Helsinki

Helsinki
Originally uploaded by phototouring.

Silja Line was bought out last year by an Estonian company, but continues sailing the Baltic Sea. A fun trip, even if you never get off the boat.

Rebirth?

I am considering starting back to blogging, since I've got a bit more time for the summer and because there's still a ton going on in Finland and in the world to be brought to notice. Jury's still out, but for now, here's are the results from the Wife Carrying World Championships that happen annually in Sonkajärvi, near where I attended high school.

For the 5th time in a row and the 7th time total, Madis Uusorg from Estonia has won. Though his "wife" changes every now and then, one wonders how he can keep in shape and still enjoy his prize of his wife's weight in beer each time he wins. For the BBC video see [here], for history of the contest look [here], and to see what the town has to say about its tradition go [here]. In 2005 Dennis Rodman, who was doing a stint in the Finnish National Basketball league, made an appearance at the contest, though it was half hearted and he probably couldn't have finished even if he had tried.