Blue Wings Feast issue July - August 2019 by Finnair_BlueWings

Feast issue 6 / 2019

BLUE WINGS RAMEN STORIES

THE ULTIMATE COMFORT FOOD EATING ESTONIA

The great Baltic foodie roadtrip GARDEN EFFECT

London’s green eateries up their game RUBBISH NO MORE

DON’T BE SHY – HELP YOURSELF TO THIS ISSUE AND SHARE IT WITH A LOVED ONE!

It’s time to talk travel plastics

SMALL GIFTS

GREAT FEELINGS

NEW DAWN GIFT SET, LIMITED EDITION New Dawn, design Lina Simons & Lumi Aurora jewelry purse. Handmade in Helsinki.

Editorial Welcome onboard

bluewings.finnair.com

FO KUS M E D I A F I N L A N D Managing editor Amanda Soila Art director Aino Ahtiainen Web editor Shelly Nyqvist Visual designers Sesilja Lindell, Iris Mark Editorial assistant Aino Vähälä English editing Silja Kudel

ARJA SUOMI NE N

SVP, communications and corporate responsibility

Cover Marcos Grois by Andrew Taylor Behind this issue Tim Bird, João Canto, Mark Fletcher, Laura Iisalo, Outi Kainiemi, Silja Kudel, Rachel Li, Ninarose Maoz, Katja Pantzar, Jussi Ratilainen, Nina Roberts, Robert Seger, Vuokko Salo, Heli Sorjonen, Elisa Suokko, Andrew Taylor, and Lina Tegman Submissions and feedback bluewings@fokusmedia.fi Blue Wings online bluewings.finnair.com issuu.com/finnair_bluewings Editorial Offices Hämeentie 135 A, 00560 Helsinki, Finland, tel. +358 40 630 8253 firstname.lastname@fokusmedia.fi Advertising Sales Jaana Lindvall-Harki tel. +358 40 582 1416 jaana.lindvall-harki@fokusmedia.fi Publisher Fokus Media Finland Printed by Punamusta, Joensuu, Finland 2019 Paper UPM Valor 61g, Cover paper Stora Enso LumiArt 200g ISSN-0358-7703

Editor-in-Chief Arja Suominen arja.suominen@finnair.com Finnair Head Office Tietotie 9 A, Helsinki Airport, 1053 Finnair, Finland, tel. +358 (0)9 818 81, Postal address: P. O. Box 15, 01053 Finnair, Finland Customer feedback finnair.com/feedback or by mail: Customer Relations, SL/403, FI-01053 Finnair finnair.com, finnair.fi, finnairgroup.com

The taste of summer EAC H YE AR , I mark the start of the holiday season with a trip to Helsinki’s Market Square, where I buy some new potatoes, savoury smoked white fish, fresh vegetables, and berries. This ritual takes me back to my childhood, when summers were full of sunshine, exciting new adventures, and forays into nature. The taste of wild strawberries reminds me of the ones I used to pick with my grandmother on e xcursions into the forest. One of my greatest joys in life is gathering good friends together around the table for a d elicious meal and inspiring conversation, either at home or in a restaurant. As Helsinki restaurant life is blooming, we’re spoiled for choice in the Finnish capital. For my most recent night out with colleagues, we chose the vegetarian option Cargo, as I was inspired by the gorgeous images of herbs, flowers, and other seasonal Finnish ingredients posted on s ocial media. This is the best time of year to sample Finnish cuisine. Wishing you a wonderful summer with great culinary experiences! Arja Suominen

As Helsinki restaurant life is blooming, we’re spoiled for choice.

JULY-AUGUST 2019 BLUE WINGS 3

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RÃ¤ven 20 L

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Your Journey Awaits in Central Japan Japan can be roughly divided into the east and the west by culture. As the geographic midpoint of the country, Central Japan has developed its own unique culture that combines the cultures of west and east Japan. Central Japan is also the birthplace of many famous military commanders from Japanese history. These military commanders ruled over castles, castle gardens, and castle towns, many of which have left behind remains that are valued to this day as historical artifacts. In addition to sightseeing, visitors to the area can try on samurai armor and kimonos, allowing them to enjoy a traditional cultural experience. In addition to Tokaido and Nakasendo, two major routes of Japan, Central Japan became an important point of transportation connecting east and west Japan in the 16th century. Therefore, the area is known for its beautiful natural scenery, as well as for growing large amounts of local produce and developing delicious cuisine. The Rugby World Cup will be held in Japan starting this September. Several of the matches will be held at two stadiums in Central Japan, Toyota Stadium and Ecopa Stadium. Why not take a trip to Central Japan in between rugby matches and get an authentic experience of the country?

Scan the QR code to the left with the camera on your smartphone or tablet to easily check out information about Central Japan online (data charges may apply). If you cannot scan the QR code, try accessing the following URL.

www.doitcj.jp

INUYAMA CASTLE

As I travelled around Central Japan, I was able to get an authentic experience of the country. There are fascinating things to discover and experience in each locale, and I’m going to introduce a few of them to you, including strolling through the old town streets of Magome, dressing in a kimono as you visit Inuyama Castle and the castle town in Inuyama, and making your own maneki-neko at the Maneki-Neko Museum in Seto.

NAGANO

MAGOME / Take a rest in Magome Kaido

GIFU

INUYAMA / Sankouinari Shrine lacated near the Inuyama Castle

INUYAMA

Hotel Dinner at Magome-juku

MAGOME

AICHI SETO

SHIZUOKA

TOYOTA Stadium MIE

ECOPA Stadium

TOKYO Finnair oﬀers ﬂights from Helsinki Airport to Chubu

OSAKA

NAGOYA

Centrair International Airport every day. Enjoy a pleasant trip to Central Japan aboard cutting-edge airliner A350-900.

Finnair ﬂies daily to Nagoya

SETO / Tea ceremony experience at Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum

Your Journey Awaits in Central Japan

A picturesque historical getaway set in the lush countryside On the first leg of our journey, we put Central Japan’s metropolitan

TEXT JOACHIM MUNTAL PHOTO Shin Araki Youichi Nakamura

hub, Nagoya, behind us and made our way to an old post town in the countryside. As we left Nagoya, the city landscape gave way to green rice fields and charming Japanese homes, framed by

MAGOME

majestic mountains covered in lush vegetation.

Troves of cultural, historical, and culinary treasures await in Central Japan. Situated between Tokyo and Osaka, Central Japan and its history as a bustling hub for traffic and trade has cultivated a rich, unique culture renowned for its craftsmanship and flourishing industries. The countryside and its lush rice fields, beautiful mountains, and azure sky offer respite from the bustling cities, and the region’s cultural centers feature a wide array of exciting events and local delicacies. As we embark on our journey through the heart of Japan, we invite you to join us in discovering Central Japan’s wealth of sights and activities.

We eventually arrived at Magome, a pic-

travelers, and with its charming tatami mat

turesque historical post town. Magome is

rooms and cozy futons, it let us experience

located on the Nakasendo – a route that

Japanese hospitality in ways we couldn’t in

connected Tokyo’s predecessor, Edo, to

the city. For dinner and breakfast we were

the outer provinces – and is where weary

served traditional Japanese cuisine, com-

travelers would rest on their journeys to and

plete with generous servings of fish, miso

from the capital. The town’s rich history

soup, and other delectable dishes. Feeling

emanates from the traditional architecture

rejuvenated the next morning, we departed

of the shops, restaurants, and museums that

to our next destination.

line the town’s central street, and as we explored we couldn’t help but feel as though we had traveled to the past. While strolling along the central street, we stopped by a shop selling local artisan goods made with hinoki, an elegant cypress used in Japan since ancient times, as well as a food stand where

GOHEI-MOCHI (rice cakes)

castle, Inuyama Castle. We knew we had to include this feat of feudal Japanese archi-

chestnut snacks and

way to the city of Inuyama.

GOHEI-MOCHI (rice cakes). In the after-

eatery where we ate delicious chicken rice

your smartphone or tablet to easily check out

bowls.

information about Central Japan online (data

That night we stayed at Mago-

www.doitcj.jp

tral Japan is home to Japan’s oldest extant

tecture in our itinerary, and so we made our

Scan the QR code to the left with the camera on

code, try accessing the following URL.

During our travels, we learned that Cen-

we relished sweet

noon we visited a quaint

charges may apply). If you cannot scan the QR

Japan’s oldest extant castle provides glimpses into the past

mechaya, a traditional Japanese lodging house. The lodging house has English-speaking staff, making it a popular destination among foreign

INUYAMA

On our way to the castle, we stopped by a kimono shop in the neighboring castle town, where we picked out traditional Japanese garb

Advertisement MANEKI-NEKO MUSEUM

to wear for our castle excursion. Donning

ately clear why. Lining

our elegant attire, we approached the castle

the city streets were

with a newly acquired sense of nobility. We

numerous shops featur-

passed by a beautiful shrine and walked

ing beautiful, intricate

through a series of bright red torii gates be-

works.

fore reaching the castle gate, beyond which

We began our explora-

the fortress’s impressive keep could be seen

tion of Seto by visiting

towering in the sky.

Setogura, the city’s

Inuyama Castle is one of five castles in

tourism hub. There we

Japan that have been designated as national

visited several shops

treasures. Due to its preserved state, the cas-

featuring items of var-

tle offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past

ious styles and genres.

and retains an authentic feel that’s missing

From elegant dishware

from Japan’s reconstructed castles.

to adorable figurines, there was something

surprised to come across the Maneki-Neko

We ascended the castle’s steep stairs, con-

for everyone among the shops’ plethora of

Museum. A recognizable symbol around

served from its original construction, and

goods, and one could spend days trying

the world, the maneki-neko , or “beck-

while making our way up the four stories,

to see all that the city’s craftsmen have to

oning cat,” is a charm that invites luck

admired wall scrolls and other artifacts on

offer.

and wealth. At the museum, we got the

display. Among the discoveries along the

Setogura houses a museum which,

chance to learn about the history of this

way was a room where retainers would hide

in addition to providing a

in preparation to stop assailants’ attempts

general history of the

on their lord’s life.

area and the devel-

When we arrived at the top level, we were

opment of Seto

Topping off our experi-

treated to a stunning panoramic view of

craftsmanship,

ence was the opportu-

the Kiso River and castle grounds, and as

contains recrea-

nity to paint our own

we viewed the surrounding region from the

tions of an old

maneki-neko figurines.

castle’s peak, we felt what it was like to be

ceramic produc-

With brushes in hand,

lords looking out onto our domain.

tion factory and

iconic charm and see thousands of figurines spanning numerous styles.

we infused these figurines with our own

of Seto’s old train

Center for craftsmanship steeped in rich tradition of ceramic production The city of Seto is a renowned cultural center of pottery and ceramics craftsmanship. Upon entering the city, it was immedi-

personalities and entrust-

station. Among the

ed them to bring us good

tools on display were

fortune. We didn’t have to wait

potter’s wheels used

long for luck to strike, however.

by Seto craftsmen as well as large tables lined with freshly

As part of the crafting experience, muse-

shaped works sitting out to dry.

um staff fired these figurines and sent the

During our time in Seto, we were pleasantly

finished products directly to our residence!

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019 20 SEPTEMBER - 2 NOVEMBER

Schedule of matches in Central Japan

Several Rugby World Cup 2019 matches will

WEDNESDAY 09 OCTOBER 16:15

SCOTLAND V RUSSIA

FRIDAY 11 OCTOBER

AUSTRALIA V GEORGIA

be held at ECOPA Stadium and Toyota Stadium in Central Japan. These stadiums can be easily accessed from Chubu Centrair International Airport. See the official Rugby World Cup website for details.

www.rugbyworldcup.com

ECOPA Stadium SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 16:15

JAPAN V IRELAND

FRIDAY 04 OCTOBER

SOUTH AFRICA V ITALY

18:45 19:15

TOYOTA Stadium MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER

19:15

WALES V GEORGIA

SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 18:45

SOUTH AFRICA V NAMIBIA

SATURDAY 05 OCTOBER

19:30

JAPAN V SAMOA

SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER

13:45

NEW ZEALAND V ITALY

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Contents July-August

Dream 17

GLO B AL P U L S E

Earthy trends

NE W YO R K C I T Y

Stretchy ice cream

2 2 P O RTO

Sweet and salty Thai treats

“Ramen is happiness in a bowl,” says Marcos Gois. Page 38

PAG E 44

Paper architect

2 6 LO ND O N

Urban green

P RO D U C T

French kitchen essentials

INS P IRATI O N

33 B O RD E AUX

Artisan distillary

The city dreamer

3 4 TOKYO

Artistic views

PAG E 2 2

Explore Table tales of Estonia

3 8 PR OFI L E

PAGE 5 0

50 FI E L D TR I P

Chef Marcos Gois 44 THAI L AND

Street food sensations Culinary journey through Estonia

SMAR T STUFF

Clever thinking by companies 63 CONVE R SATI ON

EU chat with Anu Partanen

Green temptations in London. Page 26

JULY-AUGUST 2019 BLUE WINGS 11

Contents July-August

Create 66 C RE ATIV E CO R N ER

Finnish flower power 77 S H OWRO O M

Global design

84 INV E STIGATIO N

Plastic-free travel 89 Q &A

Don’t be a tourist in NYC Soft summer evenings in Bologna. Page 95

Fly

Floral goodness in Finland

95 FI NNAI R NE WS

What’s new

98 FI NNAI R SE RVI CES

Fly the short northern route

PAG E 66

99 FI NNAI R PLUS

Frequent flyer rewards

100 SHOPPI NG

Wish list from the Finnair Shop

102 MY FI NNAI R

Passenger stories

103 NOR D I C KI TCHE N

3 ways to a tasty meal

104 W E L L NE SS

Winning the war on single-use plastic

Comfortable flying

105 E NTE R TAI NME NT

Stay connected

106 STAFF TI PS

Meditative destinations

107 HOL I DAY SAMPL ER

PAG E 8 4

City and island paradises

108 SUSTAI NAB I L I TY

UN Women

109 FL E E T

Modern fleet at your service

110 MAPS

Artek goes Tokyo! Page 77

Helsinki Airport and destination check-list

114 FI NL AND FACTS

Fascinating figures

12 BLUE WINGS JULY-AUGUST 2019



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PHOTO JUSSI RATILAINEN

Dream

Keep your curiosity alive

The world as we know it Portuguese artist Ana AragÃ£o on her hauntingly beautiful cityscapes (p. 22) JULY-AUGUST 2019 BLUE WINGS 15

For Dynamic Summer Adventures

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Global pulse COMPILED BY KATJA PANTZAR

Ideas for good life from around the world

The new seafood

Book nook

MARINE MUNCHIES

F U N FAC T

are the source of one of 2019’s biggest culinary trends, according to veritable travel bible the Michelin Guide: “Instead of root vegetables like potato and tapioca, we will be turning to the ocean for snack inspiration.” As for what to expect, US-based retail giant Whole Foods says that “sea greens are showing up in dishes like seaweed butter and kelp noodles while consumers are exploring new depths of ocean flavours with super food properties like unique varietals of algae and kelp.” These include crispy salmon skin snacks with omega 3s and puffed treats made from water lily seeds.

PHOTOS ISTOCK, COURTESY OF THE COMPANIES

SALTY WATE RS

Kelp jerky is a sustainable, protein-rich snack comprised of mushrooms and faux tuna produced from algae.

ZEN FOR THE CRITICS ME D I TATI ON FOR F IDGET Y

(Penguin Random House) is a guide for anyone who is sceptical about the art of quiet contemplation. Written by ABC News anchor Dan Harris (with Jeff Warren and Carlye Adler), who used to think that meditation was “for people who collect crystals,” the book was inspired by an on-air panic attack on live television that set Harris on a journey of self-discovery. SKE PTI CS

Mmm, a plate of algae never looked this tasty.

O UL ANKA

In Oulanka National Park the Wild Women’s Canoeing Event on August 17th is suitable for both beginning and experienced canoeists.

Active adventures

NATURAL MOVES Finnish Lapland serves up exercise-y events in the great outdoors.

KI I LOPÄÄ

At Kiilopää, Yoga in the Tundra (Jooga tunturissa) from July 6 to 13 offers up a weeklong event for yoga enthusiasts of all levels.

JULY-AUGUST 2019

Global pulse Ideas for good life from around the world

FOODIE FADS Top health trends of the moment turn back to nature for inspiration.

Life hack

SMART MEMENTOS Frequent travellers know that the best souvenirs are often found at the local grocery store in any given destination. Whether it’s Italian coffee, French biscuits, Belgian chocolate, or Japanese tea, picking up some local flavours is a smart way to stock up on exotic goodies to take back home.

M IG H TY G REEN

Nutritionists are touting celery juice for its ability to remove toxins from the body and stabilise blood pressure levels.

Beauty boost

The Pegan diet – a combination of the Paleo and vegan diets – emphasises eating lots of vegetables and fruits, high-quality fats, lean protein and fish.

E ASTE RN INS P IRAT I O N

Ayurvedic eating, based on the 5,000-year old practice that originates in India, focuses on mindful eating through the Ayurvedic doshas.

18 BLUE WINGS JULY-AUGUST 2019

has found that the chemicals in sunscreens can leach into waters, polluting seas and poisoning marine life. That’s why it’s worth opting instead for mineralbased sunblock. A great novelty comes from Latvian organic skincare brand Mádara, whose Body Sunscreen with SPF30 offers up high sun protection against UVA and UVB rays and is water resistant. Vitamin C also reduces the appearance of premature ageing due to environmental damage.

R EC EN T R E SE AR CH

Sunscreen face-off: mineral-based brands physically block the rays.

PHOTOS ISTOCK

GATH E RE R G O O D I ES

HERE COMES THE SUN

TEKEE HISTORIAA HUOMENNAKIN. TÄYSIN UUSI BMW 3-SARJA. SAATAVANA MYÖS LADATTAVANA HYBRIDINÄ. BMW 3-sarja on ollut ajamisen ilon edelläkävijä jo yli neljä vuosikymmentä. Sen seitsemäs sukupolvi jatkaa edeltäjiensä osoittamalla tiellä. Tulevaisuuden tekniikalla varustettu auto saa sinut hymyilemään kaikilla teillä. Löydä ajamisen ilo – löydä BMW 3-sarja. Lue lisää osoitteesta BMW.ﬁ ja tervetuloa koeajamaan.

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Up close

TEXT NINA ROBERTS PHOTOS LINA TEGMAN

Off the beaten path

FI NNAI R FL I E S TO New York City

(JFK) daily.

STRETCHY BUSINESS Servers often stir, scrape, mix, or prod the ice cream prior to serving.

he centuries-old method of making stretchy ice cream is captivating New Yorkers, thanks to a sleek little shop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, called Republic of Booza. The stretchy ice cream, booza, that originates from the Levant in the eastern Mediterranean region is traditionally made in one flavour, qashta, a quasi-candied cream with a hint of orange blossom or rosewater. But Republic of Booza specialises in a variety of flavours that rotate monthly, serving classics like vanilla and coffee as well as unique tastes like sour cherry mahlap or horchata. Two ingredients make booza stretchy: ground

orchid root flour called sahlab and mastic, which is sun-dried resin from a tree growing on the Greek island of Chios. “There is no better city in the world to introduce people to a new food concept,” says Michael Sadler, one of the co-founders of Republic of Booza. “New Yorkers are so open-minded.” Sadler first discovered booza on a trip to Damascus, Syria, while studying Arabic in Amman, Jordan. “I fell in love with the texture,” he says. Even though Republic of Booza is a contemporary iteration of an old tradition, its authenticity is palpable and doesn’t feel gimmicky. The four co-founders who hale from Canada, Australia, Qatar, and the US, are connected to the eastern Mediterranean region through heritage or life experiences, sharing a deep respect for booza’s history. In New York, booza has turned out to be a particular hit among kids, who discover the shop via YouTube videos and are intrigued by the ice cream’s stretchiness. But the little shop also draws in grownups, attracted by the unique flavours. 

JULY-AUGUST 2019 BLUE WINGS 21

Ana Aragão’s drawings defy both logic and gravity.

22 BLUE WINGS JULY-AUGUST 2019

Passion project

Conceptual castles Visionary worlds flow from the pen of Ana Aragão, a Portuguese “paper architect” who prefers creating fictional buildings to real ones.

FI NNAI R FL I E S TO

Porto (OPO) twice a week.

TEXT JOÃO CANTO AND SILJA KUDEL PHOTOS JUSSI RATILAINEN

na Aragão opens the shutters of two tall windows in her cosy studio in the heart of Porto. Sunlight pours in, revealing the details of a halffinished project lying casually on the wooden floor. It depicts an exquisitely detailed tower – similar to Brueghel’s Tower of Babel – but the black-and-white shading is achieved with an unusual tool: a Bic pen. The richly imaginative style is reminiscent of Japanese anime director Hayao Miyazaki, particularly the fictional kingdom of Howl’s Moving Castle. The studio is filled with similar drawings of uncanny structures that float in the air, lean at precarious angles, or threaten to collapse against their neighbours. Defying both logic and gravity, these are not the feats of engineering one would expect to see on the drawing board of an architect. But, then again, Aragão is an architect only “on paper.” In many ways, she carries on the outrageous legacy of great “paper architects” such as Archigram with their neo-futuristic Walking City: Her buildings are grand and wondrous, but utterly unbuildable. Aragão drifted into studying architecture somewhat by accident. When she was younger, her passions were drawing and literature. “I didn’t really know what architecture was about” – it was in fact her third choice for college. “I enrolled to study it because I thought I would get to do a lot of drawing during the course,” she confesses. “Artist and illustrator” is perhaps a more fitting >

Aragão recently “discovered” the joys of ballpoint during an artistic residency in Macao, China.

JULY-AUGUST 2019 BLUE WINGS 23

professional title for this dreamer of impossible buildings who has never – at least yet – built a real house.

MIND MAPS

“Maybe if I grew up in a tidy city my drawings would look very different,” says Aragão.

A self-professed “outsider,” Aragão does not see herself as purely an artist or architect. Her work is a curious mix of structural rigour and consciously disorganised conceptual deconstruction. “It’s a tidy mess – a contradiction,” she says. Aragão is currently working on a series of drawings for a forthcoming exhibition opening in Lisbon in October. She estimates that the monumental drawing on the floor will take a month to finish – and certainly more than one Bic pen. Although Aragão is also known for using different materials and colours, she recently “discovered” the joys of ballpoint during an artistic residency at the Fundação Oriente in the ex-Portuguese colony of Macao, China. “It was super funny: It was an important discovery – so I’ve been repeating it,” she says. During her sojourn in Macao, she increased the scale of her drawings. The transition to larger canvases led to yet another eye-opening discovery: The Bic pen’s ability to produce different shades of grey. Aragão grew up in Porto and has lived there most of her life, but she is unable to pinpoint how this has shaped the content of her art. But the influence “must be there… it must,” she says. “Maybe if I grew up in a tidy city, my drawings would look very different.” 

ANA ARAG ÃO

Porto-based artist and architect HI D D E N TAL E NT The only thing I do relatively well is soups, nothing else. POW E R QUOTE Like Banksy once said, “you don’t need planning permission to build castles in the sky.” I NFLUE NCE S If I have a master, it’s Piranesi. I’m also inspired by Escher, architect Étienne-Louis Boullée, Brueghel, and cartoonists Saul Steinberg and Quino. MY POR TO I enjoy lunch with

a book at Nabos da Púcara, or a drink with friends at the Café Candelabro.

24 BLUE WINGS JULY-AUGUST 2019

“I like the chaos, the excess, and the baroque of big cities,” says Aragão.

JULY-AUGUST 2019 BLUE WINGS 25

Inside track London

LONDON’S SECRET GARDENS England’s love of urban green has found its way into cafés and restaurants. TEXT AND PHOTOS AMANDA SOILA

NURSERY TALES Tucked away in London’s leafy Richmond district lies a garden centre quite unlike any other. PE TE RS H AM NU RS ER I ES was born in 1997 when AustralianItalian couple Gael and Francesco Boglione decided to move their young family from central London to Richmond, where they ended up buying a local plant nursery. Now a culinary destination thanks to its popular restaurant and teahouse, the nurseries still remain true to their original ethos with down-toearth seasonal cooking by head chef Ambra Papa and her team and the relaxed garden-style décor.

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Petersham Nurseries take the green décor to the next level.

Plantastic finds at Mr Fogg’s House of Botanicals.

COCKTAILS WITH JULES VERNE What if all the botanical finds and eccentric souvenirs collected by Phileas Fogg, the explorer from Jules Verne’s classic novel, were placed on display in a bar? The result would be M R F O G G ’ S H O U S E O F B OTANICAL S , a cosy Victorianstyle cocktail bar in Fitzrovia, filled with plants, herbs, and spices that display Fogg’s famous literary travels around the world in 80 days. In the airy downstairs space, the cocktail menu showcases unusual Amazonian plants, while upstairs guests enjoy a more intimate cocktail experience inspired by the Victorian tradition of conveying messages through the act of giving certain flowers.

Sisters Michela and Lois Wilson love all things beautiful.

SWEET SENSATIONS Inspired by their grandmother’s garden and the whimsical aesthetics of Wes Anderson’s films, SAI NT AYMES was created by two sisters, Michela and Lois Wilson, who share a passion for all things beautiful. Located near Marble Arch, the café has quickly become a social media sensation thanks to the floral shopfront, the soft pink interiors, and the pastel-coloured hot chocolates, cupcakes, and macarons. Coming from design backgrounds, the sisters originally started out making artisan chocolates. The sweet treats on offer at the café reflect the same quest for a luxurious experience for both the eyes and taste buds. >

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Discover an icon LIKE THESE ARTWORKS BY IITTALA AT OUR FLAGSHIP STORE IN CENTRAL HELSINKI, AN ICON ITSELF.

You can shop tax free off your at Stockmann.

purchase

Purchases until 31st January 2020

Show your passport at our Service Point and receive your voucher to get discount on regular priced purchases. Visit tourist.stockmann.com for more info. You can shop tax free at Stockmann.

STOCKMANN HELSINKI CITY CENTRE, ALEKSANTERINKATU 52, FINLAND TAPIOLA, ESPOO ITIS, HELSINKI JUMBO, VANTAA TAMPERE TURKU

FINNAIR FL I ES TO

London (LHR) six times a day. Welcome to the jungle in Covent Garden.

JUST HANG IN THERE One of the city’s hippest restaurants comes with a side dish of serious green therapy in the middle of busy London. Specialising in Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine, SUSHISAMBA opened in 2018 in the famed Opera Terrace atop the Market Building at Covent Garden. With its glorious “live ceiling” installation, the restaurant’s décor pays homage to its history as a former greenhouse for exotic plants. Boasting a mix of 700 South American and Japanese hanging plants, the mini-jungle basks in the natural light that streams from the floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto Covent Garden’s historic Piazza. 

SUMMER COOLERS

F R EA K ME OUT

Perhaps the most impressive vegan dessert in the city comes from Brick Lane-based Canvas Café, which serves a veganfriendly version of the overthe-top icy favourite, the freak shake.

G OL D E N G OOD NE SS

The super-healthy turmeric latte gets a summery makeover in many London cafés. With venues around the city, Crussh was among the first to start the iced turmeric latte trend.

NON- NAUG HTY SCOOPS

Vegans, celiacs, and allergy sufferers don’t have to skip ice cream thanks to Soho-based Yorica, which specialises in tasty ice creams, crêpes, and waffles that are free from all 14 major allergens.

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www.runni.fi

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Culture swap Destination inspiration

COMPILED BY LAURA IISALO

Colourful cuisine Get your kitchen Frenchapproved with these bright pantry essentials. Dive into teal blue!

FI NNAI R F LIES TO Paris (CDG)

five times a day.

1 3

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE COMPANIES

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Cassic Le Creuset cast iron cookware comes with a lifetime guarantee. From €259 from lecreuset.com Filleting a fish is a breeze with the thin and supple N°121 Fillet Parallèle Pop knife. €28 from opinel.com 3 — STY L I S H S EAS O N I N G Spice things up with the iconic Peugeot Paris salt and pepper mill set. €68 from finnairshop.com 4 — TASTE O F S U M M ER Flavoured with organic lemon and thyme, this fine sea salt by Provence d’Antan is a treat. €6.90 from bienmanger.com 5 — F I N E F L AVO U R Cuvée Prestige vintage olive oil is ideal drizzled over vegetables. €13.55 from nicolas-alziari.com 6 — P RE TT Y PI E This bright yellow Emile Henry ceramic pie dish cooks crust to perfection. €31.90 from shop.emilehenry.com 1 — S LOW S I M M ER I N G

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The museum open daily 11â&#x20AC;&#x201C;18 (June â&#x20AC;&#x201C; August) www.designmuseum.fi | Korkeavuorenkatu 23, Helsinki

designmuseo_fi

TEXT ELISA SUOKKO PHOTO HELI SORJONEN

Wise craft Local talents to watch

Head distiller Frédéric Roginska is changing the traditional taste landscape of Bordeaux.

The anti-traditionalist “ O H , H EL LO ! ” says Frédéric Roginska over the noise of an excavator as he climbs out of his tent laboratory. Half the premises of Bordeaux Distilling Company are still under construction, but head distiller Roginska is making good use of the other half. In his greenhouse-like laboratory, Roginska has been sampling herbs and coffee roasts to develop the first two products launched by the 18-month-old company: a grape-and-wine-leaf-based cocktail bitter and a cold brew coffee liquor. Roginska, a Paris native, was lured to the west coast of France by Olivier Carsoule, Antoine Gravouil, and Eric Lafon, owners of the Bordeaux Distilling Company, in early 2018. He immediately quit his job at the hyped Parisian micro-distillery Distillerie de Paris and took the first train there.

“They said it’s like California here,” says Roginska, with a hearty laugh. In the summer months, the region indeed basks in a warm golden glow, while winter is the period of indoors and innovation. For Roginska, finding new collaborators and friends seems to happen almost organically−and the slower rhythm of life leaves time for experimentation. “Bordeaux is an area of many traditions, but we chose to abandon them all. Traditions can easily turn into gimmicks in modern business. I want to explore things that haven’t been done yet,” he says. Roginska approaches his work like a perfumer: he combines his ingredients intuitively to achieve the nuances and moods he is after. “Oftentimes your ideas don’t work, but then you get it right and you have a beautiful structure of aromas.” 

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Coordinates A place to be

N 35°39’48” E 139°45’34” LO CATIO N

Tokyo, Japan

of Tokyo offers plenty of sky-high spots to take in the urban skyline. But a more exclusive view opens from the guestrooms on the Artist Floor at the Park Hotel Tokyo where one can fall asleep to the mesmerising city lights and wake up to a spectacular view of the Japanese capital. Spanning the top ten floors of the Shiodome Media Tower, the Park Hotel Tokyo is a canvas of art. The showpiece is on the 31st storey: Each suite features a unique in-room art gallery where walls are hand-painted by Japanese artists.

TH E S U P E RTAL L C I T Y

Rachel Li, Australian photographer from Melbourne, Victoria

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PHOTO RACHEL LI

Ainutlaatuisia koteja

TÖÖLÖN KESÄKATU

kaupungin kauneimmilta paikoilta Auratum Asunnot luo mahdollisuuksia korkealuokkaiseen asumiseen rakennuttamalla uusia ja uudistamalla arvokiinteistöjä. Valitessasi Auratumin rakennuttaman kodin, voit olla varma siitä, että asuntosi on laadukas pienimpiäkin yksityiskohtia myöten. Laatu näkyy erinomaisessa varustelutasossa, toimivina ratkaisuina sekä tyylikkäinä, kestävinä materiaaleina. Kohteemme sijaitsevat aina keskeisillä ja arvostetuilla paikoilla.

TÖÖLÖN KESÄKATU Tulossa uusia koteja Töölön rannan tuntumaan!

Tutustu tarjontaamme ja nosta asumisen laatusi uudelle tasolle. Meiltä saat kodin, joka täyttää toiveesi jokaista piirtoa myöten.

TÖÖLÖN KESÄKATU, SPA

AURATUM ASUNNOT • www.auratumasunnot.fi HELSINKI: asunnothelsinki@auratum.com TURKU: asunnotturku@auratum.com

MUNKKINIEMEN KONE, TOWN HOUSE

TÄHTITORNIN FLYGEL

PHOTO ANDREW TAYLOR

Explore

Think beyond the box

Sunny side up Chef Marcos Gois brings a bit of Finnish nature to ramen (p. 38) JULY-AUGUST 2019 BLUE WINGS 37

Think again

R AMEN ROCKER Helsinki’s noodle revolutionary Marcos Gois puts a fresh spin on the Japanese classic with Nordic and Iberian notes. TEXT SILJA KUDEL PHOTOS ANDREW TAYLOR

M ARCOS G O I S

chef and entrepreneur M Y FAVO U R I T E DI S H

Nothing beats a hearty pork ramen soup on a rainy day. For a Portuguese delicacy, I enjoy a nice escabeche of seafood. M Y B O L D E ST M OV E

Committing myself 100 per cent to my own business at a relatively early stage of my career. M Y S EC RE T TA L EN T

I have a photographic memory of maps. I’m good at geography. M Y L IFE L ESS O N

Never tell yourself that something is impossible. There might be problems, but problems can be fixed. Failing is useful. It makes you grow and develop empathy.

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exclusively to noodle soups. A smash olling Stones guitarist Keith hit from day one, it continues to draw Richards is said to sleep with hungry crowds every lunch hour for his guitars in case a musical what is praised by patrons as the best brainstorm hits him in his sleep. Chef ramen outside Asia. Marcos Gois keeps a notebook by his Forget quickie noodles in crinkly bed for exactly the same reason – but bags: We’re talking melt-in-the mouth, the chords he composes are the culinary hand-pulled noodles served in rich kind. gourmet broth such as “My brightest ideas tonkotsu, which takes up come to me just before I fall to 14 hours to prepare. The asleep,” says the classically “A great broth is made from trained chef, broth takes aromatic carefully selected meaty whose dishes are surprising patience. pork bones that are cooked cultural hybrids – much overnight, meticuously like himself. It’s slowstraining all impurities. Born to a Portuguese cooked fast “Crafting a great broth father and Finnish mother, from scratch takes a lot Gois grew up splitting his food.” of patience – even though time between Helsinki it’s slurped up in less than and Madeira, where his five minutes,” says Gois, who describes grandmother “cooked such delicious ramen as “slow-cooked fast food.” food I always returned five kilogrammes fatter!” But it was while sampling “the HAPPINESS IN A BOWL perfect soup” in London that the avid traveller experienced an epiphany: Looking casual in a black t-shirt ramen! Here was the ultimate blank and sporting a loose hair bun, Gois canvas for culinary improvisation. has a laid-back manner that belies a In 2015, aged 23, he founded Fat perfectionist of the highest order. He Ramen, Helsinki’s first eatery dedicated is fanatical about sourcing only the >

Marcos Gois forages for wild edibles by the Helsinki seashore in Vattuniemi: “It’s very meditative.”

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a umami bomb with mushrooms. I’m freshest seasonal ingredients from local currently working on vegan options farms and goes foraging early in the using organic soy milk as a broth morning before his workday. component,” says Gois. “There are so many great wild herbs Ever the trend-setter, Gois has newly at this time of year. Garlic mustard adds opened a second restaurant, Gohan, great notes to broths, and meadowsweet in Helsinki, which serves an unfussy, is wonderful infused in sorbet,” muses seasonal winebar menu and a bento Gois, whose dishes reflect his “crissbox-inspired lunch tray (the classic crossed” identity. Japanese lunch box packed with rice “I like to put my own spin on Asian and various okazu, or side fare, for instance by dishes). dressing cauliflower “Like Fat Ramen, the ramen in Iberian“I like to push new restaurant is a hybrid style salsa verde, or by boundaries that offers me a fresh making noodles from challenge. We’re doing Finnish rye,” he says. and bring interesting things with With the ramen fresh ideas to fermenting, pickling, and boom nearing a global drying at Gohan,” says obsession, can Gois – my city.” the 27-year-old owner of Helsinki’s own ramen an expanding culinary revolutionary – explain why everyone is suddenly salivating over empire, which also includes an artisandriven catering company called Ruoto. a dish as humble as noodles and broth? When not foraging or improvising “Ramen is happiness in a bowl! Any in the kitchen, Gois is often travelling. time of day, the broth simply makes love “I’m always thinking about how I can to your stomach,” he enthuses. translate new food trends for Helsinki. “Ramen has everything from carbs I like to push boundaries and bring fresh to protein, and the broth can be varied ideas to my city.”  endlessly. You can go meaty or make

Go very vegan or perfectly porky: Ramen soup is a culinary chameleon.

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The Design hub of Helsinki Kämp Galleria is a must for every styleconscious shopper living in or visiting Helsinki. In addition to elegant architecture, the historical milieu and high-quality restaurants, the shopping centre has dedicated one of its floors to Finnish fashion and design only. We picked up five interesting spots to explore.

POLO RALPH LAUREN

GEMMI

Friendly giant in fashion

Proper attire for Finnish winter

Right now, they may seem to be far away, but the cold winter months do require appropriate clothing. Pay a visit to Gemmi and you will get introduced to the luxurious fur outerwear brand that is born out of the harshest winters in the north. The handmade pieces represent a unique fusion of luxurious fur and streetwear aesthetics. In their own words, their collections for women and men are “modern-day fur made for everyday use”.

ther than Look no fur inkatu 44 Aleksanter beauty! for this

kampgalleria.com

We are all familiar with this iconic American brand: Polo Ralph Lauren manages to be both traditional and modern at the same time. The recently opened store provides women a sun-bleached colour palatte this summer. You may expect madras, plaids, florals and bandana prints with midi lengths in dresses, pleated skirts and paper bag bottoms. Gents are treated with a collection full of track & fields motifs and 90’s vibes.

Step inside to discover collection 2019!

ASEMAN KELLO

Watch this space

MARITA HUURINAINEN

Forest in the middle of city

The concept store of Finnish fashion brand Marita Huurinainen makes you grab your camera: this is where you can capture the wooded landscape of Finland in your Instagram feed without leaving the city centre. Marita Huurinainen is known for the iconic Wave shoes – the wooded design shoes made of Finnish birch. You may also spot the designer herself as the design hub is located in the same building.

aveler, Business tr covered! we got you

If timepieces are your thing, look no further! Aseman Kello, family-run Watch and Jewellery store with a long tradition, stocks not only the finest jewellery but also the most desirable watch brands. Familiarize yourself with the handmade watches by the wellknown Finnish watchmakers Voutilainen and Sarpaneva or find your favourites among brands like Blancpain, OMEGA, Glashütte Original, Chopard, Jacquet Droz, Zenith, Nomos and Mikimoto.

BOSS

Like a boss

BOSS Store Helsinki provides you with the top-notch business look suitable for meetings. The BOSS Store has got you covered when it comes to a perfectly tailored suit, for both men and women. How about the after-work hours? Dare to express your personality with the more casual line that BOSS has to offer. Here you’ll find casual and athleisure pieces, as well as the beautifully tailored eveningwear you might be looking for.

& Other Stories • Anette Tillander • Arela • Aseman Kello • Boss • Ciao Caffe • COS • Efva Attling • éN Hats • Fere • Gant Store • Gemmi • Glo Hotel • Haiku • Halo • Jolie Jungle Juice Bar • Kapteenska • Kuuma • Marimekko • Marita Huurinainen • My O My • Naturelle • Newbie • Nilson Shoes • Nomen Nescio • OTZSHOES • Polo Ralph Lauren R-Collection • Salon Jony • Samsøe & Samsøe • Samuji • Sartoria Rossi • Schoffa • Stenströms • Strindberg • Terhi Pölkki • The Maker • The TRAY • Tre Nide

Escape Thailand

Bitter sweet

Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s street food masters the delicious symphony of five flavours: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy. PHOTOS ANDREW TAYLOR

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Khanom bueang (Thai crêpes) are popular at street food stands, weekend floating markets, and mall food courts around Bangkok. These crispy pancakes may look sweet, but they often have a sweet and salty filling made of meringue, shredded coconut, shrimp, and egg yolk threads.

Grilled seafood is an evening specialty at the Amphawa floating market located near Bangkok. The trick is to grill the squid quickly and serve with traditional Thai nam chim sauce, which makes for a complex yet balanced taste by introducing spicy, sour, salty, and sweet elements.

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Local markets carry a variety of items as Thai cuisine is complex and uses many ingredients, usually fresh rather than dried. Markets like the Nonthaburi central market are often big and bustling and worth an early morning visit.

The food culture comes alive in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. The style of grilling a whole fish is a common sight at street food stalls.

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Topped with deep fried herbs and vegetables and served with a tangy sauce, this white fish is a Âspecialty at Huay Tung Tao Lake, near Chiang Mai.

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FI NNAI R FL I E S TO

Bangkok (BKK) ten times a week in the summer and 16 times a week during the winter season.

Khanom krok (coconut and rice pancakes) in banana leaf “ packaging” have a lovely soft and chewy texture. These treats are another example of how Thai food elegantly mixes sweet and salty elements, with green onions and sweetcorn the most popular fillings.

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EXPLORE MEADOW IN DESIGN See it. Feel it. Sense it.

FROM MUURLA

FROM HELSINKI

MUURLA

NIIMAAR

Muurla’s functional enamel mugs are perfect for summer picnics. These unique designs are created by clothing brand Makia, based on Tove Jansson’s original Moomin illustrations. More mugs at muurla.com

Niimaar keeps our nature clean by making recycling both easy and esthetically pleasing. Ecosmol recycling stations keep homes tidy. Find zero waste design products at niimaar.com

FROM SASTAMALA

FROM ESPOO

HOHDE

KUOVI

Fresh as a flower – Hohde natural cosmetics contain no artificial perfumes, dyes or preservatives. Take a look at the creams, cleansers and other products at hohdekosmetiikka.fi/en

Kuovi’s design textiles feature the beloved themes of the awarded Finnish designer, Birger Kaipiainen, who worked at the Arabia Art Department for decades of his career. See the products at kuovi.com

Roam with us into Finnish nature and design Finnish nature and Finnish design are inseparable. The extremes of our nature – from the nightless nights of summer to the polar nights of winter – affect everything we do and design. We grant the Design from Finland mark to Finnish design that elevates and surprises, but more importantly, feels like it’s designed for you. Continue your design journey at www.designfromfinland.com/explore

ONE FOR

UNGRU Resto, located on the island of Hiiumaa, is definately worth the drive to the remote Suursadam harbour. The local ingredients combined with big ambition result in beautiful and tasty servings.

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Field Trip Estonia

THE R OA D

A new culinary route connecting small farms and restaurants provides a roadmap for discovering Estonia’s foodie highlights. TEXT NINAROSE MAOZ PHOTOS ROBERT SEGER

stonians have always cooked “trendy” with what nature has to offer: game, fish, wild herbs, berries, and mushrooms – ideally consumed fresh, or then pickled or canned. Despite its rich heritage, Estonian cuisine has largely remained in the shadows, much to the mutual loss of both foodies and local artisan producers. Luckily that is set to change with the recent launch of the Estonian Culinary Route, Toidutee, an interactive map inviting visitors to meet local producers and see how Estonian delicacies are made on site. The route highlights >

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Jaanihanso ciders are exported to 10 countries including Japan and the US.

Alvar Roosimaa runs the Jaanihanso cider factory with his photographer wife Veronika Roosimaa.

small-scale producers of high-quality artisan breads, jams, craft beer, and smoked fish, along with factories that are otherwise closed to the wider public. The tour benefits small-scale producers by increasing their visibility, while giving consumers a rare glimpse of the stories behind the making of top artisan products. Fresh bread tastes more tempting once you smell it baking in the oven, and craft cider acquires new depth of flavour when you know the story of the cider maker and have visited the orchard where the apples were grown. And the producers never seem too busy for a welcoming chat to explain the business in which they take great pride. Some of the farms in the network also offer accommodation and serve their own products for breakfast.

FROM KOLKHOZ TO CIDERY

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The first stop on the tour is an hour and half from Tallinn: a former Soviet kolkhoz (collective farm) warehouse transformed into a trendy cider bar with workshops accommodating huge fermentation tanks. “When we decided to make our own commercial cider, it was clear that it would have to be better than what’s sold in stores. Otherwise, what’s the point?” says Alvar Roosimaa, a former fi nancier who decided to leave the capital and try a new career after hundreds of cidermaking experiments in the garage of his summer cottage in Kaelase village. “I love working with my hands, but at first I regarded my cider-making purely as a hobby,” he recalls. The hobby soon became serious business. Today the Jaanihanso Siidrivabrik cider factory is the full-

The small coastal town of Pärnu is famed for its sandy white beaches.

time occupation and main source of livelihood for Roosimaa and his photographer wife Veronika Roosimaa, who grow their own apples in their backyard orchards and buy the rest from farms nearby. “The crop is always different each year, but that’s how it should be. We take what the Estonian summer offers us,” says Roosimaa, whose acclaimed cider is sold in ten countries and served in high-end restaurants such as Noa in Tallinn and Enigma in Barcelona.

PÄRNU EATS WILD A half-hour drive from Tallinn lies Pärnu, a picturesque small coastal town with white sandy beaches and a shallow bay loved by families. Famed for the health- >

The White Guide recommends Pärnu’s Hea Maa, which translates to “good land.”

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Seaside restaurant Ungru in Hiiumaa serves sweet archipelago bread with seasoned butter. FINNAIR FL IE S TO

Tallinn (TLL) seven times a day. The Estonian Culinary Route is best explored by car or bike.

Tiramisu in a flower pot at Hea Maa restaurant.

inducing benefits of its mud baths, the spa town has been attracting visitors for over 200 years, including a Russian Tsar back in the day. In recent years Pärnu has also emerged as a foodie destination. One of its claims to fame is an event called R estaurant Week, during which high-quality local eateries serve gourmet two- to three-course meals at affordable prices. One of the restaurants participating in the festival is Hea Maa, whose head chef Virkko Vendla is an enthusiastic advocate of the wild food trend. “If I need wild mushrooms, I go to the forest myself and pick the right ones. And I couldn’t imagine pesto without spruce sprouts, an early spring delicacy,” says Vendla. Pärnu’s restaurants and cafes are best explored by bike. Renting one is easy and cheap, and the local rental company, Rattarent, will even bring the cycle straight to your hotel for an extra charge of one euro.

TO THE LIGHTHOUSE In a country with more than 2,000 islands, it would be a sin not to visit the

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Risteily on enemmän. Löydä suosikkisi: welovecruises.fi

Suomalainen risteilytoimisto auttanut asiakkaitaan paremmille risteilylomille jo vuodesta 2013.

The famous dessert at Kapteni Talu – rhubarb and meringue – is a perfect combination!

PLAN YOUR JOURNEY The Estonian Culinary Route, Toidutee, is an interactive map of great food destinations from small farmhouses to acclaimed restaurants. Simply feed in your desired starting and finishing point and the interactive map will take care of the rest. When planning your itinerary, also look out for local food happenings such as fish, harvest, apple, and mushroom festivals.

archipelago. Hiiumaa, the second biggest island in Estonia with a history dating back to 4000 BC, can be accessed by car ferry and is a good choice for both road and bike trippers. There are only 9,000 permanent inhabitants, but the island wakes up every summer as vacationers arrive for the school holidays. Narrow winding roads, lighthouses, windmills and red ochre houses create a distinctive atmosphere on the island. Its most famous symbol, the beautiful Kõpu lighthouse built in 1531, is one of the oldest in the world, and was luckily spared from Second World War bombing damage, although its neighbouring

Hobekala on the western coast of Hiiumaa island was first a small café and has now expanded into a guesthouse.

buildings were all destroyed. The effort of climbing the lighthouse’s 117 steps is rewarded by the amazing view that opens at the top. Smoked herring and other seafood are the stars of the island community’s culinary scene. Among the great places to try fried herring is the Tuletorni Kohvik summer café in Kõpu lighthouse. The café is also famed for legendary apple and yoghurt cake made by the café owner, Annely Heilman. “People drive here especially for the cake and many visitors make sure it’s available before they come,” says Heilman. 

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DS 3 CROSSBACK

UUSI DS 3 CROSSBACK – TUTUSTU LISÄÄ OSOITTEESSA DSAUTOMOBILES.FI

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Smart stuff Discoveries for a clever life

COMPILED BY MARK FLETCHER

Capital connection

TUNNEL VISION undersea tunnel that would connect Helsinki to the Estonian capital Tallinn seems to have moved forward thanks to Peter Vesterbacka, best known for the hit game Angry Birds. Vesterbacka and his FinEstBayArea colleagues are so confident of the 2024 opening, that tickets are already on sale. The FinEstBayArea project aims to create a new metropolitan area that links Helsinki and Tallinn within 20 minutes’ travel time. The tunnel project also includes two artificial, self-sustaining islands at the halfway point, which would house up to 50,000 people.

T H E PR O POS ED

The island communities could house up to 50,000 people.

VACATION TECH These smart items could just make the holiday season much more hassle-free.

R OOM TO MOVE

With the VAGO baggage compressor (and included bag) extracting excess air from your packed items will give luggage extra capacity. From €69

NO SHAKI NG N EEDED

The CGear Sandlite Sand-Free Mat is a military-grade ground sheet that lets the sand fall straight through, promising beach-time without sand getting everywhere. From €70

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE COMPANIES

Book nook

COGNITION NUTRITION Renowned clinical neuroscientist, Dr Lisa Mosconi offers some serious food for thought with her book B RA I N F OOD : HOW TO E AT SMAR T AND S H A R PEN YO U R MI ND that aims to show the connection between our diets and our cognitive function.

AL L TE R RAI N CA F F EIN E

Drink high-quality coffee anywhere you go with the HandPresso Pump portable espresso maker that runs on hand-generated pressure only. From €99

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A revolution in payroll administration With Azets as your local partner, you are able to concentrate on your core business knowing that your payroll administration is in safe hands when starting or running your business in Finland. We are revolutionizing Financial, Payroll and HR administration with a combination of advanced technologies like software robotics, automation and BI solutions, with over 40 years of experience in the Nordics. Our 700 local professionals delivers market-specific expertise and advice to help your business succeed. Azets’ services are tailored to your individual needs and are scalable with the growth of your business. Read more at azets.fi/eng.

60 BLUE WINGS JULY-AUGUST 2019 Accounting – VAT – IPT – Tax Representation – Local IFRS or US GAAP Reporting – Advisory – Payroll – HR To find out more about how Azets can help you revolutionize your payroll administration call us on +358 10 756 4500 or mail to sales.fi@azets.com

Smart stuff Discoveries for a clever life

Life’s like a movie; write your own ending, keep believing, keep pretending.” JI M HE N S ON

Tengai the recruitment robot does not judge.

Updated HR

PHOTOS GETTY IMAGES, COURTESY OF THE COMPANIES

COME AS YOU ARE SAY H E L LO to Tengai, the recruitment robot, created in collaboration between Sweden’s Furhat Robotics and recruitment agency TNG. Charlotte Ulvros, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer for TNG, says, “Tengai is an unbiased social interview robot that will perform structured, anonymous job interviews, focusing on soft-skills and personality traits.” Tengai is objective by design as it doesn’t know the job-seekers’ gender, age, or even how they are dressed.

Clean energy solution

SUNNYSIDE UP A new scaled concept model for a “fully realisable” solar-powered neighbourhood has been unveiled by Copenhagen-based SPACE 10, IKEA’s research and design lab. It has been built to demonstrate the possibilities of a town that could fully function with clean energy. JULY-AUGUST 2019 BLUE WINGS 61

FOOD WALK CARD

44â&#x201A;¬

Conversation Guest writer Anu Partanen

The great European illusion?

his summer it’s been a year since I moved back to Europe after a decade in the United States. I found a Europe much changed. My home country, Finland, joined the European Union in 1995, the year I turned 20. All of a sudden, the world was wide open. I studied for a year in France, travelled across Europe with my new passport, and felt like a global citizen. Then came the new millennium. I moved to the US, the euro crisis followed the financial crisis, everyone in Europe started arguing, and wars and terrorism exacerbated our mutual fear. Personally, I realised that my supposed global citizenship had been an illusion. The United States and the wider world beyond Europe quickly taught me how little I really understood about other countries. By the time I moved back to Europe, the way I felt seemed to be reflected in the way Europeans had turned sour on the European Union. For a while now, many Europeans have been thinking of the whole EU project in similar terms as many Americans see the US federal government: as a corrupt, elitist, faraway power structure that takes your money but gives nothing back. Over the past decade, public discussion about the EU has been relentlessly negative. Which is why many were surprised by the results of the European Parliament election in May. The voter turnout was higher than expected, the anti-EU populist parties were less successful than predicted, and the green parties gained the most.

The results would have come as less of a surprise had we paid less attention to headlines and more attention to surveys showing what the majority of Europeans really think about the EU. In a recent, pre-election Europe-wide survey, 80 per cent of respondents said they believe that what brings European citizens together is more important than what separates them. In another survey, two out of three European Union citizens said they believe their country has benefited from EU membership. Over half of the respondents described the EU with words such as “hope” or “confidence.” And yet, at the same time, one-third said they have doubts. Those doubts were exemplified by yet one more survey, which showed that most EU voters believe the European project could collapse within the next ten to 20 years. More than a quarter see a war between EU member states as a realistic possibility. To sum up: The majority of Europeans recognise the value of the European Union. They just don’t believe the EU will make it. What to do? Ask the young. It’s no coincidence that green parties won big in May. When people under 30 were asked pre-election what the EU’s priorities should be, more than two in three picked climate change and environmental protection. The youth of today may not associate the EU with the exhilarating freedom that it once represented for me, but they do know they are global citizens. And saving the globe is all that matters. Now there’s a mission for Europe. 

Ask the youth of today what matters.

ANU PAR TA N EN is Senior Advisor at Nordic West Office, a global affairs consultancy and think tank. Her nonfiction book The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life compares life in the United States and the Nordic countries.

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Tampere Helsinki Stockholm Riga

1h Bremen

2h Budapest

Destination Tampere Region – Experience the magical Midsummer Nightless night

Myths and bonfires

City festivals

Midsummer (“juhannus”) is celebrated for the light, summer – and nightless night. It is the longest day of the year, and Tampere has virtual daylight around the clock. The best place to experience the nightless night is a cottage near the forests and lakes. For example, Mökkiavain and Lomarengas offer cottages for rent all around the Tampere Region.

Midnight Sun mythology is a well-known part of Finnish folklore. A popular belief has to do with a young maiden collecting seven flowers under her pillow on Midsummer night, resulting in her future fiancée appearing in her dreams. In the olden days, bonfires (“kokko”) were lit during Midsummer to keep evil spirits away. In Tampere you can see a bonfire on Viikinsaari Island.

Many events are held in Tampere during Midsummer weekend, for example Valtteri city festival. Parties often stretch into the wee hours, simply because it’s hard to tell when the night ends and a new day starts. Another reason for spending Midsummer in the city is the unique atmosphere: cities are virtually empty, and roaming the streets all alone is an exceptional feeling.

www.visittampere.fi @FlyTampere

Photo: Jose Cuni

Malaga

PHOTO VUOKKO SALO

Create

Celebrate accomplishments

Just let it grow Why Nordic flowers are the hot stuff of the moment (p. 66) JULY-AUGUST 2019 BLUE WINGS 65

Creative corner

66 BLUE WINGS JULY-AUGUST 2019

Not just pretty adornments, Finnish flowers are also packed with healing and healthy properties. We visit two farms to see why floral goodness is all the rage. TEXT KATJA PANTZAR PHOTOS VUOKKO SALO

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ollowing a gentle rain, rays of sunlight illuminate the water-speckled leaves of the lush green bushes lining the path leading to the Frantsila Wellbeing Centre in Western Finland. On the steps of the historic yellow wooden building housing the centre, Virpi Raipala-Cormier greets guests who have come to get acquainted with Frantsila’s natural scents and skincare, and embark on a retreat that includes yoga, meditation, and healthy eating. With her warm smile and long flowing hair, Virpi carries the aura of a beautiful ’60s hippie. She and her Canadian husband Jim Cormier, pioneers of the organic herb farming movement, started up the Frantsila Organic Herb Farm in 1981 here in Hämeenkyrö, where her family has been farming for close to 300 years. “Nature gives us so many healing plants that we can use for our own wellbeing, whether for food, medicinal, or skincare purposes,” says Virpi. “We have always grown everything ourselves here. For example, my grandmothers added nettle and other herbs to everything and washed their hair with chamomile,” she explains. These days Frantsila’s products are sold around the world, but the family-owned business retains a down-toearth, hands-on approach to everything they do. Today, two generations of the Cormier family work together. Virpi is in charge of product development and education, while her son Jupiter Cormier, who has been working for the company since 2009 in various roles, is the CEO; his wife Anna Karhu-Cormier, a printmaker and poet with a diploma in phytotherapy, is the creative director. “Frantsila is such a great legacy to build on,” says Anna, who radiates the same positive energy as her mother-in-law. “New product development is a major focus as we create and produce most of our products in our own factory here, which >

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gives us control over the research and development process.” They also grow and harvest each element of their product range that comprises of lotions and essential oils, shampoos, soaps, and tinctures. “Growing our own ingredients gives us full control of our plant-based ingredients from seed to product,” says Jupiter, who holds a master’s degree in international politics from the University of London. “We grow our own plants to ensure the highest potency of our products. We have 38 years of experience of growing herbs at an extreme northern latitude that produces some of the hardiest and highly potent plants on the planet,” he adds. Jupiter and Anna met by chance in London’s Brick Lane in 2007. Sitting next to one another at adjacent tables in a café, they started chatting and realised they were both Finnish. Anna was heading back home, while Jupiter was staying on in London to study. When he moved back to Finland he got in touch with Anna. And the rest, as the story goes, is history: the couple married in 2010 and have two children, aged four and seven.

FINNISH LINES Available throughout Europe and Japan at good stockists, Frantsila’s products will soon be sold in Korea and the US. Their newly launched web shop delivers throughout Europe with the goal of expanding delivery to cover the world. While Frantsila has close to 200 products in its range, Virpi and Anna are continually working on product development along with new ideas for the Wellbeing Centre. “This year we’ll launch new products that use organic Finnish oat oil and meadow flowers for a down-to-earth and uncomplicated beauty care series,” says Anna. “Also, we’ll have more wonderful travel experiences at the Frantsila Wellbeing Centre where it’s possible to dive into plants, scents, and creative mindfulness.” >

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The Frantsila philosophy is rooted in reciprocity, which means that all healthy relationships are based on a cyclical process of taking and giving back. “We take leaves, flowers, and roots from the plants we grow to preserve and extract their bio-active ingredients, which we then use in our beauty and wellness products. We give back to nature by caring for our herb and flower fields in a way that respects the biodiversity of the local ecosystem. This then benefits the tens of thousands of insects and other animals, including humans,” says Virpi. “This holistic approach is at the core of everything we do.”

THE RIGHT GARNISH Red watercress, mini oxalis, curly kale baby leaf, oyster leaf, liquorice cress, mini thyme...it’s a list that reads like a poem about a vegetable patch. But it’s actually a few of the names of shoots grown at another family-owned institution, Mimi’s Kotipelto Garden in Nousiainen, about 160 kilometres southwest from Frantsila. Leading restaurants such as Hong Kong’s FINDS, focused on Nordic cuisine, and Michelin-starred Arbor order their edible garnishes from Mimi’s. “In Asia, colourful flowers such as pansies and nasturtiums are popular, along with red water cress and coriander,” says Niko Honkanen, who is the CEO and managing director of Mimi’s. “As well, liquorice herb which actually tastes like liquorice is popular in Hong Kong – it’s an exotic Finnish novelty.” Pirjo and Tapio Mönkkönen started Mimi’s in 1997 as a cucumber farm, which later expanded to cresses, herbs, and flowers, now the mainstay of its many greenhouses with more than 100 different species in production. The Mönkkönen’s are Niko’s in-laws; he is married to their daughter Sanna Honkanen, who runs administration and foreign sales for the >

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company, while Pirjo, a gardener, is responsible for cultivation and new products, and her husband Tapio ensures that all the equipment at the gardens works properly. Hong Kong is currently Mimi’s largest Asian market, and Niko says that they will expand to Japan in the final months of this year.

DOMESTIC TOUCHES In Finland, top Helsinki restaurants including Michelin-starred Olo, Demo, Grön, and Ora are all customers of Mimi’s. According to Niko, the most popular shoots and flowers used by these restaurants are rucola, horn herb, rye flower, and dill flower. Next door in Sweden, Stockholm’s three-Michelin star restaurant Frantzén – the first Swedish restaurant to receive three coveted stars – uses Mimi’s products, while exports to Iceland and Germany have also grown, says Niko. Niko says that the popularity of a plant-based diet has positively influenced business growth. Instagram and Facebook have also played a role in the demand for Mimi’s products. “Shoots are healthy and full of vitamins but they’re also tasty and beautiful – one flower can change a meal. Especially on social media when people want picture-perfect portions, the right flower or shoot can transform the appearance of a dish,” says Niko. According to Niko, dried flowers and herbs represent a new area for the company. “They allow us to minimise waste, as it’s a good way to use flowers and herbs that have grown poorly,” he says. Their new web store recently opened for individual consumers, who can now purchase herbs, shoots, and flowers that were previously only available to restaurateurs. The next step for Mimi’s is a greenhouse restaurant on their farm slated to open in the summer of 2020. So stay tuned. And remember to eat your shoots and flowers. 

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Pakkaa matkalle mukaan li 100 000 y tarinaa. Kokeile ääni- ja e-kirjoja nyt 1 kuukausi ilmaiseksi – rekisteröidy osoitteessa storytel.com/fi/fi/finnair

Ilmaisen kokeilujakson jälkeen tilaus jatkuu hintaan 16,99 € / kk. Ei sitovaa määräaikaa.

Showroom Celebrating creative outcomes

COMPILED BY SILJA KUDEL

Artek expands in Asia

Blue and white spell “Finland.”

TIMELESS IN TOKYO ARTE K B RINGS Finnish design to the heart of Tokyo with the opening of its first store in Japan. The launch is one of many events celebrating the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and Japan. “Having our own store in Japan has been a long-standing dream. We’re very excited to create a unique place for the community to experience what we care about – beauty for everyday life,” says managing director Marianne Goebl.

CHOP, CHOP! Summer’s fresh ingredients tickle the culinary reflex.

SMOOTH COOKIN G

Natural elm woodgrain adds curvy flourishes to hand-made chopping boards by Hanna Saari. €75

PR I ME CUTS

Pick up Swedish culinary jargon from this cutting board by Scandinavian Design Factory. €35

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE COMPANIES

Book nook

GLORIOUS FOOD! Writer and illustrator Beth Walrond serves up a visual feast in A TAST E OF THE WOR L D , a new book teaching kids about culinary traditions around the globe, from Hanami in Japan to Thanksgiving in America.

SL I CE OF E DEN

Lush fruit prints whet the appetite on Lintupuu boards from Bombotti. €28

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Mandatum Henkivakuutusosakeyhtiö

U T C +2 +8 Maailma on nyt auki.

Mandatum Trader -kaupankäyntipalvelun kautta pääset käsiksi kymmeniin markkinoihin ja kymmeniin tuhansiin eri sijoituskohteisiin. mandatumtrader.fi

Showroom Celebrating creative outcomes

Birch is the star of this jewellery box.

FIRST OPERA FORAY A G L AM R OCK FI G AR O

and a very frothy Rosina will be among the imaginatively costumed stars taking the stage in a new production of Rossini’s Barber of Seville premiering at this year’s Savonlinna Opera Festival. The dazzling, tonguein-cheek costumes will mark the first foray into opera by fashion designer Teemu Muurimäki, head designer of Turo and menswear brand Formal Friday. Known for his gorgeous red carpet gowns, Muurimäki promises to serve up something deliciously different, combining elements of high fashion and comedy. Premiering July 4

Be prepared on the road!

PHOTOS PETRI SAARELAINEN, COURTESY OF THE COMPANIES

Holding 8 cards plus cash, a slim card case makes a bright alternative to a bulky wallet. €30

SAPPHIRE SKIES

The colour of reliability: this kit even contains a miniature wrench. €17

What do you get when a German wood artisan marries a Finnish goldsmith? You get Viilu, a minimalistic jewellery brand launched by Susanna and Tobias Feuerbacher. “We met as students and noticed that we have a similar philosophy: good design makes maximum impact with minimal elements,” says Susanna. True to this philosophy, each piece is a unique marriage of clean lines and lively wood textures.

MOKOKO

Singin’ the blues

KIKKE RL AND

STORY-TELLING TREES

It’s hard to go wrong with cooler-than-cool blue, the #1 favourite colour of people all around the world. TE E NU CLOCK

Not lunchtime yet? Blue is believed to be an appetite suppressant. €67 MADE BY C HOIC E

For kids and interior decorators!

CRIBBLE

Design the kitchen of your dreams with a laser-cut Cribble craft set from Sweden. €19

Rooted in Finnish design and wood.

This U-shaped beauty was chosen as “Best Chair” in the UK Restaurant & Bar Design Awards. €670

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HEINÄKUUN KAMPANJA

ELOKUUN KAMPANJA

Neljän kampanjatuotteen* ostajalle

ORIONIN KERÄILYKAMPANJA APTEEKKIPLUS.FIVERKKOKAUPASSA

ARABIAN MUUMIMUKI KAUPAN PÄÄLLE APTEEKKIPLUS.FIVERKKOKAUPASTA! *Kampanjaan kuuluvat tuotteet merkitty verkkoapteekissa

-merkillä.

(Etu koskee kertaostosta. Rajoitettu erä. Mukivalikoima voi vaihdella.)

IF . S U L P I K K E E APT , A T S A P U A K O VERKK si tuotelahjan

umi

KERÄILYKAMPANJA 1.8.–30.9.2019 © Moomin CharactersTM

A RÄILYTUOTETT E K IN N IO R O 6 OSTA

saat haluama mukana! heti tilauksen Keräilyaika 29.4.–31.7.2019.

(Arvo 19,90)

Multivita Plus 200 tabl.

Multivita Omegalive Strong 100 kaps.

Multivita Juniori MIX 200 tabl.

Sunpro Lasten aurinkosuojavoide SK 50+ 100 ml

Monivitamiinivalmiste.

Vahva kalaöljykapseli.

Monivitamiini lapsille.

Vain fysikaalinen suoja.

16,90

15,90

16,90

16,-

(0,08/tabl.) Norm. 22,50

(0,16/kaps.) Norm. 21,11

(0,08/tabl.) Norm. 21,42

(160,-/l) Norm. 20,-

Tarjoukset voimassa 31.8.2019 asti.

AINA ILMAISET TOIMITUKSET

SmartPOST-automaattiin tai Postin/Matkahuollon toimipisteeseen. Katso lisää: Apteekkiplus.fi

Showroom Celebrating creative outcomes

Q&A

SEND IN THE CLOWNS Rainbows, garish colours, and hyper-realistic clowns evoke dream-like states in the work of Ugo Rondinone. CLOWNS P L AY T H E STA R R I N G R O L E I N YO U R INSTAL L AT I O N VO CA B U L A RY O F

PHOTO KUNSTHALLE, HELSINKI, CHRISTIAN GRUND

S O L ITU D E : WH Y C LOW N S?

The 45 clowns that make up the piece are a portrait of a single person within his own confinement. Each clown is a stand-in for a daily activity of this person. The 24-hour activity repeats itself every day: wake, sit, stand, walk, pee, shower…it is a closed circular life where nothing happens. W H AT E L S E CA N AU D IE NC E S E XPEC T

dream state and reality through asymmetrical settings of well-known images like windows, clowns, shoes, rainbows, and children’s drawings. YOU COMB I NE CONCE PTUAL I SM, E L E ME NTS OF POP AR T AND SOCI AL CR I TI QUE : W HAT I S THE ME SSAG E OF YOUR WOR K?

Kunsthalle Helsinki presents a solo exhibition featuring Ugo Rondinone from August 17.

TO S E E AT YO U R

It is a celebration of life – a celebration between human and nature, the artificial and the natural. I believe in the spiritual and magical power of art. When art is made new, we are made new with it.

FO RTH CO M ING S H OW I N H EL S I N K I ?

An amalgam of contradictions between excessive and happy colours and a slow state of mind. The narrative is a sequence of symbols that travels the boundaries between

N A ME A PL ACE THAT I NSPI R E S YOU.

My biggest source of inspiration is nature and the stone city Matera in southern Italy, where I spent my childhood summers.

ANTIQUES STORE R.MUURI Lönnrotinkatu 3 Helsinki Tfn. +358 40 5531378 antiques.fi

OPEN

24/7

An unique safe haven for businesses In answer to modern business space and service demands, Business Meeting Park Ltd. has created a genuine business environment and a base of operation in Helsinki. In today’s global business world, a traditional office full of desks, chairs and computers are no longer enough for an efficient workforce. Workspaces have to be easily accessible, secure, flexible and all-inclusive, incorporating different type of spaces with high quality business services on demand. Business Meeting Park offers just that; an all inclusive diverse and confidential business centre, that is open around the clock 24/7. It offers more than 110 different meeting and conference rooms, VIP lounges, co-working and office spaces for temporary and long-term use. It includes traditional business centre services too, such as video conferencing and streaming facilities, mailing, assistant and full catering. “Our passion is to produce genuine added value to our business customers, and help them to focus in their business. We are not just providing office or meeting spaces, we are wide-ranging business centre that caters Mr. Kare Casals to everything the modern businesses could CEO & co-founder Business Meeting Park Group need. We offer a unique confidential safe haven for businesses” says Mr. Kare Casals, CEO and co-founder of Business Meeting Park Ltd. He is not wrong. Services even extend to travel and business arrangements, match-making, technology partner scouting, realestate agent services, and arbitration facilities, which are widely used due to Meeting Park’s unique general confidentiality policy. “Meeting Park is based on the needs and desires of the most demanding corporate organisations, and with in total 50+ years of

international business experience, our passion is to help our business customers to success“ says Dr. Jani Kaarlejärvi, EVP and cofounder of Meeting Park. Meeting Park is conveniently located in the heart of Helsinki, inside the FORUM shopping centre, where you can find over 140 stores and restaurants, including the finest shops like Marimekko, Victoria's Secret, MoominShop, Pentik, Lindex and H&M.

Dr. Jani Kaarlejärvi EVP & co-founder Business Meeting Park Group

With all this to offer, it is little surprise that Business Meeting Park has become the go-to destination for international customers visiting Finland on business. Already with over 2200 business clients from all around the world, Meeting Park is the fastest growing private business meeting and office park in Finland. MeetingPark.fi +358 10 5011 501 helsinki@meetingpark.fi

Showroom Celebrating creative outcomes

Not an aquarium, it’s real wilderness!

Undersea magic

EAT LIKE A MERMAID underwater restaurant has opened in the icy waters of Lindesnes, Norway. Designed by snøhetta to resemble a sunken periscope, Under is the world’s largest undersea restaurant. A giant panoramic window provides a close-up view of wildlife five metres beneath the North Sea, while guests enjoy a menu of seasonal seafood delicacies. The restaurant doubles as a marine research centre, and its concrete walls will eventually become an artificial mussel reef.

PHOTO IVAR KVAAL

E U RO P E ’S FIRST

fasetti-finnair-93x122-v1C2.indd 1

15/08/2018 15.2

Investigation

The plastic battle The war against single-use plastic in the travel industry is still in its infancy. We look at how businesses and consumers alike can help kick the plastic habit. TEXT TIM BIRD ILLUSTRATION OUTI KAINIEMI

lose to 300 million tonnes of plastic are manufactured globally and barely ten per cent of that is recycled, according to the environmental organisation Plastic Oceans Foundation. The Earth Day Network estimates that the equivalent of a garbage truck of plastic is dumped into the world’s oceans every minute. Not only does plastic wash up on our beaches, it also descends to more than ten kilometres in the ocean, strangling or choking wildlife, and even entering our food chain. Apart from which, it ruins the natural beauty of the places we live in and travel to. Figures vary on the percentage of the total of single-use plastic generated by the global travel industry, but there is no denying its enormous impact. The challenge can seem daunting. Dependence on plastic remains widespread but travellers, and just as crucially the travel industry itself, are finding ways of kicking the plastic habit. Jo Hendrickx, founding CEO of Travel Without Plastic, welcomes this awareness, but warns that action needs to be appropriate and well-informed. Her organisation was set up with the specific aim of supporting the tourism industry, and especially hospitality, to cut and eventually eliminate singleuse plastics.

“Simply swapping plastic for other materials isn’t necessarily the answer, particularly if destination infrastructures aren’t set up to deal with materials such as bioplastics,” she says. “Depending on what is being replaced, research by the Trucost research company suggests that many so-called better materials have a worse overall impact on the environment, if sourcing, use, transport, and disposal are considered, than the plastics they might replace.” Awareness raising and examples set by travellers help to get the message through, but there is no catch-all solution that can be applied globally. “Regulation is important and we’re seeing more bans on plastic,” she says. “But some countries, in the Caribbean for example, have extremely high import taxes on goods, making it very difficult to source affordable alternatives, so legislation needs to be considered in more ways than one.”

CHANGING THE HABITS In common with many other environmental campaigners, Hendrickx sees a reduction in overall use of materials in general, not just plastic, as a key driver. “The travel industry can adapt if it tackles the old habits,” she says. “The industry has given people expectations of bottled water in rooms, mini

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INSPIRED BY YOU

Brand new classics With over 100 years of experience, we pay attention to all the details and needs.

The touch screen control makes it easy to adjust all the new energy-saving features GRAM has been in the business of cold for over 100 years. It was established in Denmark in 1901 by Hans Gram. Refrigeration has been GRAM´s core business for almost a century. Our latest products show our experience in designing refrigeration equipment for over a hundred years. We are proud to say that GRAM represents Scandinavian stylish and timeless design. We get inspired by our customers and truly listen to their needs. The idea has always been to make long lasting and timeless products.

GET INSPIRED BY OUR PRODUCTS WITH A DANISH TWIST

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toiletries, cheap slippers, and so on. But it can equally condition people out of these expectations by using good communications and leading by example.” Royal Caribbean Cruise Line CEO Richard Fain recently committed his company to eliminating plastic straws from ships, recognising that “healthy oceans are vital to the success of the company.” The Hilton hotel group is planning a similar commitment as well as discontinuing the provision of plastic water bottles in conference facilities. Conscientious airlines, including Finnair, are continuously cutting the use of plastic wrappings, although hygiene regulations for inflight food preparation make it difficult to eliminate completely. The Indonesian island of Bali has introduced a tourist tax to help counter plastic pollution. Glastonbury in the UK, the world’s biggest “greenfield” festival drawing a crowd of 175,000 also announced that it will cut all single-use plastic from its site as of 2019. Cost remains an issue for some larger travel industry operators. “Bigger chains that cater to package tourists operate on very tight margins, so costs are key and often single-use plastic is the cheapest option,” says Hendrickx. Some habits persist, she says. “From work carried out by Travel Without Plastic in a chain of hotels in the Canary Islands, we saw that an average of 15 per cent of unnecessary plastic is used out of habit. This means putting plastic bags over the glasses in the bathroom, a sign over the toilet to tell you it’s clean, using plastic cocktail stirrers shaped like palm trees, or using plastic shot glasses on the buffet to control portion sizes.” But customers are becoming increasingly informed and their demand generates a response from business. “Guests, and especially our corporate clients, are asking us more and more about our environmental measures,” says Vanessa Butani, director of sustainable business at Scandic Hotels, which also manages Hilton Hotels in Finland. Scandic was ranked A- by the Carbon Disclosure Project’s Climate Change Report in 2018. “We started using refillable toiletry dispensers as long ago as 1995. We wanted to make a statement, so we designed our own refillable Scandic water bottle that we fill from our tap – that means four million fewer plastic bottles across the Scandic group annually. We’re also phasing out plastic straws. We encourage guests to support us, for example, by sorting waste in their rooms using compartmental bins,” says Butani. Significant change can take effect from small acts of consumer choice and behaviour, and perhaps this is where most hope lies for the traveller desperate to make a difference but overwhelmed by the challenge of ditching the plastic habit. 

G OI NG PL ASTI C- FR E E

If you need to refill your reusable water bottle at the airport, check out where that might be possible from wateratairports.com.

Use cotton bags for shopping or beach wear instead of plastic ones. If you can’t take traditional metal cutlery with you on a picnic, look out for bamboo sets. And instead of plastic straws, pack a reusable one made of bamboo or steel.

Choose eco-friendly plastic-free sunscreens in biodegradable packaging and solid soap that doesn’t need plastic packaging.

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KOE UUDISTUNEET PERHELOMAT HyĂśdynnĂ¤ Finnairin suorat lennot, perheiden suosittelemat hotellit, suomenkielinen lasten Aurinkokerho ja jopa 50 % lapsialennus.

Valmiita unelmalomia pienille ja suurille aurinkomatkat.fi/perhelomat

Globetrotter On the road with travelling creatives

The Witness Apartment is a loft where everything inside is for sale.

Once Upon a Time, a cute antiques store in Cold Spring, Upstate New York.

Out now: The Don’t be a Tourist in New York book!

New York’s greatest liveable cabinet of curiosities, The House of Collection.

The curious life of an urban explorer Vanessa Grall takes readers on a tour of hidden treasures beneath NYC’s surface. W H AT EXC I T ES YO U M OST A B O U T

S HAR E AN OD D CI TY SECR E T?

The city is so darn big. Just by travelling to another borough, it feels like you’re visiting another American city entirely, with its own culture and history.

Most people don’t realise that you can actually go fishing and camping in Central Park! They do a lottery for pitching a tent overnight.

PHOTOS MESSY NESSY CHIC

NE W YO R K C I T Y ?

I F YOU COUL D TI ME TRAVE L I NTO H ISTOR I CAL NE W YOR K, W HAT

W H AT’S T H E U LT I M AT E A M ER I CA N

Y E AR WOUL D YOU CHOOSE ?

I’ve always wondered what the heck “grits” were. I finally got to taste this soul food at Sylvia’s in Harlem, where they do gospel brunch on Sundays.

During

CO M FO R T F O O D?

my research, I became fascinated by the stories and aesthetics of the city’s grittiest decades, the 1970s and ’80s. What a character-shaping time that must have been to live in!

VANE SSA G RALL

is founder and editor of the whimsical website Messy Nessy Chic. Her latest treasure Don’t be a Tourist in New York is available from book.messynessychic.com @messynessychic

JULY-AUGUST 2019 BLUE WINGS 89

Fly with the brighter alliance. Welcome to oneworld®, an alliance of 13 world-leading airlines committed to providing the highest level of service and connecting you to over 1,000 destinations around the world. It’s the smartest way to travel and make your connections to more than 150 countries worldwide. When you are eligible for priority boarding on any oneworld member airline, you have it on all member airlines. It’s one of the many beneﬁts available to you as a Finnair Plus Gold or Platinum member, no matter which cabin you’re ﬂying. Learn more about how you can travel bright at oneworld.com.

Enjoy one status on 13 airlines.

Finnair Plus Silver oneworld Ruby

Finnair Plus Gold oneworld Sapphire

Finnair Plus Platinum oneworld Emerald

Earn and redeem Finnair Plus points on all oneworld member airlines Earn Tier points on all eligible oneworld flights Access to Business Class priority check-in Priority on waitlists and when on standby Access to preferred or pre-reserved seating Access to Business Class lounges Priority boarding Extra baggage allowance Priority baggage handling Access to First Class priority check-in Access to First Class lounges Fast track at security lanes Access to preferred or pre-reserved seating is in accordance with the individual policy of the oneworld member airline operating the flight. First and business class check-in desks and lounges are not available at all airports. Fast track is not available at all airports. Priority baggage handling is not available on flights operated by British Airways. Extra baggage allowance benefits differ for Sapphire and Emerald level members. oneworld benefits are available only to passengers on scheduled flights that are both marketed and operated by a oneworld member airline (marketed means that there must be a oneworld member airline’s flight number on your ticket). American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LATAM Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines, SriLankan Airlines and oneworld are trademarks of their respective companies. LATAM Airlines (Paraguay) is currently not a part of oneworld. Some limitations and exceptions may apply. For more information, visit www.oneworld.com/benefits. Fiji Airways is a oneworld connect partner which provides select alliance benefits to oneworld members. For more information, visit www.oneworld.com/oneworld-connect.

WE COMBAT ANIMAL DISEASES TOGETHER! We want to prevent serious animal diseases such as foot and mouth disease, classical swine fever and African swine fever from spreading to Finland. These and other animal diseases can be transmitted from one country to another by animals or by meat and dairy products even if they are packed for personal consumption or intended as gifts. Travelers like you play an important role in preventing the spread of animal diseases.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bring meat, meat products, milk and dairy products from non-EU countries to Finland! A ban on personal imports applies to meat and dairy products brought into Finland by travelers or ordered and sent through the post. The ban applies to foodstuffs intended for personal consumption or as gifts and to pet foods. If you have food products of animal origin with you, throw them in a waste container in the point of entry or contact Customs! Outside the EU, African swine fever has been detected in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, China, Mongolia, Vietnam and Cambodia, and in several African countries for instance. Although not dangerous to humans, the disease is deadly to pigs and keeps spreading from country to country if not stopped.

Bringing meat-containing products as presents and for personal use from an EU country to Finland At the moment, there are EU countries with cases of African swine fever. In those countries there are restriction areas and, as a rule, pork or wild boar meat or products containing these meats may not be imported from these areas into Finland. Import is allowed only under very strict criteria controlled by local authorities. However, the sales of these meat products within the country may be allowed. In the EU, the disease has been detected in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Belgium and Italy (Sardinia) for instance. It is difficult for travelers to know and prove from which area meat products originate and whether the products on sale meet all criteria. This is the reason why we recommend that people avoid importing any meat products containing pork or wild boar meat as presents or for personal use from countries with African swine fever. PLEASE NOTE! Never leave any food waste or scraps in the environment or places where they may be eaten by wildlife. Never give food waste or scraps to production animals or to pet pigs.

Thank you for helping us to prevent the spread of animal diseases. We wish you a pleasant journey! More information on private import:

Fly

PHOTO FINNAIR

The world of Finnair

Inspiring journeys The world is your playground with Finnairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extensive network JULY-AUGUST 2019 BLUE WINGS 93

HELSINKI

BORDEAUX

FEED YOUR SOUL Feel the very essence of elegance in Bordeaux â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the wine capital of the world. Stroll down the prettiest streets of France and enjoy the world-famous delicacies at the local restaurants. Finnair flies non-stop from Helsinki to Bordeaux during summer season 2019.

Book your flights at finnair.com

World of Finnair Highlights of the month

Bologna ITALIAN MOOD

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something special about wandering through the porticos (covered walkways) of Bologna as night falls. The dusk lets the city and its people sigh after a long day under the hot sun. As all the piazzas fill up with laughter and chatter, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to join the stream of locals for a peaceful evening walk, or passeggiata, and hunt for the best trattoria in town.

PHOTO ISTOCK

Finnair flies to Bologna three times a week.

JULY 2019 BLUE WINGS 95

HELSINKI

LISBON

UPLIFTING MOMENTS Venture deep into the charming Lisbon. Listen to traditional fado music in the little alleyways of Alfama and hop on board an old-fashioned city tram. Finnair flies non-stop from Helsinki to Lisbon year-round.

Book your flights at finnair.com

World of Finnair Highlights of the month

Turn to page 110 for more info!

An upgraded experience TH E B RAND NEW Finnair Platinum Wing lounge in the non-Schengen area of Helsinki Airport is now open. The renewed lounge offers different spaces for working, relaxing, and dining. The culinary selection includes more Nordic and healthy options, making it easier to grab a bite

while waiting for your next flight! The Platinum Wing is available exclusively for Finnair Plus Platinum Lumo and Platinum members. Until the opening of the Business Lounge in September 2019, the Platinum Wing is also available for Finnair Plus Gold members.

A new look for border control at Helsinki Airport! The border control hall for arriving passengers will triple in size to accommodate the nearly six million passengers expected to pass through every year. In addition, the automated border control gates will be updated, and the number of manned booths will be increased for a swifter yet more secure process.

JULY I S A B I G MONTH

PHOTOS FINNAIR AND FINAVIA

FINNAIR ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Finnair Lounge in the nonSchengen side of Helsinki Airport renews, and at the same time we upgrade the menu.

FINNAIR

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gradually started to roll out new cabin elements for all intercontinental flights on A350 and A330 aircraft Business Class.

FINNAIR

A year ago we started operating our Nanjing route. Legend has it that soaking in Nanjingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hot springs dates back 1,500 years.

FI NNAI R

JULY 2019 BLUE WINGS 97

World of Finnair Services

STAY CONNECTED

Fly the short northern route

FI NNAI R CHAT Finnair Live chat is available on weekdays 7 am to 10 pm, on Saturdays 9 am to 6 pm, and on Sundays 10 am to 10 pm (Finnish time).

chatbot, affectionately known as Finn, who is ready to help plan your journey via Finnair’s global Facebook Messenger account. ME E T FI NNAI R ’S

FI NNAI R APP Tap your way through your journey. Log in with your last name and booking reference or your Finnair Plus username and password.

WITH A MODERN FLEET, extensive route network, and

world-class service, Finnair offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel. Finnair is one of the world’s oldest airlines. Since then, the company has grown from a small carrier to one that is a respected member of the international airline industry. Finnair’s route network includes 20 destinations in Asia, eight in the Americas, and 100 in Europe. In ESTAB L IS H E D IN 1 923 ,

2018, Finnair carried over 13 m illion passengers. And during the 2019 summer season, Finnair will operate 104 flights a week to Asia, of which 42 flights are to China and 41 flights are to Japan. Finnair’s modern and ecofriendly fleet consists of over 60 aircraft, most of which are Airbuses.

All Finnair A319, A320, A321, A330 and A350 aircraft offer Wi-Fi connections. SKY HI G H W I - FI

W ECHAT

Scan and follow Finnair’s official WeChat account.

SMART PACKING

TIPS FOR A SMOOTH TAKEOFF

Pack too much? Avoid excess baggage fees by paying in advance for extra allowance at special pre-paid prices directly from finnair.com.

Before your flight

Self-service bag drop

Off-peak lounging

There’s a lot going on at Helsinki Airport and the construction is a nuisance. Arrive at the airport in good time and get to know the changes beforehand.

Print your bag tag at the self-service kiosk, go to the self-service bag drop, scan your bag tag, and send your bag through.

Use Finnair Plus points for a reduced price Finnair Lounge voucher at Helsinki Airport or buy access in advance via finnair.com.

98 BLUE WINGS JULY-AUGUST 2019

Liquids rule Liquids are allowed through security in containers (max 100ml) packed in a transparent resealable 1-litre plastic bag.

World of Finnair Frequent flyer program

Finnair Plus membership THE FINNAIR PLUS program allows

A JO IR IN .C A O T M /P L

you to earn both tier points and award points when travelling with Finnair or a oneworld airline and award points from services provided by Finnair Plus partners.

A WORLD OF BENEFITS for free by filling in the form online at finnair.com/plus. As a Plus member, you get access to valuable benefits and rewards. Earn points for flights and services and use them both at home and abroad. You can use your Finnair Plus award points for additional Finnair services such as seat selection, J O IN FINNAIR PLU S

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW THIS MONTH?

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Earn award points

meals, and extra baggage payments. The number of points you pay depends on your flight and the chosen service. You can pay for travel extras at the time you book your reservation or later through the Manage Booking tab. Go to finnairshop.com to find Finnair gift cards, partner services, and award vouchers.

When you feel better, you perform better. Earn Finnair Plus points by purchasing well-being services from Hintsa Performance. Choose between a Hintsa survey and personal feedback session or a 7-month holistic coaching programme with a dedicated Hintsa coach. finnairshop.com

Finnair Plus offers a wide variety of benefits for flying and beyond. This summer is the perfect chance to make the most of your points to purchase award flights, Âservices, and products. Choose the best offers starting as low as 1,000 award points. See all the Finnair Plus redemption partners from the Finnair Shop. Explore more: finnairshop.com

Convert reward points Now you can easily convert your Radisson Rewards points into Finnair Plus points! One Finnair Plus award point equals ten Radisson Rewards points. Note: You must be a member of Radisson Rewards. finnairshop.com

JULY-AUGUST 2019 BLUE WINGS 99

World of Finnair finnairshop.com

4 easy ways to shop Find the best deals on tax-free products and enjoy special Finnair Plus offers at finnairshop.com

Home delivery Use Finnair Plus points to shop for products delivered directly to your home.

Onboard Shop online via your own mobile device during the flight using the complimentary Nordic Sky portal.

Pre-order

Vouchers

Pre-order online before your Finnair flight: finnairshop.com.

20%

Use Finnair Plus points to redeem a voucher for restaurants, hotel stays, car rentals, and much more.

OFF

100 BLUE WINGS JULY-AUGUST 2019

SUMMER PROMOTION Receive a 20% discount on all pre-order purchases from Aug 1–31 and on all onboard purchases from Aug 16–31. Please visit finnairshop.com, check the catalogue in the seat pocket, or ask a cabin crew member for more information.

World of Finnair finnairshop.com

Summer deals M AG I SS O CAKE S ERV ER

SUMMER VOUCHER OFFER

Find the perfect gift or exclusive souvenir from finnairshop.com.

The elegant Diamond cake server cuts your cake into perfect pieces. Pre-order €32

RIE D E L GIN G L ASS

This elegant gin glass is perfect for all kinds of gin cocktails. 4 pcs.

NE STE Redeem a Neste gift card with your Finnair Plus points or with a combination of money and points.

A bewitching bouquet!

€ 39 + 4,000 P

Pre-order €46

MOË T & CHAND ON CHAMPAG NE

FINNAIR PLUS OFFERS

Toast the summer with this elegant combination of fruity and floral. Pre-order € 45

D E SI G N HOUSE SWEDEN L AMP The iconic Block Lamp

Home delivery

LØV TE A

Summer in Løv combines the tartness of hibiscus with the sweetness of peach and apricot. Pre-order € 1 4 .5 0

Drink it cold or hot! HAG LÖFS B AG This durable 50L Lava bag has room for all your gear. €65

Home delivery

JULY-AUGUST 2019 BLUE WINGS 101

World of Finnair Flying stories

Q&A

Flying stories SHAR E YOUR Finnair

IT’S THE CUSTOMERS who make Finnair

and that’s why we’ve dedicated this page to your travel stories.

moments on Instagram! Use #feelfinnair, if you want to be featured.

Meet the frequent flyer.

DANI E L COHE N

Finnair Plus member from Finland FI NNAI R PLUS TIER

everydaypursuits All the way up. Views of the Baltic Sea from Hanko water tower. The real MVP of this trip: the weather!

juleskens Scenes from the best strawberry I’ve ever tasted in my whole damn life. #visitfinland #myhelsinki

Basic W HI CH FI NNAI R PLUS B E NE FI T D O YOU USE?

I use my points for award flights. W HE R E I S YOUR FAVOUR I TE VI E W?

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia. I F YOU COUL D TRAVEL ANYW HE R E , W HERE WOUL D I T B E AND WHY ?

Hokkaido, Japan. I’d love to experience the powder snow! W HAT WOUL D B E YOUR

pinjaelvina Garden goals. #globetrotter #fukuoka #japan

matildakohonen Summer is officially here. Are you ready? #stayandwonder #keukenhof #netherlands

TAKING PHOTOS AND VIDEOS ONBOARD your travel experience? The use of small cameras or mobile devices for photography and video to capture your own travel moments is welcome onboard Finnair flights. Please respect the privacy of others onboard, and always ask the WANT TO S H A R E

102 BLUE WINGS JULY-AUGUST 2019

crew and your fellow passengers for their consent before including them in your memories. Please follow crew instructions: Crew members can prohibit photography or video if it disturbs other customers or the crew’s work, or causes a safety concern.

I D E AL HOL I DAY?

A winter vacation somewhere in the mountains. Ski-in and ski-out lodging, untouched trails for skiing, a helicopter ride for the views, and snowshoeing in the backcountry. SHAR E ONE TI P TO COMB AT JE TL AG.

Adjust your eating schedule beforehand. It helps your body adjust to the time difference.

World of Finnair Nordic kitchen

3 ways to a tasty meal Fancy a snack onboard? Finnair offers a wide selection of seasonal and healthy options that are inspired by untouched Nordic nature and its pure flavours.

Pre-order You can choose from a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, breakfast, or dinner by pre-ordering.

Onboard The onboard menu includes a selection of tasty snacks, sweets, and beverages to mix and match.

Good food = Happy kids!

Complimentary Complimentary coffee, tea, water, and Finnairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature blueberry juice are served on Finnair flights. Complimentary meals are served on all intercontinental flights.

Healthy snacks!

Business Class Japanese chef Rika Maezawaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Four Seasons menu offers a fresh bento box that stretches the conventions of traditional Japanese cuisine.

Pick of the month Pre-order a hearty meal for your holiday trip to the Mediterranean destinations! Pre-orders are available until 16 hours before departure.

JULY-AUGUST 2019 BLUE WINGS 103

World of Finnair Wellness & comfort

Onboard wellness

3X TIPS FOR CABIN COMFORT

STAY HYDRATED

It is recommended to drink 1–2 decilitres of water every hour. If possible, minimize the amount of tea, coffee, and alcohol you drink.

HEALTHIER AIRCRAFT

The Finnair A350 combines the latest technology with advanced passenger comfort features to help you rediscover the thrill of flying. An advanced HEPA filtering system changes the cabin air every two to three minutes ensuring comfort and health for all passengers. Large windows let natural light flow into the cabin and LED technology emits lighting and colours that are customised to fit the time of day, destination, or season. The noise level is 16 decibels below the standard requirement, so resting and relaxing while onboard is easy.

GET SOME SLEEP

The best way to tune out is to wear an eye mask and ear plugs. Keep warm, too – have a jacket or blanket handy in case you need it.

2X COMFORTABLE UPGRADES NORDIC BUSINESS CLASS Finnair’s Business Class seats let you fully recline on your intercontinental flight. The seats transform into a 200 cm (6’6”) horizontal bed, so you can enjoy a good night’s sleep.

104 BLUE WINGS JULY-AUGUST 2019

ECONOMY COMFORT Finnair’s Economy Comfort seating in the front of the Economy Class cabin makes intercontinental travel even more pleasurable with 8–13 cm (3–5 inches) more legroom.

GENERAL WELLBEING

Try to bring something to snack on. Fruit and veggies are always a great healthy option. And remember to wear comfortable clothing.

World of Finnair Flight mode

Stay connected THE NORDIC SKY portal is available on all inter-

continental flights and most European flights, and gives you access to news, destination information, and Finnair services. You can use the portal to connect your own devices to the internet.

HOW TO GET STARTED

1 Join the Wi-Fi network Nordic Sky

3 Start exploring at nordic-sky. finnair.com

urn your T device to flight mode and enable Wi-Fi

WI-FI PRICES

12 H

2 Open the browser of your choice

LOOKING FOR A READ? Choose RE AD IN G to access all magazines available on the Nordic Sky portal.

7.95€

YOUR TRAVEL COMPANION

0-2 H

11.95€

19.95€

Long haul

2+ H

BROWSE 4.95€ STREAM 9.95€ BROWSE 6.95€ STREAM 12.95€

Short haul

Get boarding passes, book flights and travel extras, view your Finnair Plus balance, and much more with the Finnair app. The app supports your Finnair journey all the way from home to your destination and back!

WHAT’S PLAYING D UMB O

TOL KI E N

Disney’s new liveaction expands on the classic story.

Explores the formative years of the renowned author’s life as he finds inspiration.

AVE NG E R S: E ND G AME

THI S I S US

Thanos’ devastating actions compel the Avengers to take one final stand.

A heartwarming and emotional story about a unique set of triplets.

THE HUMMI NG B I R D PR OJECT

W I L D AR CTI C

Two traders are in High Frequency Trading, where winning is measured in milliseconds.

A remote and hostile terrain that’s home to some of nature’s toughest creatures.

JULY-AUGUST 2019 BLUE WINGS 105

World of Finnair Staff tips

The serene view of Lake Michigan.

The gorgeous Art Institute of Chicago.

Sauna after a swim tops off the experience.

Life can get hectic. Finnair Chief Purser Ami Niemelä shares her recipe for summer zen. C H ICAGO. I just love the superb collection of amazing impressionist works at the Art Institute of Chicago. Wandering among these stunning pieces of art makes you forget the world around you. Plus, the museum is steps from Lake Michigan.

Lake Kuusijärvi in Vantaa lies within a 20-minute drive from Helsinki Airport. I grab my rescue buoy and take a long relaxing swim in the lake. The open-for-everyone smoke sauna after the swim tops off the zen moment.

H E L S INKI.

106 BLUE WINGS JULY-AUGUST 2019

Heads-up: Lake Kuusijärvi is not only for serene summer dips. It’s worth a visit in the winter for ice swimming. Get that magical endorphin rush! Nat Sherman Townhouse on the corner of 5th Avenue and 42nd Street is a walk-in-cigar humidor. I don’t smoke but I still love this place. Stepping into the store is like going back in time, The specialist vendors are dressed up in tailor-made suits and the leisurely atmosphere makes time stand still. NE W YOR K CI TY.

AMI NI E ME L Ä

is a Finnair Chief Purser, interior designer, hockey mom, and a curious soul. She is also a member of the Finnair Singers and has been flying around the globe for the past 30 years. amipix

PHOTOS AMI NIEMELÄ, ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, ISTOCK

Meditative moments

World of Finnair Holiday sampler

Experience more with Finnair

TOP 3 NEAR AND FAR Take your summer to the next level and choose one of these new holiday destinations from finnair.com/holidays.

The Spanish capital is a favourite of culture lovers and culinarists alike. Visit a museum or an art gallery, or treat yourself at one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 23 Michelin-star restaurants.

MAD R I D.

EXPLORE FINNAIR HOLIDAYS The South of France is all about enjoying life! This romantic city is full of intriguing medieval history, not to mention home to some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most renowned wine.

B OR D E AUX .

FINNAIR HOLIDAYS takes you straight to where the best

PHOTOS FINNAIR

stories are born. Flights, hotel, experiences, and triple Finnair Plus points can now be found from one place. Finnair Holidays is available in Estonia, Finland, and Sweden. Find your story at finnair.com/holidays.

Over 100 destinations

Entire trip from one place

Triple Finnair Plus points

Finnair Holidays opens the door to the most intriguing places in the world. The story of a lifetime awaits!

Pick a set combination or tailor your own trip: flights, hotels, and experiences all in one place.

Every euro you use for your Finnair Holidays trip will gain you three Finnair Plus tier and award points.

SE YCHE L L E S. Go snorkelling in the turquoise water or swim with the tortoises. Those who prefer the land can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere topped with breathtaking views!

JULY-AUGUST 2019 BLUE WINGS 107

World of Finnair Sustainability

PUSH FOR CHANGE Changes begin with small actions. Join us on a journey towards a more sustainable future.

OFFSET EMISSIONS

recently held a campaign for its Finnair Plus members, the winners of which were invited on a fact-finding trip to Vietnam in spring 2019 to find out how donating a minimum of 1,000 Finnair Plus points supports UN Women’s activities in Ho Chi Minh City. UN Women’s Safe and Friendly City and Public Spaces Programme is helping Ho Chi Minh City to move towards a city free from sexual harassment with safe mobility for women and girls, setting an excellent precedent for the rest of the country to follow. “Efforts to empower women in the community are being complemented with those to do the same in the workplace and the marketplace,” explains Elisa Fernandez, head of office for UN Women

FINNAIR

BUY BIOFUEL Alternatively, you can buy biofuel to reduce the CO2 emissions of a flight by 60–80%. The biofuel we use has been produced from used cooking oil. Buy biofuel for €10, €20, or €65. All sustainability products are available at finnairshop.com/ en/sustainability-products

in Vietnam. Companies are encouraged to create working environments that are free from sexual harassment and promote equal opportunity as well as women’s leadership in decision-making and managerial roles. “With a country where men have had more power in the past, it’s clear that there are challenges, but it seems like there is a lot of improvement,” says Maija Campbell, one of the Finnair Plus member participants. UN Women is one of several carefully selected Finnair Plus partners, chosen according to Finnair’s sustainability principles and values. finnairshop.com/en/un-women

95+ YEARS AND COUNTING 1 92 3

1 924

Finnair, known as Aero, is founded

Finnair receives its first aircraft: Junkers F 13

1 9 47

1952

1968

1969

1980

1992

Finnair air hostesses take to the skies

Helsinki irport opens A

Finnair reveals its new logo and name change

First Finnair trans-Atlantic flight to New York City

Blue Wings launches

The Finnair Plus program is introduced

108 BLUE WINGS JULY-AUGUST 2019

PHOTOS FINNAIR, ISTOCK

Finnair supports UN Women

Offset the CO2 emissions of your flight by supporting an emissions reduction project. Donate €1 for flights within Finland, €2 for flights within Europe, or €6 for intercontinental flights. Donations will go in full to an emissions reduction project in Mozambique.

World of Finnair Fleet

AIRB U S A35 0- 9 0 0

Number 13 + 6 on order Seating capacity 297-336 Length 66.8 m Wingspan 64.75 m Cruising speed 903 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 13,000 m AIRB U S A330-3 0 0

Number 8 Seating capacity 289/263 Length 63.6 m Wingspan 60.3 m Cruising speed 870 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 12,600 m AIRB U S A32 1

Number 19 Seating capacity 209 Length 44.5 m Wingspan 34.1 m Cruising speed 840 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 11,900 m AIRB U S A32 0

Number 10 Seating capacity 174 Length 37.6 m Wingspan 34.1 m Cruising speed 840 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 11,900 m AIRB U S A31 9

Number 8 Seating capacity 144 Length 33.8 m Wingspan 34.1 m Cruising speed 840 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 11,900 m E M B RAE R 1 9 0

Operated by Norra Number 12 Seating capacity 100 Length 36.2 m Wingspan 28.7 m Cruising speed 850 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 12,300 m

ATR 72

Operated by Norra Number 12 Seating capacity 68/72 Length 27 m Wingspan 27 m Cruising speed 463 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 7,620 m

1 995

Finnair’s website launches

1 999

2 004

Finnair joins oneworld alliance

Arrival of irbus A320 A

Online check-in opens

2 013

Launch of Marimekko for Finnair collection

2 014

2 015

2018

Finnair celebrates its 90th anniversary

Arrival of irbus A350 A

Finnair celebrates its 95th anniversary

JULY-AUGUST 2019 BLUE WINGS 109

World of Finnair Airport info

Welcome to Helsinki Airport CHECK YOUR GATE and

departure time on the airport monitors. All Finnair and Nordic Regional Airlines (Norra) departures are located in the same terminal. If you do not have a boarding pass for your connecting flight, please contact the transfer service desks in T2.

HAPPY LANDINGS

Fly the short northern route FLY VIA HELSINKI and take the most direct route between Europe and Asia. Thanks to Helsinkiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location, Finnairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s northern route is a geographically convenient way between Europe and Asia. The northern route also offers competitive travel times to destinations in the US from many European cities. The Helsinki Airport is efficient, compact, and easy to navigate, making it ideal for transferring between Europe, Asia, and the US with short transfer times.

110 BLUE WINGS JULY-AUGUST 2019

PASSE NG E R S AR R I VI NG from outside the Schengen-area will find their way into the arrival hall with both automated border control gates and manned border control booths. EU citizens , as well as citizens of Japan, South Korea, Australia, US, Canada, and New Zealand can use the automated gates as they depart. Citizens from other non-Schengen countries will be directed to the manned booths. In addition, there are separate queues for passengers travelling in large groups. Passengers travelling directly to Helsinki from the non-Schengen area will follow their own route to the border control downstairs. Those passengers travelling with infants or baggage trolleys must use the manual control lane. Passengers with the capability to use wheelchairs independently may use the automated gates.

World of Finnair Airport info

FINNAIR CITY BUS

48AB

45AB

AUKIO

TRANSFER SERVICE 3

to the Helsinki Railway Station leaves from platform 10 at T2 every 20 minutes. Travel time is approx. 30 minutes. €6.90 THE RING RAIL LINE

connects Helsinki Airport to downtown Helsinki via train. There is direct access from the corridor between T1 and T2. TAXI RANK

BUS GATES 51 A–D

FINNAIR LOUNGE, FINNAIR PREMIUM LOUNGE

39AB BUS GATES 50 A–M

NONSCHENGEN AREA

36AB Security check

NONSCHENGEN AREA

34AB

37AB TRANSFER SERVICE 2

33 Passport control

31A–31E 32 30

Security check

CHECK-IN 240–270

GATES 5–11

CHECK IN 101–114

Helsinki Airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the airport. PLAYROOM

Children’s playrooms offer toys, videos, and baby care facilities. WATER DISPENSER

Passengers can refill their water bottles with drinking water free of charge.

SECURITY CHECK

PASSPORT CHECK

CHECK-IN AREA

Security check

SCHENGEN LOUNGE

WIRELESS INTERNET

29 28

FINNAIR CHECK-IN + SERVICE 201–229

2ND FLOOR

Agency-specific price information is available in front of the terminals on the information screens.

16 17 18 19

SCHENGEN AREA

25 24

ARRIVALS AREA

BAGGAGE STORAGE

1ST FLOOR JULY-AUGUST 2019 BLUE WINGS 111

World of Finnair

Domestic and European destinations Russia

Tromsø Reykjavík

Ivalo

Iceland Kittilä Rovaniemi

Finnair Destinations New Finnair Destinations 2019/2020

Umeå

Norway Oslo Bergen

United Kingdom London

Amsterdam

Visby

Yekateringburg Kazan

Samara

Lithuania

Copenhagen Hamburg

Gdansk

Hannover Berlin

Poland Warsaw

Netherlands Brussels Germany Düsseldorf Belgium Paris

Kajaani

Saint Petersburg Tallinn Estonia Tartu Latvia Riga

Stockholm

Denmark Billund Manchester

Kuusamo

Finland Kokkola Kuopio Joensuu Sweden Vaasa Jyväskylä Tampere Turku Helsinki Mariehamn

Gothenburg

Edinburgh

Dublin Ireland

Kemi Oulu

Moscow

Vilnius

Minsk

From Helsinki

Belarus

Ivalo 931 01:35 Joensuu 360 01:00 Jyväskylä 235 00:50 Kajaani 464 01:20 Kemi/Tornio 609 01:35 Kittilä 823 01:25 Kokkola/Pietarsaari 391 01:10 Kuopio 335 01:00 Kuusamo 667 01:15 Mariehamn 282 00:55 Oulu 514 01:05 Rovaniemi 697 01:20 Tampere 143 00:35 Turku 150 00:35 Vaasa 348 00:55

Kraków Prague Frankfurt Czech Republic Stuttgart Vienna Salzburg Zurich Munich

France Geneva Budapest Innsbruck Austria Hungary Switzerland Slovenia Venice Ljubljana Verona Lyon Milan Croatia Pula Bologna Nice Pisa Rimini Split Italy Dubrovnik Rome Barcelona Bordeaux

Porto Spain

Portugal

Madrid

Lisbon Malaga

Ibiza Menorca Palma de Alicante Mallorca

Bulgaria

Varna

Naples Greece Skiathos Preveza Athens Kos Zakynthos Santorini

Great Circle Estimated distances / km flight times

Turkey

Corfu Catania

Madeira Funchal

Antalya Dalaman Alanya Cyprus Rhodes

Malta

Canary Arrecife Islands Tenerife Norte Fuerteventura Tenerife Sur Las Palmas

Chania

Heraklion

Paphos Israel Tel Aviv-Yafo

Eilat

From Helsinki

Great Circle Estimated distances / km flight times

Alanya/Gazipasa 2722 03:45 Alicante 3034 04:25 Amsterdam 1525 02:35 Antalya 2638 03:50 Arrecife 4518 05:55 Athens 2490 03:40 Barcelona 2632 03:55 Bergen 1112 03:30 Berlin 1123 02:00 Billund 1060 01:50 Bologna 1976 03:00 Bordeaux 2417 03:30 Brussels 1651 02:40 Budapest 1481 02:20 Catania 2636 03:45 Chania 2756 03:50 Copenhagen 895 01:40 Corfu 2329 03:25 Dalaman 2639 03:40 Dublin 2030 03:10 Dubrovnik 2027 03:00 Düsseldorf 1512 02:25 Edinburgh 1717 02:40 Eilat 3457 04:45

From Helsinki

Great Circle Estimated distances / km flight times

Frankfurt 1543 02:35 Fuerteventura 4578 06:05 Funchal 4310 05:45 Gdansk 768 02:00 Geneva 1994 03:00 Gothenburg 785 01:25 Hamburg 1 172 02:00 Hannover 1278 2:15 Heraklion 2777 03:55 Ibiza 2897 04:00 Innsbruck 1701 02:35 Kazan 1521 02:30 Kos 2620 03:45 Kraków 1 186 02:00 Las Palmas 4700 06:10 Lisbon 3369 04:50 Ljubljana 1713 02:40 London 1863 03:10 Lyon 2081 03:10 Madrid 2950 04:25 Malaga 3357 04:35 Malta 2822 04:15 Manchester 1817 03:00 Menorca 2688 04:05

112 BLUE WINGS JULY-AUGUST 2019

From Helsinki

Great Circle Estimated distances / km flight times

Milan 1953 03:05 Minsk 734 01:15 Moscow 876 01:40 Munich 1577 02:30 Naples 2283 03:25 Nice 2202 03:25 Oslo 766 01:30 Palma de Mallorca 2777 04:00 Paphos 2898 04:00 Paris 1900 03:05 Pisa 2093 03:20 Porto 3117 04:20 Prague 1322 02:10 Preveza 2397 03:25 Pula 1865 02:55 Reykjavik 2429 03:50 Rhodes 2668 03:45 Riga 382 00:55 Rimini 1993 03:00 Rome 2235 03:25 Saint Petersburg 301 01:00 Salzburg 1592 02:30 Samara 1698 02:35 Santorini 2660 03:40

From Helsinki

Great Circle Estimated distances / km flight times

Skiathos 2353 03:30 Split 1956 02:55 Stockholm 400 01:00 Stuttgart 1637 02:45 Tallinn 101 00:30 Tartu 245 00:50 Tel Aviv-Yafo 3230 04:25 Tenerife Norte 4691 06:10 Tenerife Sur 4745 06:10 Tromsø 1078 01:55 Umeå 459 01:20 Varna 1911 02:55 Venice 1847 02:55 Verona 1903 02:55 Vienna 1462 02:30 Vilnius 633 01:15 Visby 481 01:25 Warsaw 940 01:40 Yekaterinburg 2098 03:05 Zakynthos 2526 03:55 Zurich 1781 02:45

Winter season 2019 -2020 Finnair adds flights to popular winter destinations in Lapland, including new non-stop flights from London, Paris, Tallinn, and Zurich London Gatwick – Ivalo 2 weekly flights London Gatwick – Kittilä 1 weekly flight Paris – Kittilä 1 weekly flight Tallinn – Kittilä 1 weekly flight Zurich – Kittilä 1 weekly flight

World of Finnair

Intercontinental destinations

Sapporo

Beijing Seoul South Korea

Xian

China

Nanjing

Nagoya Osaka

Japan Tokyo

Fukuoka

Shanghai

Chongqing Delhi Dubai United Arab Emirates

From Helsinki

Guangzhou

India

Hong Kong

Thailand Bangkok Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Phuket

Krabi

Singapore

Chicago San Francisco

Bangkok 7912 09:45 Beijing 6325 07:55 Chongqing 6736 08:40 Delhi 5229 06:50 Dubai 4537 05:55 Fukuoka 8060 09:30 Guangzhou 7693 09:30 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) 8510 10:50 Hong Kong 7821 09:35 Krabi 8350 10:20 Nagoya 7780 09:40 Nanjing 7165 09:35 Osaka 7751 09:30 Phuket 8312 10:05 Sapporo 8013 09:35 Seoul 7050 08:40 Shanghai 7410 09:05 Singapore 9272 11:30 Tokyo 7849 09:45 Xian 6421 07:50

New York

United States

From Helsinki

Great Circle Estimated distances / km flight times

Chicago Havana Los Angeles Miami New York Puerto Plata Punta Cana San Francisco

Los Angeles

Miami Mexico

Great Circle Estimated distances / km flight times

7139 09:15 8703 11:15 9016 10:35 8342 11:10 6626 08:45 8410 11:15 8404 11:05 8724 10:45

Havana Cuba Puerto Plata Punta Cana Dominican Republic

JULY-AUGUST 2019 BLUE WINGS 113

FINLAND FACTS Nature

188,000 lakes

75%

land covered by forests

Government

1917

Sovereign parliamentary republic

1995 area

390,909 km2*

Monthly avg. temperatures in Helsinki (2018):

Member of EU since January 1995

200 members

elected for four-year terms

Parliament *includes water area

whooper swan

land used for agriculture

Population

5.5

million

Languages SÁ

President

Economy

Education

GDP

(2017*)

€224

billion

the annual change in volume 2.7% *preliminary

88% speak Finnish 5.2% speak Swedish 0.04% speak Sámi

elected every six years; current president is Sauli N iinistö, who was re-elected to a second term in January 2018

Currency

EURO

Fun facts

72%

Universities *incl National Defence University

of students have studied beyond basic education

Universities of applied sciences

Consumption of coffee per capita

9.6kg*

12.3 l*

*per year

National food: rye bread

Ice cream consumed per capita *per year

114 BLUE WINGS JULY-AUGUST 2019

2,300,000* saunas *estimate

(December 2018)

*preliminary

788,000*

overnight stays by foreign travellers

SOURCE: STATISTICS FINLAND ILLUSTRATION: ANGELINA LUZHINA

National bird

AVAILABLE AT:

Oy Osk. Lindroos Ab Aleksanterinkatu 46, Helsinki Helsinki Airport Schengen, gate 27 Helsinki Airport Non-Schengen, gate 33 Mikonkulta, Mikonkatu 5, Helsinki www.lindroos.fi

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