helsinki. Then fly back to HK on 31st May.
(Photo: Technology these days... Finnair sent me my itinerary to my phone. Now, I can remind myself when I am leaving everyday.)I am going to miss all of this!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Day 101 All about couch-surfing
I have been meaning to write this entry for a long time, ever since I got back from Riga and Stockholm in Easter. I want to write about couch-surfing, about this interesting community and what it takes to become a couch-surfer.
Couch-surfing is advertised as a cheap way of traveling. Free accommodation and your host to show you around the place, it's cheaper than hotels, hostels and may perhaps be safer than sleeping on the street, or railway stations, and more comfortable than sleeping in an airport.
But couch-surfing is SO MUCH MORE than all of these! Couch-surfing transforms the attitude of traveling, for backpackers and for normal travelers alike, it's not just seeing a strange and unfamiliar place from the outside, i.e. going to all those tourist attractions, take photos and show your friends you were there, It's all about seeing the country from the inside, from the eyes of the locals. After all, it's the people, as much as the landmarks themselves, that makes the place memorable.
I was fortunate to have Ieva as our CS host.
(Photo: Ieva, at home.)
Just by talking to Ieva made my trip to Riga memorable. I like hearing what she has to say about her country and her opinion about life, and I think (it seems) that she likes to hear me talking about my home country and all the places I have been. It is all the sharing and giving that makes the experience so unique. No other CS hosts are the same. All of the are different (that is what I heard from Boon Sun), so maybe next time I go to Riga, with another CS host, I will get a totally different experience!
The CS community seems very out-of-the-box, but when you think about it, it is just an organization, or a platform for travelers to gather together and share their experience. It brings people closer, dissolve all the stereotype misconceptions and provides a common ground for people of all kinds to mingle. It doesn't promote globalization (in a way that we thought all things nowadays do), it promotes the difference in culture and helps us to accept and embrace each others' culture.
But not everyone can be a couch-surfer, or let's put it, not everyone can discover their couch-surfing side of personality. What I mean is, when you are in a totally strange place, your mentality is different, you become more protective than you would ever have imagined yourself to be, i.e. believing that everyone stares at you on the street because you are not from here, panicking and thinking if it is a good idea to travel, and thinking, oh god, what if they are racists?
Couch surfing lets you to a deeper understanding of the place and of the world. What does CS feels like? Think of traveling, and times what you get from traveling by 1000. Couch surfing needs guts. Guts to open up to another culture, to a stranger. Guts to talk to people of entirely different beliefs. Guts to stay in a stranger's place. Guts to be introduced to an entirely different way of living. That is what CS is all about. Going beyond your comfort zone.
On a closing note, I have to say, CS, to me, feels like a soul-searching experience. My CS experience let me take a break from my own way of living and thinking, and pulls me out of my own whirlpool of what-is-the-right-way-to-live-your-life. I really have Ieva to thank for this amazing journey.
Ieva said that she will be lazy to go travel around the world because now the world (all the travelers from around the world) is coming to her! I am hoping she can come to Hong Kong soon so I can take her around!
Couch-surfing is advertised as a cheap way of traveling. Free accommodation and your host to show you around the place, it's cheaper than hotels, hostels and may perhaps be safer than sleeping on the street, or railway stations, and more comfortable than sleeping in an airport.
But couch-surfing is SO MUCH MORE than all of these! Couch-surfing transforms the attitude of traveling, for backpackers and for normal travelers alike, it's not just seeing a strange and unfamiliar place from the outside, i.e. going to all those tourist attractions, take photos and show your friends you were there, It's all about seeing the country from the inside, from the eyes of the locals. After all, it's the people, as much as the landmarks themselves, that makes the place memorable.
I was fortunate to have Ieva as our CS host.
(Photo: Ieva, at home.)Just by talking to Ieva made my trip to Riga memorable. I like hearing what she has to say about her country and her opinion about life, and I think (it seems) that she likes to hear me talking about my home country and all the places I have been. It is all the sharing and giving that makes the experience so unique. No other CS hosts are the same. All of the are different (that is what I heard from Boon Sun), so maybe next time I go to Riga, with another CS host, I will get a totally different experience!
The CS community seems very out-of-the-box, but when you think about it, it is just an organization, or a platform for travelers to gather together and share their experience. It brings people closer, dissolve all the stereotype misconceptions and provides a common ground for people of all kinds to mingle. It doesn't promote globalization (in a way that we thought all things nowadays do), it promotes the difference in culture and helps us to accept and embrace each others' culture.
But not everyone can be a couch-surfer, or let's put it, not everyone can discover their couch-surfing side of personality. What I mean is, when you are in a totally strange place, your mentality is different, you become more protective than you would ever have imagined yourself to be, i.e. believing that everyone stares at you on the street because you are not from here, panicking and thinking if it is a good idea to travel, and thinking, oh god, what if they are racists?
Couch surfing lets you to a deeper understanding of the place and of the world. What does CS feels like? Think of traveling, and times what you get from traveling by 1000. Couch surfing needs guts. Guts to open up to another culture, to a stranger. Guts to talk to people of entirely different beliefs. Guts to stay in a stranger's place. Guts to be introduced to an entirely different way of living. That is what CS is all about. Going beyond your comfort zone.
On a closing note, I have to say, CS, to me, feels like a soul-searching experience. My CS experience let me take a break from my own way of living and thinking, and pulls me out of my own whirlpool of what-is-the-right-way-to-live-your-life. I really have Ieva to thank for this amazing journey.
Ieva said that she will be lazy to go travel around the world because now the world (all the travelers from around the world) is coming to her! I am hoping she can come to Hong Kong soon so I can take her around!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Day 100 Sunset with volcanic ash in the air
I know flights are being delayed and travelers have gone grumpy because of the Iceland volcanic ash, but look at the bright side, volcanic ash turned the Helsinki sunset even more beautiful!
As it turns out, BBC weatherman Ian Fergusson said in his blog that the ash cloud, spread in aerosol from high aloft, can often result in very vivid colours at dawn and sunset. Bright reds, oranges, violets and pinks can be seen. Not wanting to waste this moment, I took strolls in the woods, and took some snapshots of the sunset.
(Photo: There is a hint of pink in the sky)
(Photo: This looks like an ordinary sunset...)
(Photo: still looks like an ordinary sunset, but look closer, there is some violet in between the clouds...)
(Photo: Ahhh! Now that's something ain't it?)
It was at that moment which I was walking in the woods, staring at the sunset, that I felt a wave of unexplained and unexpected emotions. All of a sudden, I feel that I would be leaving here sooner than I am ready for. I remember my first few weeks here, I thought I would be here for a very very very long time. But it doesn't feel long before I realize it is time to go.
Awwwww... I think I am really going to miss it here!
(Photo: Highway next to the woods. Reminds me of all those horror movies...)
As it turns out, BBC weatherman Ian Fergusson said in his blog that the ash cloud, spread in aerosol from high aloft, can often result in very vivid colours at dawn and sunset. Bright reds, oranges, violets and pinks can be seen. Not wanting to waste this moment, I took strolls in the woods, and took some snapshots of the sunset.
(Photo: There is a hint of pink in the sky)
(Photo: This looks like an ordinary sunset...)
(Photo: still looks like an ordinary sunset, but look closer, there is some violet in between the clouds...)
(Photo: Ahhh! Now that's something ain't it?)It was at that moment which I was walking in the woods, staring at the sunset, that I felt a wave of unexplained and unexpected emotions. All of a sudden, I feel that I would be leaving here sooner than I am ready for. I remember my first few weeks here, I thought I would be here for a very very very long time. But it doesn't feel long before I realize it is time to go.
Awwwww... I think I am really going to miss it here!
(Photo: Highway next to the woods. Reminds me of all those horror movies...)
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Day 99 Last Finnish class finished!
I have mixed feelings in my last Finnish class today. Part of me really want this day to come because I don't particularly like studying a new language, but then another part of me doesn't want this day to come, because that would mean, my exchange is approaching its end and it's nearly time for me to get my ass out of Helsinki.
Barbora and I did our presentation on Finnish music festival today, we used extensively the almighty wikipedia and showed the class some video clips of the music festival from the amazing youtube website. I think we did well, at least it seemed like we have prepared something to say in front of the class!
We got back our exam paper, I passed! YES! 41 was the passing score, and the score I was expecting actually, but turned out I did okay, and didn't get a marginal pass. I am so happy about it!
Merja and Christina then started to give out class prizes.
Shane, for breaking his leg and not complaining about it- he got the Sisu award and got Sisu gums as a prize.
Rahel, for being the smiling girl in the class!
Andy and I celebrating! WOOHOOO we passed! Andy took the exam early, and told me lots of tips for the exam! I think that's because he doesn't want me to fail the course and having everyone to think that HKUST is a crappy school.
Me and my ... ASIAN PRIDE.
Me and the teachers, Merja and Christina.
I was talking to Larry back from school today and he told me that he is leaving in early May. And some exchangers here are leaving really really soon, some have 3 weeks left here. So far, I don't have that much of an intense feeling yet, because I still have 2 case write-ups and 2 assignments due by the end of this month. And then exams till May 20th.
As for my studies, I have passed my investment management and Finnish courses. Two down, 3 more to go!
Barbora and I did our presentation on Finnish music festival today, we used extensively the almighty wikipedia and showed the class some video clips of the music festival from the amazing youtube website. I think we did well, at least it seemed like we have prepared something to say in front of the class!
We got back our exam paper, I passed! YES! 41 was the passing score, and the score I was expecting actually, but turned out I did okay, and didn't get a marginal pass. I am so happy about it!
Merja and Christina then started to give out class prizes.
Shane, for breaking his leg and not complaining about it- he got the Sisu award and got Sisu gums as a prize.
Rahel, for being the smiling girl in the class!
Andy and I celebrating! WOOHOOO we passed! Andy took the exam early, and told me lots of tips for the exam! I think that's because he doesn't want me to fail the course and having everyone to think that HKUST is a crappy school.
Me and my ... ASIAN PRIDE.
Me and the teachers, Merja and Christina.
I was talking to Larry back from school today and he told me that he is leaving in early May. And some exchangers here are leaving really really soon, some have 3 weeks left here. So far, I don't have that much of an intense feeling yet, because I still have 2 case write-ups and 2 assignments due by the end of this month. And then exams till May 20th.
As for my studies, I have passed my investment management and Finnish courses. Two down, 3 more to go!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Day 98 Should I blog for HKUST?
I got an e-mail (probably the rest of the undergraduates in HKUST got it as well) about the HKUST admissions office recruiting student bloggers. They say if you want to become a student blogger, you need to write about 3 blog entries for them per month, and preferably talk about your life as a student in HKUST.
I suppose this is a good thing for HKUST admissions. The potential students get a glimpse of what it is like being a student here, the school might want their expectations to go inline with what they offer. But I don't know if I should blog for the school.
One thing about blogging is, you can write almost everything, and that's for yourself, not for anyone. Your blog represents yourself, and yourself only, you don't speak on behalf of someone or some institutions. I love writing this blog, because it is about me, and it is about how I feel towards my exchange.
What if I am blogging for HKUST, and I want to say something honest? Should I proceed with it? Should I compromise the integrity of my writing (blog)?
But looking at the bright side, they say if I become a blogger for them, they will give me a camera and teach me some professional blogging techniques. To be honest, I don't care about the camera, my camera is new and I don't need another new one, but I would certainly be better off with some kick-ass professional blogging layout and html stuff!
okay, yea, I will apply to become a HKUST student blogger.
Day 97 Sunset at 9pm
Helsinki is going crazier and crazier each day. When I first came here, I was complaining how the sky was never bright, and period of time we get daylight is so short. blah blah blah. But recently, sunrise is as early as 5 am and sunset is as late as 9 pm!
This is all so strange! I have come to the point where, I am never tired at night-time, but always extremely tired in the morning, and when i go out, sunlight starts pouring in, I have such headaches. ARGH.
Here is a glimpse of the beautiful sky:
Guess what time it was when I took this photo?
That's right! 9pm!
Compare the above picture with this one!
And there I thought Hong Kong has very distinct seasons!
This is all so strange! I have come to the point where, I am never tired at night-time, but always extremely tired in the morning, and when i go out, sunlight starts pouring in, I have such headaches. ARGH.
Here is a glimpse of the beautiful sky:
Guess what time it was when I took this photo?
That's right! 9pm!
Compare the above picture with this one!
And there I thought Hong Kong has very distinct seasons!
Day 96 Finished by Finnish exam
Today I am writing my Finnish paper! I have never felt so nervous in my life.
The course lasted for 2 semesters, 20 classes in total, of course, I have missed some, but I have been to most of them.
For a course for exchange students, I would say that this course is quite tough.
First, we cannot miss more than 5 classes, then we have to go to 2 out of 3 excursions (if we miss one, we need to write a report). Also, we have a presentation (luckily in English) on something cultural.
Barbara and I picked the topic of Finnish music festival. We are presenting it on Thursday, I think we are going to slack a bit!
Back to the exam; I have never learnt so little in my life to an examination. Seriously, back when I was studying Latin (for one semester), I was learning quite a lot. But for Finnish, I am learning really little.
So far, I know how to say months, days of the week, numbers and time in Finnish. Also, I know some grammar rules, such as plural and genitive. And some basic phrases such as "how much is this?" and "thank you", "good morning" etc.
Barbara said that the exam was easy, but I am not so sure, I think it will still be quite tough! And I am no genius in learning a new language!
Paljon onnea for my exam!
The course lasted for 2 semesters, 20 classes in total, of course, I have missed some, but I have been to most of them.
For a course for exchange students, I would say that this course is quite tough.
First, we cannot miss more than 5 classes, then we have to go to 2 out of 3 excursions (if we miss one, we need to write a report). Also, we have a presentation (luckily in English) on something cultural.
Barbara and I picked the topic of Finnish music festival. We are presenting it on Thursday, I think we are going to slack a bit!
Back to the exam; I have never learnt so little in my life to an examination. Seriously, back when I was studying Latin (for one semester), I was learning quite a lot. But for Finnish, I am learning really little.
So far, I know how to say months, days of the week, numbers and time in Finnish. Also, I know some grammar rules, such as plural and genitive. And some basic phrases such as "how much is this?" and "thank you", "good morning" etc.
Barbara said that the exam was easy, but I am not so sure, I think it will still be quite tough! And I am no genius in learning a new language!
Paljon onnea for my exam!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Day 95 My traveling philosophy
After my trip to Riga and Stockholm, I have come to the conclusion that my past traveling experience was all rush rush rush rush rush and with lots and lots and lots and lots of people.
Seriously, I remember there was one time the family went on a crazy 12-days-to-14-countries (or 8-days-to-10-countries) tour when I was young (Primary school). I didn't remember anything about it, all I can remember was, being extremely tired throughout the trip. I specifically remember that I was throwing tantrums or in a very bad mood visiting Athens, Greece or somewhere. Funny how I can remember my emotions, and not the place itself! My parents were so proud that they were so "efficient". =.=
I have found that I didn't know a lot about traveling (although I have been to quite a lot of places) and have been quite clumsy in designing where to go. I have always been the one with people feeding me information about where I am going and what I am going to do next. I never have my own individual thinking in my past traveling experience, it has always been where the tour guide wants to take us, not where I would want to go.
After my trip to Riga and Stockholm, my traveling philosophy is, pick a place, go to that place, and stay there for a while, preferably travel such that you have to read maps (not just following tour-guides, taking photos from one place to another).
I found that reading maps, and picking up attraction booklets at the airport quite convenient. And quite frankly, you wouldn't get lost or anything. Sometimes, you see more when you actually have to find your way in the city. Although my parents would always want a tour-guide for their trips.
From now on, I am aiming for long trips and focused destinations.
Seriously, I remember there was one time the family went on a crazy 12-days-to-14-countries (or 8-days-to-10-countries) tour when I was young (Primary school). I didn't remember anything about it, all I can remember was, being extremely tired throughout the trip. I specifically remember that I was throwing tantrums or in a very bad mood visiting Athens, Greece or somewhere. Funny how I can remember my emotions, and not the place itself! My parents were so proud that they were so "efficient". =.=
I have found that I didn't know a lot about traveling (although I have been to quite a lot of places) and have been quite clumsy in designing where to go. I have always been the one with people feeding me information about where I am going and what I am going to do next. I never have my own individual thinking in my past traveling experience, it has always been where the tour guide wants to take us, not where I would want to go.
After my trip to Riga and Stockholm, my traveling philosophy is, pick a place, go to that place, and stay there for a while, preferably travel such that you have to read maps (not just following tour-guides, taking photos from one place to another).
I found that reading maps, and picking up attraction booklets at the airport quite convenient. And quite frankly, you wouldn't get lost or anything. Sometimes, you see more when you actually have to find your way in the city. Although my parents would always want a tour-guide for their trips.
From now on, I am aiming for long trips and focused destinations.
Day 94 Suomenlinna sea fortress
Although I have so much work, I still went to an excursion with my Finnish class to Suomenlinna because the weather was so nice and I didn't want to waste it by sitting outdoors.
(Photo: Suomenlinna is an island. We went there by ferry from the market square. The ferry ride took less than 20 mins, the sea breeze, the sun, the blue sky, the weather was so fine!)
(Photo: Merja and Christina trying to tell us the history of Suomenlinna. Did you know that Suomenlinna is in the UNESCO World Heritage Site? Christina also told us that the fortress was once under the control of Russia, but the Fins took over some time later. And so, there are still some Russian architecture on the island.)
(Photo: The ice in the sea is melting, but there are still some ice.)
(Photo: Inside the fortress. It was colder than the outside!)
(Photo: Wouldn't it be great if I can just lie on the grass and chill? ARGH. stupid write-ups. Let's hope I am smarter once I finish them. Oh, and no coffee shops are opened during this season.)
(Photo: me and Vivien!)
(Photo: I have to admit, when the weather is nice in Helsinki, and when I see this, Helsinki is almost as nice as Stockholm. Still, my favourite place in the world is Stockholm.)
(Photo: Suomenlinna is an island. We went there by ferry from the market square. The ferry ride took less than 20 mins, the sea breeze, the sun, the blue sky, the weather was so fine!)
(Photo: Merja and Christina trying to tell us the history of Suomenlinna. Did you know that Suomenlinna is in the UNESCO World Heritage Site? Christina also told us that the fortress was once under the control of Russia, but the Fins took over some time later. And so, there are still some Russian architecture on the island.)
(Photo: The ice in the sea is melting, but there are still some ice.)
(Photo: Inside the fortress. It was colder than the outside!)
(Photo: Wouldn't it be great if I can just lie on the grass and chill? ARGH. stupid write-ups. Let's hope I am smarter once I finish them. Oh, and no coffee shops are opened during this season.)
(Photo: me and Vivien!)
(Photo: I have to admit, when the weather is nice in Helsinki, and when I see this, Helsinki is almost as nice as Stockholm. Still, my favourite place in the world is Stockholm.)
Friday, April 9, 2010
Day 93 work work work work work...
I cannot believe how much work I have to do next week. Here's a breakdown.
Monday:
Finnish exam
Wednesday:
Derivatives and risk management case write-up due
Thursday:
Derivatives and risk management case write-up due
Finnish cultural presentation
Friday:
Advanced corporate finance lecture case write-up due
Corporate risk management final report
ARGH. damnit, I am on exchange, doesn't that entitle me to sit back, do nothing and enjoy?
Some exchangers here are quite slack thought, there are more than 2 people I know of that have no more class now. ARGH, maybe I chose the wrong courses...
Monday:
Finnish exam
Wednesday:
Derivatives and risk management case write-up due
Thursday:
Derivatives and risk management case write-up due
Finnish cultural presentation
Friday:
Advanced corporate finance lecture case write-up due
Corporate risk management final report
ARGH. damnit, I am on exchange, doesn't that entitle me to sit back, do nothing and enjoy?
Some exchangers here are quite slack thought, there are more than 2 people I know of that have no more class now. ARGH, maybe I chose the wrong courses...
Day 92 Helsinki without the snow
Helsinki feels different. Maybe it's because all the snow is gone and the trees are sprouting green.
Here are some photos of the road near my apartment.
(Photo: I discovered that there are bicycles parked near the building. It was probably under the snow in the previous months.)
Although I am looking forward to re-discovering Helsinki (without the white stuff), I guess I will always miss the snow. How I always slip and fall on my way to the bus-stop, complain about the slushie on my shoes...
Here are some photos of the road near my apartment.
(Photo: I discovered that there are bicycles parked near the building. It was probably under the snow in the previous months.)
Although I am looking forward to re-discovering Helsinki (without the white stuff), I guess I will always miss the snow. How I always slip and fall on my way to the bus-stop, complain about the slushie on my shoes...
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Day 91 Back in Helsinki
The cruise back from Stockholm to Helsinki was a comfortable one. Except that the weather was not too good outside, all cloudy and rainy, so there was not much to see on the deck.
Looking at the water, with ice floating on it, I really wonder how long I can survive if I were forced into the water. Probably not for long.
It's quite amazing, really, this cruise. When you are on it, it barely feels like you are on a boat, it just feels like you are in a really really huge hotel, with casinos, restaurants, a huge tax-free store, and bedrooms. You feel quite safe there, like you're not in waters, I guess that's what passengers in Titantic felt, until it hit an iceberg and sinked.
Looking at the water, with ice floating on it, I really wonder how long I can survive if I were forced into the water. Probably not for long.
It's quite amazing, really, this cruise. When you are on it, it barely feels like you are on a boat, it just feels like you are in a really really huge hotel, with casinos, restaurants, a huge tax-free store, and bedrooms. You feel quite safe there, like you're not in waters, I guess that's what passengers in Titantic felt, until it hit an iceberg and sinked.
Day 90 Last day in Stockholm
Remember yesterday I said that I wanted to go to Skeppsholmen, but the museum was closed and my shoes were soaking wet and uncomfortable, so I decided I wouldn't go? Well, weather in Stockholm today was really grand: sunny, blue sky, nice breeze, pavements all dry. I decided that I should give Skeppsholmen another shot.
I always feel like when you are meant to be in a place, then you will be there eventually, whether you plan it or not. And if some invisible force doesn't allow you to do something, then no matter how you plan it, you still couldn't do it. Like the St. Petersburg trip, cancelled because of the bombing. My visit to Skeppsholmen, I thought I would leave Stockholm without going there, but I think I am meant to be there sometime, someday.
Okay, enough of the reflections, here are some pictures of the beautiful Skeppsholmen!
(Photo: Ever tried whistling to swans? I think this one here bob its head when I whistle to it! I'm not kidding!)
Then I visited one of their museums on the island, called the moderna museum.
(Photo: And my God, that place is so gorgeous! I seriously thought of staying on Skeppsholmen forever, and get a job in that museum as a caretaker or something!)
(Photo: their cakes, pastries and food there look really delicious, I had a coffee and a toffee/chocolate cake. They were just amazing!)
This picture here says it all. Blue sky, white clouds, nice breeze, chilling next to the sea, drinking coffee, sunbathing, whistling to swans ... I will definitely return to Stockholm. It is just a matter of time, I would be there again some day. Stockholm, don't change too much before my next visit! I love you the way you are now!
I always feel like when you are meant to be in a place, then you will be there eventually, whether you plan it or not. And if some invisible force doesn't allow you to do something, then no matter how you plan it, you still couldn't do it. Like the St. Petersburg trip, cancelled because of the bombing. My visit to Skeppsholmen, I thought I would leave Stockholm without going there, but I think I am meant to be there sometime, someday.
Okay, enough of the reflections, here are some pictures of the beautiful Skeppsholmen!
(Photo: Ever tried whistling to swans? I think this one here bob its head when I whistle to it! I'm not kidding!)Then I visited one of their museums on the island, called the moderna museum.
(Photo: And my God, that place is so gorgeous! I seriously thought of staying on Skeppsholmen forever, and get a job in that museum as a caretaker or something!)
(Photo: their cakes, pastries and food there look really delicious, I had a coffee and a toffee/chocolate cake. They were just amazing!)
This picture here says it all. Blue sky, white clouds, nice breeze, chilling next to the sea, drinking coffee, sunbathing, whistling to swans ... I will definitely return to Stockholm. It is just a matter of time, I would be there again some day. Stockholm, don't change too much before my next visit! I love you the way you are now!
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