Dear diary #01
Secrets and tips for you to enjoy yourself in Helsinki: next event, movies, art, a concert for Amelie Poulain lovers and more!
Dear Diary,
When I lived in a big city, I have always wished to be closer to nature, but I never managed to make it a part of my lifestyle. You know how it is in a bustling city like São Paulo - it’s full of artificial lights, noises, and other distractions that make it hard to relax.
Moving to Helsinki was like a breath of fresh air. I finally found the peace and quiet I had been searching for. Although I must admit, it did take me some time to adjust to this new way of life. It wasn’t easy to calm my restless mind.
I struggled to appreciate the darkness and silence during the winter months, feeling frozen and unable to go anywhere. I could only longed for the sun’s return. But, as it turns out, there is magic here. The winter became the time when I felt the most creative. I started cooking, drawing, writing, and sewing and found that I could tap into my creativity in ways I never thought possible.
Love,
Tássia.
NEXT SECRET EVENT
We have a super special meet-up coming soon: The Secret Club Wine & Paint! We will get together at Winemaria’s cozy tasting room near Kamppi. It’s going to be a cheerful and fun afternoon. You’re welcome to join us!
Wine & Paint — 13 of January 2024
€45 🍷 🎨 Price includes the workshop and glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage.
The bar will be open during the event.
You don’t need to know anything about painting to jump in. We’d love to have you! But hurry, spots are limited, so don’t wait too long to save your place.
CHRISTMAS MARKET
Have you been to the Christmas Market already? I want to drink some glögi and see the beautiful giant Christmas tree there. And to buy beeswax candles! Hopefully, they’ll have it this year.
FROM INSTAGRAM
3 things to do in Helsinki by yourself — and why
1. Secret Cocktail Bar —Trillby & Chadwick 🕵🏻♂️
Discover a small, intimate cocktail bar with unique drinks and a captivating menu that unveils the story of Hildebrand Trillby and Ashcroft Chadwick’s private detective agency.
Why
The bar has a well-designed and creative menu adorned with beautiful illustrations. By yourself, you can enjoy reading the menu’s stories without ignoring anyone. I feel like bringing a book and ordering a “Love is a verb,” which comes in a teapot and is served in a cute tea cup.
Plus, clients cannot take pictures inside the bar (which I secretly loved). Definitely a place to enjoy yourself.
Maps
Reservations
2. Go Float
Last winter, I had a fantastic experience tailored to one: Float. It is a perfect space to be with yourself and relax. Yes — you’ll be literally floating. The capsule-like tanks create an utterly stimulus-free environment. Inside the tank, I was impressed with the colors and the peacefulness. It was a moment of introspection. You just need to be.
After the floating session, you can treat yourself to a cup of tea and relax in their cozy & comfy lounge.
3. Go for a movie at Riviera
I am a big Riviera fan. I love the decoration and having drinks while watching my favorite movie. For those who want to try solo activities, I believe going to a movie theater is one of the best options because it’s a place where you are not supposed to talk (!). At Riviera, you can even pamper yourself with pre-ordered drinks and snacks for stepping outside your comfort zone.
SECRET CLUB CHOICE FROM THE PROGRAM —
CONCERT
Yann Tiersen goes to Tallinn
Monday 18 March 2024
Nobel Hall
Tickets
If you fell in love with the movie “Amélie Poulain” soundtrack, you’ll be happy that the French multi-instrumentalist and composer Yann Tiersen will perform in Tallinn. After a 9-year hiatus, he is returning to Estonia to offer a unique two-in-one program to concertgoers.
The concert’s first part will feature a piano performance of Tiersen’s most popular pieces. In contrast, the second part will showcase an electronic music performance called “Kerber Complete Tour: Solo Piano + Electronics.”
If you don’t know or don’t remember “Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amelie Poulain, “enjoy the video below 🎠
ART — LAST OF THE YEAR
Fond of art? You can take part in the Helsinki Art Walk for a complimentary guided tour of the newest exhibitions. I haven’t taken the tour yet, but I am considering joining this next time. Do say hi if you see me! The tour will be conducted in English.
Sunday, 17 December 13:30, at MUU Helsinki
MUU Helsinki Contemporary Art Centre
Galleria Pirkko-Liisa Topelius
Galleria Duetto
Galleria Halmetoja
BOOKSHELF
“The Nordic Theory of Everything” is a book I wish I had read as soon as I learned that I was moving to a Nordic country. Anu Partanen compares people’s lifestyles in the United States with those in Nordic countries, notably Finland. The book is an excellent resource for learning practical things and falling in love with the Nordic lifestyle.
It details how relationships between parents and children, men and women, employees and employers, and government and citizens work. It helps to understand the individual freedom and independence mindset that Nordic countries embrace to allow citizens to enjoy their lives in freedom.