June 10th Waking up this morning was less than desirable. As I was lounging around, I remembered that we were supposed to join a webinar at eight. And it was already past eight. I dashed into Outi’s room to find an adapter (I needed power for my laptop), then I scrambled to find the email …
June 9th We woke up on election day morning in quite good order. Shower and breakfast. Outi’s friend Kieran came to greet us – and there we spent a couple of hours comfortably. There were plenty of stories about fishing, fish stocks, politics, history, and much more. After Kieran left, it was time to pack …
June 8th The village of Dooagh on Achill Island has been our home for some time now. Our host Marie has created a wonderful atmosphere in her house. We’ve felt like we’re in the lap of luxury with top-class accommodation, and we’ve explored the culture and environment of this small village and the entire island. …
June 7th The European Athletics Championships have started. 50 years ago, Finland had historic success. Back then, I used to watch the competitions quite a lot on my home TV. Now, I don’t watch them. Now, I am looking at the landscapes of Achill Island on the west coast of Ireland! Of course, I’m happy …
June 6th D-day! 80 years since the Normandy landings. Landing was delayed by one day because Maureen Sweeney, a weather observer working at the Blacksod lighthouse, reported that the weather in the Atlantic was changing and that there was a storm the next day. All other weather stations had reported that the weather remained favorable. …
June 5th Soon the days will start getting shorter. There are just over 6 months until Christmas! However, it will rain in the morning. And for sure, the tire on the bike is flat! Despite everything, life goes on – and quite well at that! After our morning routines (the tent was packed up in …
June 4th Is it mandatory to drink Guinness in Ireland? I’ve tasted it, but I don’t really like it! I prefer lagers, or Czech dark ales! Today, I might have raised some eyebrows in a local pub when I ordered a lager while others were ordering that dark beer! Or is it stout! Whatever – …
June 3rd Ireland is green. Ireland is really green – and I don’t mean politically, but in its overall color. Now I understand why the island is called by such a color name! As you drive around here, you see all shades of green, and the roads often wind through green tunnels formed by the …
June 2nd The green island’s rounded hills closely resemble our Lapland landscapes. Before I delve into describing those hills in more detail, let me tell you a bit about the journey here. First of all, last night was one of those nights that you don’t reminisce about with children—or grandchildren. I had a milder version …