Pekka Pelkonen's Photo blog

2010-11-09T00:06:00.000+02:00

White Lights vol. 2

2010-10-29T16:50:00.000+03:00

Its Fall, Bro

2010-10-28T17:40:00.000+03:00

White Lights

2010-10-27T21:53:00.000+03:00

Unconditional Power

2010-05-05T13:00:00.001+03:00

It's the small details that tell you whats up.

Last Spring photo

2010-04-23T14:33:00.000+03:00

The Crew

2010-04-22T15:21:00.000+03:00

Enjoying the last spring sessions at Tampere.

Hiking For Some Spring Skiing

2010-04-20T22:31:00.002+03:00

Our local ski resort has closed, but it doesn't mean that we can't go for some spring fling skiing.

Tatra Hangaround

2010-04-09T11:33:00.003+03:00

Good friends, snowboarding, bbq, sunshine thats spring! What more can you ask from a sprin day?

Still Breathing

2010-03-25T22:58:00.002+02:00

I haven't been posting much lately I haven't even been taking photos at all. I've been just hanging with friends and chillin lately. I think I got a little overdose with photographing in New Zealand. This photo is from last thursday from my local ski resort.

We Run This City

2010-03-07T14:58:00.007+02:00

Once again Jam-A-Holics did it! A great night with good music, friends and good times. That seems to be the case everytime these guys get on stage.

Ice Hockey Reminiscing

2010-03-03T23:02:00.002+02:00

Today I played ice hockey for the first time in a long time. I played around 9 or 10 years very intensly, but I quit it when I was 16 because It wasn't fun anymore. I guess I haven't played since at all or only a few times. So today we went to a local hockey rink to play some hockey with friends. It was a nice feeling after a long break to lighten up some old memories.

Chillin, Olympics, Friends

2010-03-02T22:46:00.002+02:00

I've had such a good time watching the Olympic ice hockey games and chillin with my friends I haven't noticed that I've been home almost for two weeks now. I admit, I've been pretty lazy taking photos and posting new stuff here. I have had a lot on my mind and I'm trying to focus on getting a good summer job and make some money before college next fall. If the weather would get better that would motivate me to go taking photos.

Mellow Weather

2010-02-26T14:39:00.003+02:00

The weather's been nice past couple days. Sunshine and cold. Now its warmer but its dumping snow. My camera wasn't broken after all.

Great DJ's Good Friends

2010-02-25T17:14:00.002+02:00

This photo is from last fall from Jam-A-Holics night at Out Of Juice. Great music, friends, good times. Its gonna be on next weekend also when The Jam-A-Holics are takin' over The Love Hotel.

Diggin To The Archives

2010-02-23T18:26:00.002+02:00

My camera is going through some tough times. Its been having some technical difficulties. The focusing doesn't work so I can't get you new photos from the nice winter weather.

Jetlagged

2010-02-21T21:25:00.003+02:00

I've been still feeling a bit more tired than usually. Probably still trying to adjust to finnish time. Or then its just the darkness and not getting sun everyday.

Cold As

2010-02-20T11:32:00.003+02:00

I'm sorry I haven't been posting lately. I've been travelling back home and It wasn't just a easy piece. I travelled from 96 hours (4 days) about 62, thats from Queenstown to home. 5 flights, many airplane meals and bunch of movies. I also had crazy 10 hour connection at London airport. I tried to change my flight earlier to Finland but I couldn't because my bag was checked in for the later plane. I'm been trying to adjust to the weather here, I've been freezing my ass off even though some wise people said me try not to. I'm gonna get some winter photos from here, but its now somewhat -21 celsius so its coooooooold. Its really nice to be home though. I've met up with friends and my family is stoked to have me back here. Its not all bad with the weather here. The sun is shining now and we have lots of snow.

Homecoming

2010-02-16T03:01:00.003+02:00

After checking out from the hostel in Queenstown I sit in the reception waiting for my bus listening to Kanye West's Homecoming and watching the sun rise and workers doing their daily routines before the days work. I thought about my time in New Zealand and feeling at the same time sad and happy. I'm happy to go home because I miss my family and friends. New Zealand is a beautiful country which has given me a lot: nice experiences and forever lasting friends.

I talked to my friend Mike who was coming to Queenstown but I didn't know if we got to meet because I was leaving the day he arrived. I'm still sitting in the reception and getting ready to go to the bus stop and I stop outside of the hostel for few minutes to look at the mountains in the sunrise for the last time. The same time a taxi pulls over in front of the hostel and my friend Mike comes out. What a timing. He just came from the airport. Because my bus is leaving we only talk for like 2 minutes but it was nice to see him again. Now I'm in Auckland and getting ready to leave tomorrow. I'm still meeting my friend Chad who I haven't seen since November I think. But after that I ready to go.

My Trip Is Coming To An End

2010-02-14T07:05:00.002+02:00

Tomorrow morning I'm leaving Queenstown behind and going back to Auckland for a few days before I fly home. I have to sort out my tax returns and other stuff in Auckland and meet some friends before I go. Its been a great trip. I've learned a lot of things that I probably wouldn't have learned if I'd stayed home. I've met some great people and had great times. And I, once again feel very fortunate. Its time to enjoy these views for a while. I don't know when I'm gonna see this kind of scenery again but what I know is I will come back to Queenstown some day, thats for sure.

The Definition of Jetboating

2010-02-13T06:52:00.005+02:00

A V8 engine with 700 horsepower in disposal of a young guy who lives, breathes and eates adrenaline trying to hit every rock, cliff and bush on the way. This is basicly the definition of jetboating.

I did it today and it was so much fun, crazy, but fun! I got probably the best place on the boat, in the front row, its also the place which gets the most spray. So me and an American couple got pretty wet on the front row, especially in the 360's we did. 800 liters of water goes through the jet engine every second when you're doing about 85 kilometers per hour.

The shallowest water a jetboat can go is 1 inch, one inch! thats crazy! Its like 2.5 cm. Its nothing.

Höyrylaiva

2010-02-12T09:50:00.002+02:00

My walk/photo trip was pretty productive. Didn't even had to go for a long walk. I saw two helicopters exploring the mountains, seems like a nice way to see this beautiful place. The rides aren't even that expensive.

Flights

2010-02-11T07:08:00.001+02:00

I got my flight from Queenstown sorted out. Actually I'm taking a bus to Christchurch and flying from there because its MUCH cheaper.

GRID

2010-02-10T08:01:00.002+02:00

U can see the nice mixture of beaches, parks and mountains. I'm starting to like this city more and more everyday. The very centre is shaped like a grid, the main streets, and then there's like little shopping alleys you can go through to the next street. Its a cool idea. I bought my tickets home today but I have a few days still to enjoy the nice weather.

I NEVER GET TIRED OF SUNSETS

2010-02-09T03:48:00.001+02:00

TWOHUNDRED

2010-02-08T05:56:00.003+02:00

Go Saints! I watched the Super Bowl today at a local restaurant/bar and it was great. The atmosphere was awesome and the place was packed. I'm also looking for flights back home. Yes you heard right, I'm going home. I need to sort out jobs and other stuff for next fall and for the beginning of my studies. This is also my 200th post here.

So Much Fun

2010-02-06T23:53:00.004+02:00

Yesterday I had so much fun I forgot to post here. Me and one Irish guy I met here went with a
gondola up to lookout point overlooking the beautiful Queenstown and there we went Lugeing! Its kinda like a go-kart but without the engine and it was mad fun. After that we just chilled at the beach and so on... Good times!

Me and Dave

This picture is great way to show how much things there's going on when it comes to extreme sports. In the backround some people paraglyding. There was all the times atleast two of those paraglyding thingies in the air.

Freshwater

2010-02-05T05:04:00.002+02:00

This beach is right in the heart of the city on Lake Wakatipu. Its everyday full of people sunbathing swimming and having a good time. The water though is really cold. I bet that some of that water flows down from glaciers. The jetboat cruises leave from this very same pier that I took this photo. I'm gonna do that one day. I ate yesterday the best burger I've ever eaten! At Fergburger, yes its great. I was pretty doubtful when my friend Daniel came from Queenstown and hyped Fergburger so much, could it really be that good? Well, now I know, and it is!

Queenstown Shows Its Bright Side

2010-02-04T08:32:00.002+02:00

Yesterday I was walking to the hostel ran into this one. Pretty damn cool sunset. The weather here has been great and the following days will be good also.

2010-02-03T04:03:00.000+02:00

Touchdown in Queenstown

2010-02-02T06:55:00.003+02:00

I went to leave some of my stuff to the Consulate of Finland in Auckland because I had too much stuff with me. Luckily I did that, I would've otherwise had to pay extra for my luggage. When I arrived in Queenstown I was sold immediately. Its a really beautiful city. The airport is pretty small but when you get out of the plane there's a 360 view of big mountains greeting you. The hostel where I'm staying, Nomads, is really cool. Its like 3 months old and right in the city centre and like under 100 meters from the beach. So everything seems good now. Gotta find a job and a flat so everything would be great.

Waiheke Island | Its A Wrap

2010-01-31T12:24:00.004+02:00

Prettyboy Josh from Australia

Its my time to move on. Yesterday was a great finish to my time in Waiheke. Work for 11 hours, taking photos and running drinks to bars. After long day at work we started drinking. We chilled at the VIP area and after closing we continued to a good house party. It was the Fiesta Del Sol afterparty. The had a DJ there and 4 security guards, pretty sweet party! Today when I sorted my hangover out I packed my stuff and went one last time to Stonridge say bye to everyone. I had some great moment there and made even better friends. I could put it this way: working in Stonyridge isn't just a job its more likely a lifestyle. I'm now in Auckland at a hostel for two nights and then continuing my trip to Queenstown. I've planned to stay there about a month but we'll see. Waiheke was great. Thanks to the Stonyridge crew for making my stay there unforgettable.

Some work mates

Last Two

2010-01-29T10:46:00.002+02:00

Some of these houses have the most amazing views. There's also pretty gnarly driveways to these houses.

I'm not gonna be posting anything tomorrow because I'll be working at Stonyridge for the Fiesta Del Sol for somewhat 11 hours. But, I'll be taking photos there and I heard there's gonna be around 2000 people there, so its gonna be one good party.

Stars In The Sky

2010-01-27T12:54:00.003+02:00

The sky at night is the most beautiful that I've ever seen anywhere. I wish I had a tripod so I could take some star shots.

Surfdale Shops

2010-01-26T12:01:00.002+02:00

Waiheke Island has three shopping areas. This is the nearest one for me, Surfdale. There's also Oneroa where are the post office, couple bars, shops and restaurants. Its the island's main shopping area. Ostend is the last one, there they have the supermarket. The store where everyone buy their food at. Onetangi is my favorite place. It only has couple restaurants and a gas station and the nicest beach in Waiheke.

Juicy Grapes

2010-01-25T12:13:00.002+02:00

Grapes hanging from the roof of the restaurant. I'm not sure but I think they're chardonnay. These ones are use for eating, not wine.

"I've Never Seen Snow"

2010-01-24T12:02:00.002+02:00

After work today I went for a few beers with two of my friends from work (not the ones in the picture). One guy is from England and he is doing a year in New Zealand. Other one in an Aussie, He's a surfer so we talked about surfing and about my intentions to want to try it one day and I asked him has he ever done snowboarding so he replied: "No, I've never even seen snow". That sounds really funny for me because seeing snow is inevitable where I'm from. My point is. When you travel around the world and meet people from different parts of the world things that might seem like everyday life for you some people has not or may not ever experience. But thats the beauty of travelling. When you meet people from different countries, immediately when you start a conversation with them you learn a lot about different lifestyles, attitudes, what people value, their ethics etc. Life is a school.

Party Life

2010-01-23T09:51:00.003+02:00

30th of January this place, the Stonyridge Vineyard will be filled with party people, smiley faces, good music, nice weather (hopefully), good times and a party atmosphere. Its Fiesta Del Sol!

Jay Z - Party Life

RDO

2010-01-22T12:54:00.003+02:00

Today I had a day off. I didn't do much, just chilled at the apartment. I went for a walk after a little work out and I found this amazing spot. Probably one of the most beautiful places that I've visited on my trip.

Wine fan's paradise

2010-01-21T12:47:00.002+02:00

This is from my work, Stonyridge Vineyard. They have world famous wines there. The Larose is probably the most famous Wine, one bottle from cellar is about $200. I've tasted couple wines also. One was chardonnay, it was straight fresh from bottling, it was good. Other one was Airfield, its about $45 a bottle.

I bought a ticket to Queenstown! I'm going there 2nd of February and I'm really stoked. I've heard great things about Queenstown so my hopes are high.

Feelin Good

2010-01-20T11:40:00.002+02:00

I don't know what it is. I'm just feeling good for no specific reason. Everything's going well. Its probably because I've been listening good music a lot today. It really can change my mood. One song that steps out is Bon Jovi's You Gave Love A Bad Name. Oh yeah, I watched Superbad today, good movie..... Peace.

Things Do Change

2010-01-19T08:30:00.002+02:00

As you might already noticed my blogs name changed. This idea has been on my mind a while and now I finally made it. Feel free to spread the word and hope you enjoy!

Mickey D's

2010-01-18T11:33:00.002+02:00

They handed out these hats in the Santa Parade on November. I got one also but I left it to my room when I checked out of my hostel in Auckland. Today I got the confirmation that I will be taking photos in the big party in Stonyridge at the end f of this month. I'm stoked!

Not Much Thoughts

2010-01-17T10:48:00.003+02:00

I'm lovin these black & white pictures taken with film camera.

Day by day I appreciate life more and more. In the end things always seem to go well. Like before I got the job in Stonyridge I was hunting for a job for very long and I almost gave up and went home. Then I found Waiheke and got a job and met a lot of cool people and had/will have great experiences in Waiheke. Sometimes I feel that every experience you go through is there ment to teach you someting and that keeps me going when I don't feel so good or when I'm in a situation I wouldn't want to be. I guess some misfortunes are just there for that reason. To educate, to make us stronger, to learn appreciation, to be positive, and enjoy life.

Photographing Dishwasher

2010-01-14T12:10:00.002+02:00

This is a ridiculous version of an ambulance.

As the title says. Today I took some photos of the new menu at Stonyridge. What can I say, pretty impressive dishes. I'll get photos here later. The menu though is really good. The day it was released we had a busy day and got lot of compliments. I probably will be doing some more photography in Stonyridge, lets see. Now I have two days off work. The weather I pretty close to perfect and I will hit the beach tomorrow.

Ambulance

2010-01-13T10:37:00.002+02:00

In Auckland there was a Santa parade on Queen street before Christmas. It was a nice parade, but from like 100 groups or carts, whatever they call them, one had something to do with christmas. Every once in a while there came these down, paramedics with their so called ambulance. This is pretty understandable compared to tomorrows picture.

Humble Living

2010-01-12T12:19:00.002+02:00

This is my room in the house I'm currently living. Its separated from the main house a.k.a its an old garage. Its pretty cool though, lots of space, and a comfy bed, and privacy. Its pretty funny that theres no water in Waiheke, so every house's yard they have huge container thingy and the house uses rain water. Pretty convenient, the water is free, local calls are also free. If the water runs out you have to pay around $200 for refilling the container, but usually, even though its mostly sunny, we get some rain. Sometimes it seems like the rain was ment just to refill the containers. Like last night or the night before. The days were sunny and no rain at all, but the night in between rain a lot. And the day before the rain the owner of the house said that we could use some rain here. Its probably God working in mysterious ways.

Stick Wit It

2010-01-11T12:09:00.002+02:00

Lets talk more about music. Some songs when you hear them they just immediately makes you feel better. Like theres no worries and no hurries in life. I got this feeling with Flisydes song Skipping Stones. I can relate to the lyrics, kinda. If my trip would have a soundtrack, that would probably be it. I think with music people remember certain moments better. When you hear the song again it remindes you of some great moment when you heard the song earlier. I have that kinda feeling quite often. I got little carried away. I just love music.

Its All About The Music

2010-01-10T12:14:00.003+02:00

Music is a huge part of everyday life when you're traveling. I lately been stuck with same songs in my iPhone but now I found a great site to download newest Hip Hop and R&B songs. It brought me memories about the cool events that I've been in. Like this photo. Its from Stand Up! A monthly Hip Hop night in my home town. In this photo is Marc Strech who's from the US. He performed really good show that night. My plans are pretty open still what I'm gonna do after Waiheke. I'm trying to work and save money as much as I can now.

Flatting

2010-01-09T11:01:00.002+02:00

I moved in to a flat today and I feel so much better now. More privacy, proper bed and the internet doesn't cost $2 an hour and is fast as a old snail. I'm gonna be working again tomorrow. Today I just relaxed and really didn't do anything. This is the restaurant that I work in. The left bottom corner doors are the wine cellar.

Who They Think I Am

2010-01-08T09:45:00.000+02:00

When people ask me where I'm from I usually give them a chance to guess. I've got anwers like, US, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Germany. One guy said that I dress like american but sound like European. I guess my accent has a little bit of everything because I've been hanging out with Americans and Brits a lot. But Germany? that was a wierd guess, well probably because every other back packer is from germany someone thought I was also. I was pretty amazed when one woman from our work thought I was either a kiwi or an aussie. I wouldn't want to have that thick accent :D.

Today's work day was pretty good. Not too much people but it wasn't boring. Tomorrow I have a day off and I move to a flat. I'll get you some pictures once I get settled.

They're Everywhere

2010-01-07T09:32:00.002+02:00

Is there something wrong with their home country? I'm talking about germans. They are literally everywhere. Now in the hostel theres around 20 people living and atleast half of them are germans. And they also stick together. Whats the point? They come to the otherside of the world to hang out with other germans. Hahah, I'm not mad at them, don't get me wrong its just funny. Its also almost everytime when you meet new people here and you ask where are they from the answer is germany or britain.

All Good

2010-01-06T10:53:00.003+02:00

I hoped to start working for accommodation at the hostel tomorrow, but its not gonna happen because the hours with that work goes on to of my hours at Stonyridge. It would've saved me a lot of money. Good news though, I'm getting a flat. Its pretty cool house and I'm renting one room for the end of January for $140 a week, when now its $196 at the hostel.

Not Quite There

2010-01-05T11:29:00.002+02:00

I'm so tired from extremely busy day. I think almost everyday I work until I'm sick of it. There's so much work and not enough staff. Thats what I think. I'm glad its only 3 more weeks.

Spot On!

2010-01-04T12:16:00.002+02:00

This other day when I was walking to work I found this spot that had just amazing view. This and the last two pictures are from there. I'm trying to think what I'm gonna do after Waiheke. I'll leave here in four weeks and I have couple choices. Either go to Russell, thats up north to meet my good friend John or make my way down to Wellington for a while and then to Queenstown and on my way up again pop in to Russell to see John. There's so many places I would like to go but not enough time or money.

Bangers, Mash n Gravy

2010-01-03T11:12:00.003+02:00

Yesterday one cool guy called Bruce from the hostel made Me and Mike some dinner. He has been coming to Waiheke for Xmas & New Years for 14 years. So today Me and Mike made some dinner for all of to share. Its cool once and in a while have something else to eat than pasta and pizza.

Alpacas

2010-01-02T09:21:00.003+02:00

First when I saw these I thought they were Llamas, but no they're alpacas. One day when I was walking to work I ended on a field full of alpacas, they always start staring when you go near. I heard that they're also protective for their area.

2010 Spelling Dilemma

2010-01-01T11:12:00.002+02:00

In the first day of the new year 2010 I started wondering, well I've been thinking about this before but now its more relevant. How do you say or write 2010? With 2009 it was easy, it was 09. Should 2010 be 010? or just 10? It really doesn't matter but it would be nice to know the official way. Or is the era of shortening the year gone. Is it just 2010.

Recap from last night. Yesterday after work I came back to the hostel for a bbq and some chillin. Around 8 pm guys from work came to pick me up, first we went to this nice ass house that one of my workmates moved in. Its owner had built it by himself with his brother and his friend from ground up. It was a spanish style house, really nice with probably the most nicest view I've ever seen from the deck of a house! It overlooked couple bays of Waiheke Island and you could aslo see Auckland and the Sky Tower. Then we continued to other guys house for a couple drinks and we tried to figure out our plan for the night. We didn't have to ponder for long because some more people from work invited to their place for a few more drinks. After chillin there for a while we headed up to Oneroa and Skinny Sardines bar where we spent the change of the year. On the other side of the road was Sand Bar that had very good music and we left there soon after. There was some DJ's and one Drum n Base artist playing. Really good stuff. Around 3 am we left Sand Bar to go home that was on the other side of the island. So after a while wondering around trying to get a taxi or a ride home we ended up in a bus/taxi that took us to Charley Farleys. Thats a bar near where I live. We still tried to get in, the clock was like 3.30 am at this time. Well, we didn't get in so I started to walk home. Put my iPhone on for some music and walked down the Onetangi beach. I was great ending to the evening. Walk down the beach with the full moon shining down and lighting the ocean. It was so relaxing, There was no one on the beach and it was so quiet and laidback I chilled while at the beach listening to music and just took it all in. It made me realize once again how fortunate I am being able to be in a place like this. Life's Good! Happy New Year!

Happy New Year 2010!

2009-12-31T08:35:00.001+02:00

Fly Away

2009-12-28T13:25:00.003+02:00

These couple days has just flown past. I've been working for two days pretty long and busy days. Yesterday after work I went to a japanese restaurant with some guys from work. Well, after couple beers and of course sake bombs. It escalated to a night out with some drinking and dancing involved. We had a lot of fun yesterday, also one cool thing was that when we left the bar we got a ride half way home from a police officer. We didn't get to any trouble, the cops are just pretty laidback here, haha. Me and one guy, Stu were walking still about 45 minutes away from home, when the officer dropped us off, got lucky because Stu's flatmates drove past us and picked us up.

Xmas BBQ

2009-12-26T12:04:00.004+02:00

Thats that for Christmas. I had a great time in these past 3 days. On Christmas eve we played a present game with a bunch of people from the hostel. Everyone brought a present and they were put in the middle. We took turns to roll the dice, everytime you got a six you could take one present, and when all of the presents were gone we started the clock. 20 minutes we continued to roll the dice, now if you got six you could steal a present from someone else. We ended up playin that till everyone got one present. We had a great time playin. Christmas day we headed to the beach for some swimming and chillin, after that we had a Christmas BBQ, almost everyone at the hostel brought a dish and then we barbequed them and shared so we got to taste different dishes. All in all the Christmas was great. Nothing compared to Christmas at home, but it was nice to try something else.

Christmas Shoutouts

2009-12-24T03:57:00.003+02:00

First of all, Merry Christmas to everyone, especially to family and friends! Christmas is different for me this year. I'm spending it with great weather, sunshine, beaches, swimming in ocean, barbequeing. Yes, its Christmas in New Zealand. The Kiwis celebrate Xmas in the 25th day, so we're having a barbeque tomorrow. So far today I took a sweaty walk down to the bottle shop and got me a bottle of Savignon Blanc for the party here. Enjoyed some of the salmiakki that my parents and cousins sent here. Thanks for that! Went to beach for couple hours to get some Christmas tan and for a swim. I'm gonna make some food after bloggin, checking facebook and etc.

"Someone's got a little bit too much money"

2009-12-22T10:56:00.002+02:00

That was mine and Matt's conclusion about one guy who got picked up by a helicopter from the restaurant I'm working in. Imagine spending... I don't know, proabably 10 000 dollars to a helicopter ride to come to eat at a restaurant. Today was extremely busy day at Stonyridge and I was the only dishwasher. Usually there's two, but now, probably the busiest day so far this summer and I was doing dishes by myself. Well gladly I got some help from one of the chefs. I worked for 8 hours today without catching a breath. I was pretty done after work. Now I have atleast 4 days off. Happy Holidays everyone!

Kiwi Life

2009-12-20T09:38:00.002+02:00

I'm sorry that I didn't post anything yesterday. I had no internet time and I didn't see the manager at the hostel. Well, yesterday was pretty cool day after work couple beers, some food and then we headed to beach to hang out and had a bonfire there. It was nice to chill at the dark beach sorrounded by thousands of stars, listening to the nightly ocean and talk trash with friends. Today work wasn't that busy so it was good, I'm working tomorrow and tuesday again and then I'll have atleast 4 days christmas vacation I think. It doesn't feel like christmas at all, I don't know what it is, probably the weather. I've never spent christmas with palms trees, beaches and +30 weather.

WMAO

2009-12-18T10:10:00.002+02:00

I've been working my ass off in these couple days. Its only six hours, but its super busy and the work is so intense, gotta be on point the whole six hours and working hard, we dont know such thing as coffee break. Gladly the free beer and talking trash with other staff members after work takes the pain away.

Atmosphere

2009-12-17T08:22:00.002+02:00

You know whats cool about my job. Let me tell you. The atmosphere of the kitchen and been able to work with cool people. Also, when I get off work I can go to the bar and take myself a beer and go chill on the deck and just relax in the sun after busy day in work.

I Love My Life

2009-12-16T00:15:00.004+02:00

I went to Auckland for a suprise visit on monday and came back today. It was so much fun! Friends at Auckland were super happy to see me. It was nice to catch up with them. I planned first to come back to Waiheke on tuesday, but then John called me on tuesday noon because he came back from up north for one night, he continued today to Queenstown. So I met up with John and we took bus to the airport to go to see Mike who works there. He is a kiwi. When he got off we went to Mike's place to chill out and had a barbeque and couple beers. Once again I was stunned about the kiwi hospitality.

Grits - Ooh Aah

Take It Easy

2009-12-14T01:32:00.002+02:00

I signed a contract in Stonyridge Vineyard for two months now. It means that I'm gonna be in Waiheke for a while. Feels good to have some kinda picture about whats gonna happen. Its also cool to have a job. Me glad!

In The Mix

2009-12-12T12:09:00.003+02:00

This place is so mixed up. Here's so much people from different countries, different backrounds etc. We were hanging out at the yard and having a barbeque and there was people from England, Wales, South Africa, Latvia, Germany, Russia, New Zealand, Denmark, Holland and Finland. Its pretty funny when the different cultures and habits comes together. Like today, I drove a car for the first time on the wrong side of the road and I had a guy originally from South Africa, he has been living in New Zealand for 10 years, and guy from Wales with me and we went to pick up a Russian guy from the harbour in Waiheke, New Zealand. Tomorrow I'm working so I gotta go to sleep soon.

Jobbing

2009-12-11T08:37:00.003+02:00

Today I had the trial at Stonyridge's restaurant and it went pretty well. I'm gonna call them tomorrow to get more info about hours etc. So it looks now that I have two jobs. Stonyridge's employees are pretty laidback and the work environment is cool but busy. Its also one of the most popular vineyards so it gets really busy on summer. I talked today to the guy who employes people to work in different vineyards, leaf plocking for example. He said that they're gonna be busy around summer so I have a chance to do some more work.

It Works

2009-12-10T11:36:00.002+02:00

I had my first day working in a vineyard. We were plocking leaves, so basicly just pick off the leaves from vine bushes to get more sun exposure to the grapes. It was chardonnay grapes that we were working on today. Its boiling in the sun. Today was like 30° celsius and we were out at the sun for 7 hours, it was crazy. Luckily the supervisor gave us some sun block and water from time to time. After work we headed to the beach for some swimming and cooling down. The manager took us also to another beach that was pretty cool because we had to walk there for a while and once we got there we were the only people on the beach. On the way to the store later on we went to a lookout point to watch the sunset, man, it was so cool! At work today I was talking about christmas that I'm used to in Finland and on guy made a really good point, he said, "why sit around the fireplace when you can go to the beach". Well thats probably what I'm doing this christmas!

Tänään olin töissä yhellä viinitilalla. Meijän työnkuva on vaan repiä lehtiä pois viini "puskasta", että rypäleet saa enemmän auringonvaloo. Se ei oo mitenkään hullun raskasta, mut aika tylsää ja myös se vie vähä voimia ku pitää olla koko päivä paahtavassa auringossa, joku 30°. Onneks meijän pomo kävi tuomassa meille aurinkovoidetta ja vettä välillä ettei ihan kuihduttu pystyyn. Kyseessä oli tänään Chardonnay valkoviini. Pitää varmaa ruveta opetteleen viininjuomista täällä kun tää maa ja varsinki tää saari on ihan täynnä viinitiloja. Töiden jälkeen menin kahen Walesiläisen kanssa, jonka kanssa tein töitä myös, tohon lähi rannalla uimaan ja hengaan. Myöhemmin toi hostellin pomo vei meijät yhelle rannalle, mikä oli aika siisti ku oltiin ainoot siä. Sit käytiin kahen Aucklandilaisen jäbän kanssa ja yhen Wellingtonilaisen tytön kanssa kattomassa auringonlaskua näköalapaikalta. Oli aika huikee auringonlasku, eka tuli mieleen afrikkalaiset luontodokumentit, mutta ilman norsuja. Huomenna meen kahen tunnin kokeilulle yhen suositun viinitilan ravintolaan tiskaan. Toivottavasti saisin hommia sieltä, no sen näkee huomenna. Stonyridge on se paikan nimi, paikalliset jonka kanssa oon puhunu ne sano et siä keittöissä työnskentely on tosi hyvä kesähomma, ainaki ne kokit on lunkeja äijiä mitä oon tavannu. Ei tähän oikee muuta voi sanoo ku: Today was a good day

Hot Long Summer

2009-12-09T10:28:00.002+02:00

Today was extremely hot day. It was good, I hung out at the beach with one of my welsh friend that made a surprise trip to Waiheke. The water is pretty cold though, at first it feels like freezing but then once you've gotten over the I'm freezing my balls off stage its actually pretty good and refreshing. I've got tomorrow some vineyard work, I have to get up like 6.30 am.

150th/Chill Day

2009-12-08T08:32:00.003+02:00

This is my 150th post. I had a pretty chill day today. I went to the city to buy new jandals (flip flops) got some food from the super market, ate some good subs, watched some american football and then we went to the beach with guys from the UK to swim and get some Tua Tua's.

Mussels

2009-12-07T00:42:00.003+02:00

Palm beach, going to get some mussels.

We had a great weather through weekend, so we chilled out at beaches a lot. On saturday we went to Palm beach to get some mussels then ate them. First we had to boil them so they opened up. Yesterday was also pretty warm. around 26 celcuis in the shadow, so pretty good. I couldn't post anything yesterday beacause the internet wasn't working.

Good Day Sir

2009-12-05T00:39:00.002+02:00

This is my room at the hostel right now. Not much privacy, but its okay. I have some cool room mates. Today is pretty nice day, somewhat 2o degrees and partly sunny. I'm gonna hit the beach later on and get some new photos.

Rain

2009-12-04T08:01:00.002+02:00

Sticking with the same photo theme. Nothing special happend today. I've just been calling and e-mailin wineries about jobs. The weather is really bad. It's been raining heavily today. Well atleast we are going to the right direction. The manager of the hostel said that the summer weather should come soon. Lets hope it does.

Lovin Life

2009-12-03T10:24:00.002+02:00

I've been adjusting to the life here in Waiheke and I like it a lot. Its just so much more peaceful and relaxing than life in Auckland. Like today, I took a book and went to the beach and just sat there on the bench and read little bit and then took a walk on the beach. The beach is probably my favorite place here. The second you go there your mind just goes stress free. I could sit the whole day at the beach and just watch the waves. Tomorrow I'm go do some labouring work, so I got some money coming in, Yei! Things are looking great. I sent some e-mails to on vineyard that are looking for employees. They asked me to send my CV.

Tänään oli kaikenkaikkiaan hyvä päivä. Aamupäivästä sato aika paljon, mut onneks loppu sit joskus kahen aikaan ja rupes aurinko paistaan, täällä keli muuttuu niin nopeesti. Kävin bussilla super marketissa ostamassa vähä lisää ruokaa, toisaalta aika hyvä et Waihekella ei oo paljoo, ainakaan täällä puolella, ravintoloita sun muita, niin oon ruvennu itte kokkailleen kaikkee. Parina ekana päivänä söin makaroonia ja jauhelihaa ja tänää ostin muutamalle päivälle subi aineksiä niin saa vähä vaihtelua toho ruokavalioon. Kauppareissun jälkeen kun olin syöny ja huomasin ettei TV toimi niin otin tosta yhen kirjan ja menin lukeen tonne rannalle sitä. Kuulostaa varmaan vähä oudolta, kirjoja mitä oon vapaaehtosesti lukenu mahtuu yhteen käteen. Toi ranta on ehkä mun lempi paikka täällä. Aina kun sinne menee nii tulee vaan niin hyvä fiilis, siä on niin rauhallista. Varsinkin kun samaan aikaan siä oli varmaan kolme ihmistä mun lisäks.
Huomenna alan raksaileen yhen jätkän kaa yhtä osaa tästä hostellista ku katto vähä vuoti eilen, koska sato aika kovaa ja omistaja sano et kuollu lintu oli juuttunu vissii rännii. Mut hyvä et on ainaki jotai hommia ny. Oon tässä lähetelly sähköpostia yhelle viinitilalle missä ne ettii työntekijöitä, ne pyysi mua lähettään mun CV:n sinne. Toivottavasti pääsis johki vakihommiin kohta. Sieltä toiselta viinitilalta missä ne ettii tiskaajaa pitäs tulla soittoo tännepäin, mut käyn siä varmaan uudestaa maanantaina.

Hello Waiheke

2009-12-02T06:19:00.003+02:00

This photo is not from Waiheke, its from Auckland. I'm now staying at a nice back packers in Waiheke and I love it here. The manager of this hostel is pretty cool guy also. He gave me a free ride from the harbour to the hostel. I also checked out one winery for a dishwashing job, I'm pretty confident for the job. The longest beach in Waiheke is like 2 min walk down 155 stairs. Its one mile long, its so cool to live so near the beach. I'll post some photos from here once I get some.

Bye Bye Auckland

2009-11-30T22:54:00.003+02:00

For a while. I'm off to Waiheke soon. I've already booked a room there and the hostel manager is kind enough that he is gonna pick me up at the harbour once I get to Waiheke. Saves me the taxi money. I'll hopefully get a job in a week or so. Lets hope everything goes well. Today is super hot day, I love it. I can't believe its december.

Skating Auckland

2009-11-30T03:29:00.002+02:00

I went yesterday to take some photos of a skater from Chile, Sebastian. He works at the Billabong store here in Auckland and he just got his skateboard. We had great times cruisin around Auckland and shooting. Here is couple pictures and I'll post some more later.

Exploring Waiheke

2009-11-28T03:17:00.005+02:00

The scooter that I rented a.k.a the beast

I went on thursday to Waiheke Island. Its a 45 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Its a small island with a lot of vineyards and it is probably closest to a paradise I've ever been. Theres a lot of beaches there and usually they are not so crowded so you can almost have a beach to yourself. I rented a scooter and drove around the island looking for jobs in wineries., I'm trying to get a job in this one winery. They are looking for a dishwasher, I'm moving to Waiheke next week and try to get the job. I don't really care what kinda job I get as long as its on Waiheke, because I'd like to live there for a while.

Kävin torstaina tuolla Waiheke saarella. Se on 45 minuutin lauttamatkan päässä Aucklandin keskustasta. Se on todella hieno paikka, aika lähellä paratiisia. Vuokrasin skootterin ittelleni päiväks käyttöön 50:llä dollarilla (25€) ja tankki oli täynnä. Ajelin joku neljä tai viis tuntia tuo saarella ja kävin muutamilla viinitiloilla. Yhellä tilalla on tiskaajan paikka auki, yritän saada sen. Ne sano et ne tarvii tiskaajan niitten ravintolaan ja sitten myöhemmin ehkä lisää työntekijöitä viinitilalle. Aika sama minkälaisia töitä on kunhan vaa pääsee asuun tonne Waihekelle. Löysin yhen backpackers hostellin ihan yhen rannan läheltä, joku 5 min kävelymatka. Se hostelli on mäenpäällä joten näköalat on ihan huikeet. Muutan sinne ens viikolla. Siä maksaa vaan 100 dollaria viikko asua (50€).

Jobhunting and Poker

2009-11-24T05:39:00.003+02:00

I played in a poker tournament yesterday at the Sky City Casino here in Auckland. 99 players started and I finished 7th, it was awesome, the whole tournament was great fun! I got some more money to pay my accommodation. Job hunting is still going on. I got some new places to call, I'm stayin positive.

Eilen oli hullu työnhaku päällä. Queenstownissa olisi ehkä yks valokuvaushomma, siinä pitäis kuvata turisteja jossain kiiltomato luolassa tai jotai, jos ymmärsin oikein. Kuulostaa ihan hyvältä, mutta mun suunnitelmien mukaan oon vasta menossa etelään tammi-helmikuussa. Täällä on paljon töitä mutta mulla ei oo yhtään työkokemusta niistä hommista, esim. tarjoilija. Niin on vähän kiven alla noi työt. Illalla mentiin sitten kasinolle Zakin ja Kevinin kanssa pokeriturnaukseen. 20 dollarin siisäänosto ja 11 ensimmäistä voitti rahaa, olin seittemäs, pelaajia oli kokonaisuudessaan 99. Oli ehkä yks hienoimmista kokemuksista vähään aikaan. Vaikka pelasin pokeria joku viisi tuntia en ollu tylsistyny missään vaiheessa. Kevin tuli neljänneks tai viidenneks. Kelit on parantunu aika paljon. Ei tarvi aamulla kattella enään farkkuja, shortseilla ja t-paidalla pärjää ihan hyvin.

Summer Reminiscing

2009-11-23T04:21:00.003+02:00

When I got my film developed I ran into these photos from last summer. It got me reminiscing how great summer in Finland is.

Clowns & Guitar Heroes

2009-11-21T14:27:00.003+02:00

I got inspired to take more shots with my film camera by Jonathan Mannion's home page. I haven't taken so much photos on film, the film in my camera was like 2 years old but I finished it today and got it developed and it brought back memories how nice shooting on film is. Its got a different feel to it, I don't know what but it feels more like real photography. With todays equipment almost anyone can take good photos, so when it comes to film the true photographers will be reconized.

A clip of Jonathan Mannion on Maestro Knows

Portraits

2009-11-21T02:03:00.002+02:00

I've taken some portraits of people in my hostel. This guy is the boss/host of the hostels bar activities. He's job is basicly playing poker in the bar's freeroll tournament, socialize with people, host the pool tournament and if he wants, get drunk.

I possibly will get a job next week. I called to this guy in South Island and he said that theres 17 open jobs in wineries, so lets hope its for real and I'll be working next week.

Same old

2009-11-19T12:07:00.002+02:00

I haven't done anything really amazing in past couple days. Mostly job hunting, today we called in a bunch of farms for some farm work. Grooming sheep would be a great job. The weathers getting better also, its now warm even when its not sunny.

Work, Work, Work

2009-11-17T03:24:00.002+02:00

I'm trying like hell to get a job here. Winery work would be the greatest, but I haven't still landed anything. I've literally sent like 30 e-mails including resumes but the answer seems to be "we are fully staffed right now, call back next week or we'll call you if something comes up.

Oispa niitä töitä jo. Oon lähetelly joka paikkaan sähköpostia, soitellu ja yrittäny tutustua mahdollisimman moneen täällä, mutta ei oo vielä mitään löytynyt. Viinitilalle ois niin helmi päästä töihin. Tosta Aucklandin satamasta 45 minuutin lauttamatkan päässä on Waiheke Island missä on kymmeniä viinitiloja, me mennään huomenna Gaz:in kanssa sinne kierteleen viinitilat läpi ja viedään meidän CV:t samalla. Viinikausi on vasta aluillaan täällä niin on hyvä saada jalka oven väliin hyvässä vaiheessa.

Good Times At Balcony Bar

2009-11-16T02:51:00.005+02:00

The Balcony bar at my hostel is up and running. Its on 6th floor right on the center of Auckland. They have BBQ thats becoming daily when the weathers get better, it was first time on friday, you could buy burger, saugage and salad for $6 (=3€) and beer for $5 (=2,5€), so it was a good deal. It seems something like a "family" has formed from people that have stayed around in the hostel for longer.

He's Andy the manager of Balcony Bar. He's from Newcastle so he has a funny accent, he's also a big fan of Newcastle United. U know how Brits love their football.

Fortunate

2009-11-13T14:57:00.002+02:00

The movie I just watched got me thinking how fortunate I am to be able to travel, live with no stress, do whatever and go wherever I want. Sometimes we take for granted what we've got. I'm thankful the support I've got from my family and friends and most of all that I've stayed healthy and everythings been good, lets hope it stays that way.

Resume drop off

2009-11-12T02:11:00.003+02:00

Today I walked around and dropped off my resumes for different stores, so lets hope i'll get some work soon. Its a nice day today, like 20 degrees and sunny. Cheers to friends back in Finland.

Sunshine

2009-11-10T03:36:00.001+02:00

This is one of the nicest sunsets I've ever seen. Its from my kiwi friends balcony overlooking city of Auckland.

Live Your Life

2009-11-09T03:17:00.003+02:00

While I've been here I've learned you can do whatever with your life but with great freedom comes responsibility also. I'm learning new things about life everyday, maybe not anything really amazing but stuff that I wouldn't had probably noticed or experienced in Finland. Traveling teaches so much about life.

Mad cookin'

2009-11-08T12:53:00.002+02:00

I cooked some pasta carbonara today with Ross, Chris and Darran. It was great. I think I'll be in Auckland for a while, it looks like it. I have an interview for a job tomorrow, lets see how it goes.

Englishmen really like their tea

2009-11-07T02:20:00.000+02:00

Atleast a cup per day.

Come on Summer

2009-11-05T04:29:00.002+02:00

Summer is arriving in New Zealand. The sun is getting hotter (todays really shitty weather) and always when I'm in the sun I have this wierd feeling, because the sun here is very dangerous.

Multilingual

2009-11-03T12:33:00.003+02:00

The variety of languages and cultures that are is this hostel and this city amazes me. Theres a girl talking Japanese or Chinese on skype next to me, on the other side two French guys talking French. I also tasted real Italian parmesan cheese today when we were talking to this Italian guy and heard the longest word of a place there is from a Welsh guy.

Nice ass Boat

2009-11-02T04:04:00.004+02:00

The sickest boat ever. It can speed up to 50 knots (around 90 kmh). It holds a record being the fastest boat circumnavigating the globe. These guys are leaving to Antarctica to chase whale hunters.

More info about Ady Gil

Mumbai

2009-10-31T03:24:00.002+02:00

One sunday there was an Indian market in the viaduct harbour. So much Indian people, I almost thought I was in India. There was music shows, Indian food, fortune tellers etc.

Jim Jones

2009-10-30T03:47:00.002+02:00

Is it really him? Or his Indian cousin?