Isn’t it great to have a few days longer break every now and then from work? Last week was my biggest challenge at work; it was time for the Finland Down Under seminars. Not only it meant long, 12 hour days, but also I think my stress limit approached the maximum daily. Luckily we had everything quite under control well in advance, so there weren’t any surprises when the seminars kicked off on Monday the 2nd of April. (Picture: Finland Down Under seminar organizers and partners) Monday was easy, no presentations for me, only an evening cocktail event at the Finnish consulate. Nice exclusive function with 40 guests, who were welcomed in with the special mini Sibelius concert by 4 players from Australian Chamber Orchestra and Finnish delicatessen such as karjalanpiirakka and real Finnish dark bread. I was in heaven!!!
The next day the real fun begun. Our first seminar took place in the Museum of Sydney and gathered 20 media representatives and 120 travel agents to be present. My boss had given me huge responsibility to do all our presentations and I must to admit that I was a bit nervous before I entered in front of 150 people in the auditorium. But everything went very well and everybody was happy :) Some people even came to congratulate me and to tell that they definitely want to go to Finland now, so I guess I did my job :) Oh, and after Easter one radio channel wants to interview me… well, that is an experience as well!
On Wednesday morning we took an early flight to Melbourne, where our second and last seminar took place. I was a bit nervous, because I had chosen a venue that Satu (my boss) hadn’t seen yet and when I saw it couple of months ago, it was totally under construction. Luckily the venue was all done and nicely decorated and perfect for our purpose. The second seminar went as good as the first one and I even made some good contacts for the future.
On Thursday morning when flying back to Sydney I was exhausted and really looking forward the coming Easter break. My boss gave me the rest of the day off so I went quickly home to drop off my stuff and joined Marko for car hunting in the city. We had some big issues finding a rental car, because as we should have known; public holiday is not the best time to start looking for a rental car in the last minute. Luckily after hours we found one. The car itself was the crappiest vehicle ever and even the smallest hill was a big struggle.
Our Finnish trio; Marko, Piritta and me spent the Easter, 4 nights in Hunter Valley, which is the closest wine region from Sydney (1,5 hour drive). We stayed in a cabin in a holiday park in Cessnock close to the vineyards (naturally). Our holiday basically ran the same daily routine: Eating, wine tasting and touring, nap, more eating, playing cards, wine and eating again, playing cards, sleeping… But was soooooo nice and did so good after a stressful week. Oh, and we did watch some dvd’s and my favourite show: Kumman Kaa (Katri the following video ‘Perjantai Pullo’ is for you). For those who are petrified of the vodka… Well we didn’t drink that all in once ;) We did have a real traditional Finnish Easter with all nice Finnish
delicatessen such as cinnamon buns (made by Piritta), Karjalanpiirakka, egg butter and real dark bread, which we went to pick up from the Finnish Consulate before leaving Sydney. Yes, I get along very well with the consul; Aino as well ;)On Sunday morning we painted eggs and were playing hide the Easter eggs… Our neighbours were staring us like a punch of weirdoes.
The holiday went by way too fast as always and now Im back at work. Thought my last month would be a bit more relaxed, but NO WAY! Satu has made sure that there is no breather. Well one more month and then Im on holiday for 3 months and my big journey around Australia and Asia begins!
Almost forgot… On Tuesday we had a farewell dinner for Marko. It was good to see Chris as well, who got back from a coaching trip from Asia just now. Going to miss you so much MARKO! But luckily Im going to see you in Helsinki as soon as I return :)This weekend my laptop is going to be sent to Finland so do not wonder if Im not online in msn or in skype that often. But email always works. Cha cha xxx
Above: Marko's farewell dinner
Above: Piritta's 80's party
