Helsinki's cool!

I went to a very impressive photography exhibition yesterday. The collection was termed 'The Helsinki School' which seems to refer to a group of artists out of the University of Art and Design in Helsinki. The work of four photographers was shown and each had a unique style. Here are some of my favourites.




Tiina Itkonen, Icescape II 2005 (top) Kullorsuaq I 2006 (bottom)
The natural blues of the ice flows are easily as vibrant as the human-made colours on the houses.



Anni Leppala, Orange Tree 2008
This artist seemed to play a lot with hiding people's expressions. I think you were supposed to take hints at their feelings from the surrounding cues.



Sandra Kantanen, Untitled (Sakura 2) 2009
This cherry blossom subject was very appropriate for an exhibition in Japan. I would like this on my wall.

Then last night, I went out to a restaurant that R's friend just opened a month ago. It seats only ten people at a counter and her friend is chef, dish washer, order taker, cashier... the lot. But he made amazing, fresh, simple Italian food with a bit of an Asian twist. He even did all the carpentry and decor himself (except the loo). R mocked me for gawking - the Cadwell open-mouthed stare - but I couldn't help it. It was really fascinating to watch someone at the top of their game, running like a well-oiled machine and staying completely calm in the process. I know that if I were in the chef's place, the stress would lead me to throw the scalding hot pasta water over half the customers by the first sitting and stab the remainder with chopsticks before dessert. Never come to my restaurant if I ever dream to open one!

And today I got in complete summer holiday mode. I dropped by the beach in Odaiba and, even though it's only a little inner city seaside, with the cool kids out playing beach volley ball, and jet skiers out, and people drinking in seaside cafes and that it really gave me the summer vibe. I hope to get down to a resort on Iriomote in Okinawa at the end of August. I spent a good part of yesterday and today looking at photos and reviews on the net. I've figured out exactly where I'd love to go. Now the only challenge is asking my boss for the time off. That's tomorrow's worry.