I spent much of Wenesday hanging out with the little ones I'm looking after. I took the older one to the park and we watched marimba players and seagulls (which we discovered do indeed look a lot like airplanes in the eyes of a two year old), and I lifted him up into the air after saying "3-2-1 blastoff" over and over again (built in work out). Later on I went on a walk with the youngest. I received a ridiculous amount of attention walking around with an adorable baby strapped to my front. Granted I couldn't understand what anyone was saying but I could tell it had something to do with how cute she was.
Day 3: Best day yet!
The jet lag is finally wearing off for everyone which is making life as a nanny very enjoyable. Having a very sweet baby fall asleep on you 2-3 times a day is pretty much one of the best things ever. As a result of everyone having more energy we were able to venture out to the harbor and the farmer's market. The weather was gorgeous as the sun was shining but there was still a lovely cool sea breeze. I tried some of the best strawberries of my life as we meandered through orange tented stalls. It didn't seem long before it was time to head back to the apartment.
After putting the baby down for a nap I ventured back out into Helsinki. I took a rather long walk to the Sibelius Monument near the sea in yet another direction. The monument was incredibly interesting to photograph despite the crowds of tourists who came not long after I arrived.
When the rain finally stopped I began hurrying back as I had already taken more time out than I had planned. I headed back a slightly different way than I had before which looked like it might be quicker based on my map. What happened next can only be described as an immensely happy accident. All of a sudden amidst my haste I stopped at a small shop window with some truly stunning artwork inside. (It's difficult to see the vibrant colors from the picture below)
I thought about moving on but decided I should go in for a closer look. I must have sort of burst through the door out of excitement because a man came out from behind the curtain and said "I love how you confidently barged your way in here. Most people sort of peek in very timidly." He animatedly explained he was from the UK and gave me a very thorough explanation of the artwork done by his business partner, who is from Finland.
In her master's program the artist re-created an old British game based on moral lessons for raising children but did so in a way which pushes people to think about stereotypes as the card game's artwork uses little to no color. She is using art to approach the topic of diversity, in all aspects, but particularly as it relates to race. The man, which if I remember correctly whose name was Robert, continued to explain another thought provoking game she had re-created and the rest of her work.
The whole conversation he took time not only to tell me about his UK perspective and his experience with Finnish culture but he was also interested in hearing my American perspective. He was quite clearly more thoroughly educated on global issues than I but was still eager to hear my young opinion. When I was perhaps a bit critical of my country's issues with race he told me he sees hope in my generation. When I explained I was a bit nervous approaching people here without knowing any of the Finnish language he told me "Be confident!" because English has a powerful way of describing things which is not always present in other languages. He also said though people may be timid to use English here most everyone knows it, which I have since found very true. After nearly an hour of thought provoking conversation I decided I really should be on my way. Before I left the shop I asked if he would take a selfie with me. He said, "ohhh I never take selfies." But he did oblige.
You can see the artist's work at this website: www.reettahiltunen.com
I spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out on the floor with the baby. However, after dinner and bathtime I headed out one more time and made it to the beach. Even though it was nearly 9 when I got there the sun had not yet set and people were out playing volleyball. There were unusual looking birds in and near the water. They didn't scatter like ducks or geese as I walked by but sat peacefully. The water was warm and I sat on a rock and enjoyed the evening sunlight before finally going home for the night.
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