Project photowall – 42 images on my wall

As Karl Lagerfeld, an iconic fashion designer once said “What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce.”

For the past years or so I have been an avid amateur photographer, or maybe I should call myself an iphotographer. I don’t like any fancy or heavy cameras, good ol’ iPhone 6 is good medium for me to portray the wonders of life. I photograph a lot – skycrapers and high-rise buildings, museums and galleries, nature, street views, flowers, sky, stairs and beyond.

I like a lot of colors and contrasts, beautiful details of architecture and surprising moments. I’m inspired by history, culture and arts which do set up certain layer to cities and towns, by giving a character and certain feeling. Thereby I don’t think (never say never) I’ll travel to any of “cultural poor” places, as seeing skyscraper after another without any cultural context to past doesn’t make me curious.

This autumn I finally framed me photos. 42 of them. Of places: Helsinki / Espoo / Tampere / Rovaniemi / Tallinn / Stockholm / Visby / Oslo / Amsterdam / Berlin / Potsdam / London / Prague / Warsaw / Vác / Split / Madrid / Barcelona / New York

Quick stories behind my top 10 photos of all-time

1. London (november 2019)

My first-ever business trip to outside of Finland. Took this while I was on the *London Eye,* the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel. And must say I was impressed to see the beautiful London skyline.

Imperfection makes this particular image my all-time favourite.

2. helsinki (August 2021)

*Helsinki Cathedral* during some art exhibition. I was on my way to see the **Kaija Koo** concert until I saw this awesome fabric-alike live art exhibition. I literally jumped out of the tram to portray the magnificent scene.

3. helsinki (october 2018)

Sunset of *Tokoinranta* in Hakaniemi, Helsinki. I was at the right place the right time as just a matter of minutes the scenery went dark. One of the most stunning sunsets I have ever seen.

4. new york (august 2010)

Skyscraper city & street views. Different shades of metal, shapes, angles – New York is a picturesque city. Stayed there about 1,5 weeks, and walked tens of kilometers on a daily-basis.

5. flying to split (october 2022)

Every once in a while sky looks spectacular and this was one of those days. More of Split experience you can read from these articles – Once upon a time in Split part 1 and 2.

6. warsaw (july 2022)

Warsaw gave me Berlin-vibes and this image kind of frames it; soviet-era buildings and fine-looking skycrapers closely. Loved the contrast, made the city landscape interesting and certain unfinished. Not too finalized, bit rough there and there. Edgy city. Lots of personality.

7. Rovaniemi (august 2021)

My first-ever trip by myself. A widow trip as my boyfriend passed away five months prior. Had lots of thinking of life – the past, the present, the future – while climbing (read: walking) to the top of Ounasvaara (204m):

Who am I?
Who I want to be?
What’s my priorities?
What’s my next steps in life?
*Will I be alone forever?*
*Will I ever fell in love again?*

I don’t think I have never felt that much of emotions in just one week. From absolute devastation and grief to sadness and darkness – to appreciation towards life, health, friendship, work. Having important people in my life. Joy of being able to travel again after strict covid restrictions. Lots of tears of happiness too.

8. potsdam (october 2021)

On my trip in **Berlin** I made an excursion to the town of **Potsdam**, which is (alongside with Berlin) perfect destination for a history geek – someone like me.

*Glienicker Brücke* aka The Bridge of Spies is truly a not-to-miss spot in Potsdam. During the Cold War the bridge formed the border of West and East Berlin, and was used several times for the exchange of captured spies. Just 25km outside of the urban city life of Berlin!

St. Nicholas Church in Potsdam is a Classicist style building, which was hit the realities of war; first by British air raid followed by Soviet artillery fire – which badly damaged the church, built in 1830s (77-metre-high towers above the roofs was built later, between 1843 to 1850). Perfect place to see sunset.

9. berlin (october 2021)

Berlin is definately one of the best places I have ever visited and not sure where should I start. It’s hip, colorful, organized, fascinating and urban. A top history and culture destination – Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, The Holocaust Memorial, Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie and much more. Don’t skip the Berlin Olympic Stadium, a venue which was built between 1934 to 1936 for the 1936 Summer Olympics. I was impressed how the pre-war architecture still standing at the modern stadium. The venue will become moreover a mass tourist destination in following years as it will host the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship.

Beer does need a chapter of its own. Especially Berliner Weisse, which I consider top 3 of the best beers I have had – and I have had many. As a regional variation of the wheat beer from Northern Germany, its’ history extends back to the 16th century. I am fond of sour beers, and have always liked a lot Berliner Weisse’s unique sour taste. I don’t think I have been in a destination where I have consumed that much of beers than in Berlin. Everyday and starting quite early, just about lunch time I found appropriate. Had great culinary experiences there – wasn’t only enjoying beers – kebab was absolutely best I have ever had outside of Turkey, and another top dish is currywurst. Sausages generally alongside with great beers are a must when you’re in the city.

One bit of unusual spot I must recommend is Teufelsberg. For some reason some of tourist guiding sites are suggesting of skipping this place – but I totally recommend of visiting this place. As a former US listening station during the Cold War, Teufelsberg is today only a quite short Uber-drive distance away. Located on Grunewald forest (Former West Berlin), it offers good opportunity to get to know local street arts (in 120 meters!) and layers of history. Awesome views guarantee.

Next time I’ll definitely go for a football game, Hertha Berlin could be super cool to see.

10. prague (june 2022)

Bailando (bailando)
Bailando (bailando)
Tu cuerpo y el mío llenando el vacío
Subiendo y bajando (subiendo y bajando)

-Bailando, Enrique Iglesias / Sean Paul Henriques / Descemer Bueno / Carlos Paucar / Alexander Hernandez Delgado / Randy Martinez Amey Malcom

Girls trip to the Enrique Iglesias concert. How awesome it was – VERY. We took a VIP package which include all imageable and non-imageable drinks and food. Especially champagne-drinks were over the top.

Prague is a compact, picturesque place – and definately worth of visiting. Beautiful architecture – Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque – creates a unique and distinct style of the city. UNESCO-listed Old Town, the Vltava River, The Charles Bridge and beyond, it’s a good place to spend lovely days.

One top destination – for beer drinkers – is the Beer Museum. Museum isn’t that much of an attraction by itself – consider Heineken Experience Center in Amsterdam and Guiness Storehouse in Dublin as must places – but the value for money is unbeatable here – roughly 10€ admission fee includes four small (I think it was each of the size of 0,33L) Czech beers – light lager, non-filtered lager, semi dark lager and dark lager.

This particular building is among the most beautiful ones I have ever seen. Just randomly walked by – and BOOM.