Winds of change are blowing my way

Summer is almost gone (but never forgotten!), I'm eating ice cream and writing this blog post on my balcony. Life is pretty great at this moment. I have so much to tell you!

Where should I begin? The major news? Yes! Guys, I got into school! I've started to study Hospitality Management in Tampere University of Applied Sciences just two days ago! I'm really happy that I got in and my class is awesome. I've had lots of fun with them already and even though tonight I'm taking a day off of group activities, I'll catch up when I get back from NYC.

Summer went... well while working. So nothing new I guess.

And let's take a small throwback to last weekend. I spent the last weekend in Helsinki attending my dear friend Kipa's surprise baby shower! I baked a cake for her and kept her busy while the others went to her apartment and decorated it. At the same time we were looking out for possible shots for a baby bump photoshoot we were planning on doing. The party was successful and in the evening we left to Vallila to take some photos of the mom-to-be (and the dad-to-be). I stayed the night and on Sunday we continued with Kipa by heading off to Alppiruusupuisto (Rhododendron Park) to take some more pictures that turned out to be just gorgeous, even though the blooming season had been long gone.

So... New York City is waiting for me in only two days! Honestly I'm so excited and terrified at the same time. This will be the first trip I'm doing completely solo. I already have so much planned!

Let's just say that I have hop-on hop-off bus tour, new york city pass (with admission to 6 attractions), helicopter ride over manhattan, a course at magnolia bakery and the cherry on top: wicked on broadway. I've been planning a lot like what to do and what to see on each day, since the NYC pass has attractions that obviously will have queues (even though some give you the opportunity to skip them). So the plans kind of... live through the trip.

I'm also waiting for Monday's welcome party at my hostel and meeting all the new people. I'm hoping that everything will go well and I don't lose stuff (or forget to pack something essential with me).

Alright, so next time I'll write I'll probably be in New York already. So until then!

Her name was New York

It feels so unreal. It was only about six months ago when I was planning a trip to Paris with my godson and his family but plans changed due to some miscommunication. So about half an hour ago I booked flights to New York! 

This trip is first of sorts for me. First of all, my first trip to New York. I fell in love with Los Angeles and I think the same will happen here. Second of all, this is my first trip alone. Or well, when I went to Ireland I went alone too but... not alone. I had support from other exchange students and I made some great friends while I was there too. But this time it will be just me, myself and I.

Seeing New York, just like seeing Los Angeles, is on my bucket list. Another thing on my bucket list: seeing a Wicked on Broadway. So yes, I'm going to do exactly that. And if I'm lucky enough, I'll be seeing Finding Neverland as well. I've been in love with that since I found out that Matthew Morrison is playing J.M. Barrie in the Broadway version. And while he isn't performing anymore, it is still a great play with great songs so I'm truly hoping that I am that lucky indeed.

For now, I don't really have any solid plans. For the first time I'm able to see what it is to actually travel alone and I'm half excited and half terrified about it. I'm a social person but also sort of shy. However, I don't have problem in opening my mouth if the situation needs it. But I know I'll be fine. Right now there's butterflies in my stomach.

Lately I've kind of thought about life and just decided to reach out for my dreams (well, those that are reachable). Seeing New York being one of them. Seeing Empire State Building, Broadway, Times Square, Madison Square Garden and the Statue of Liberty. And well, shopping of course. Money's just money, you work hard and you get it, but experiences are priceless. Seeing world is priceless. While I might not be a millionaire or rich, I save up and when I have enough, I go somewhere. I'd lose my head if I got stuck here at home for the whole summer.

So now, dear readers, I need tips! Tell me places that I need to see, shops I need to visit, how to work the NYC subway (and what kind of card to buy if I'm there for a week), how to get from Newark to Manhattan, where to get cheap(er) Broadway tickets etc. I literally want to hear about everything!

love,