it has been such a long time since my last post and most of you were wondering what f#&% happened. Well, I got a little bit stressed with some deadlines and few other issues. I also was spending my "free" time with new blokes I got know here - but I promise I will keep writing ;-) Btw, thanks for those who asked me about, I really appreciate.
Actually I have a lot to tell. For instance, I also started new post about my St. Patrick's day and it is still waiting for the ending - coming soon (kind of late, though). Moreover, I spent few days back in Austria in the last week, in Linz and Vienna. Nonetheless, today is a special day, but not just here, April Fools' Day is celebrated all around the world. I don't have any prank to tell - up to now - but I will describe a bit more why everything seems just a joke for me, here in Helsinki.
Whenever I think about Finland or whenever I tell friends about my current status it pops up in my mind an awkward movie's title "Rodrigo in Wonderland". You probably know it. It is not a plagiarism, neither satire or whatever you wanna call it - it is just awkward - that's it.
Alike Alice I have been through some experiences that I think - it is not real. It could happened in any other country, but in a Nordic country which is always among the first places in many comparison indices within EU and developed countries, I would not expect. But once and a while I glance to the wrong side and something is going on.
Everyday while I commute for half an hour I enjoy the play, where the stage is the tram and the role is performed by random people.
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| Pub tram in Helsinki |
For example, yesterday. I sat alone. The tram was fairly empty because was after the rush hour and I opened my laptop for reading a bit (I really should buy a ebook reader). This tram was pretty large, with two rows of seats distributed in a very aleatory positions. With one seat in each side, or two, and also folding seats facing the doors. A nice spot is the four seats disposed around a tiny table - good for a group of friends - and there was myself, trying to read my book. But my peaceful time ended quite soon, in the next stop.
Before he stepped in I already realized he was drunk, not difficult if someone smell like having a shower with vodka or beer or with his own... better don't say it. I did not face him. Without any hesitation he chose one of the three available seats around me. It is interesting to remark there were an exactly four seats setting like mine in the left side - and empty.
I would like to know why those drunk people in Finland love to take a ride, specially with trams. I guess they think any tram is a Pub tram. Here they have a lot of possibilities to travel, there are many buses lines, trams and metro. Maybe they try all of them and I don't even know if they buy the tickets. In Brazil such people usually seat on public squares, pavements, nearby to a cheap pub and ask for money. But they don't dare taking public transport, they rather
Anyway, was not enough the guy seated in front of me, he started barking some Finish words with a harsh voice. In fact, he didn't interrupted since he got in. I could not understand a word, not just because it was Finnish, but you know how a drunk one sounds in any language.
Two stops more and I was praying to see he leaving the tram, but instead two more got in - they were not drunk, apparently. They occupied two seats in our left side. They were shopping before and one was holding two massive packages of toilet paper, each one with a dozen of rolls. I don't know what someone would do with so many TP, if he intended decorate a bathroom party (like in Raab-heim few months ago), or if he was buying for a company or what else. The point is that I was in the middle of Finnish mad conversation. In one side a drunk guy and in the opposite direction the TP guys.
By now I could not concentrate in my reading and my laptop was being set into my bag, while I was planning my escape. Suddenly I realized the drunk bloke was not speaking so badly with them as he was speaking with me. He was kind of funny, maybe saying some bullshit for the TP guys. They were laughing and so forth. I was safe for a few stops, until one the two guys said "hyvää päivän jatkoa" (that is, have a nice day) and the drunk one replied "Moi moi" (bye bye).
At the time I was surprised, first because I could understand some Finnish and secondly because the TP guys were kind with the drunk man. Before a second thought he was once again behaving like when he first came in, grumbling alone and disturbing me. With a drunk gaze and complaining about I don't know what he stood up. After a short while, for my luck did not fell over me, he decided leaving the tram.
Finally I could finish my journey alone and observing the second scene, but I will leave it for a new post.
To end this blog I will share this link: http://www.koff.net/sparakoff. It is about the Pub tram Sparakoff sponsored by KOFF, a Finnish beer from the first and largest Finnish brewery Sinebrychoff. During my first week in Helsinki I saw this red tram with PUB name instead lines 3B, 3T, 6 and so on. I though I was crazy, but it turns out to be a touristic attraction. It runs officially only in Summer and the ticket costs aroud 8 Eur and it includes a beer. What is not expensive, since a single journey with public transport costs 2.50 Eur and a beer 6 Eur in the city center. So, you have a chance to visit the city (it passes by the most famous sightseeing in Helsinki), enjoy a beer and if you need, there is a toilet in the tram!!!
I have to emphasize: it is true and not a April Fools' prank!!
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