So yesterday I went to Matka 2016 - Nordic travel fair in Helsinki. Two of my friends, Annina and Linda accompanied me as well as my mom.
We were there about 12pm and started our tour. Firstly we were greeted by Spain booth with flowers, so nice! But I ruined my flower like in 12 minutes :( well, at least I have pretty photo about it xD
We started just looking around and found Estonia's booth after Spain. I went to talk about Tallinn because I plan to do 2-day trip sometime this year. So I got couple brochures (they had alot about Tallinn so it was extra nice!) and then after small talk session we went forward.
We ended up to Iceland's booth and I got some more brochures. I'm interested about Iceland and I defiently want to visit there in near future. It was pleasant surprise that Iceland had big booth with Icelandair.
Then we just walked and looked around while my mom visited couple booths to ask about living abroads (mom was interested in spain and portugal which were easy to find and the assistants have lots of advices).
After walking around near Argentina's booth we spotted Korea~ Had to go there and just grab every brochure available xD They had this yellow Subway partner brochure which I browsed through and I found it really useful! I don't have better singe photo about it now in here but it was yellow and kinda small. Everyone, I advise you to grab it with you because inside was like with which line you will get to most famous places in Seoul and which exit out you have to take. It's size is very practical, you can basically have it with you while you're travelling in Seoul without having to carry large travel guide just to know which line and exit you have to take to go for example gwanghwamun square.
After visiting Korea's booth we looked around long-haul destinations part. We visited Panama/Costa Rica's, Thailand's, Malaysia's, Japan's and Indonesia's booth. Thailand showcased their handicraft again and I can't help but silently admire that kind of amazing work. Japan had a small robot show going on and it was so cute! Japan had big booth and lots of info, Linda was excited because she's propably going to Tokyo this year and she got many brochures about Japan and Tokyo.
Then got some brochures from Indonesia and also got memory stick, which was interesting wooden model. My mom visited Bali's booth in the meantime.
After hanging out in long-haul destinations area and getting tea from Sri Lanka's booth, we walked towards Finnair's booth. They had this fun competition, you can win flights to Asia if you post photo of yourself in plane seats (they had couple seats from their newest Airbus in there). So we took couple photos and took part to competition. I really wanna get one more trip to Asia this year! :P
Then we just walked aimlessly through some european countries booth's and decided to stop by and eat beside Greece's booth. We ate one greek dish I already forgot xD Sorry~
After being full from eating good meal, we walked a little in Finland's section and talked how we could promote us much more to foreigners than what we promote now. Also, we talked how finnish people often say to foreigners in abroad "Finland is boring, don't go there." It's really bad advertisement for us so next time you go abroads, try think something positive about Finland when somebody asks "what's Finland alike?"
We were getting pretty tired already, Annina finally found Czech which she had been looking for all the time and I found Croatia which also interests me from europe. Then we pretty much stopped to listen Forex bank's program for a few moments and then decided that our concentration is starting to falter so it would be best to go home.
I'd say this year Matka was more bigger than last year. But long-haul destination part was more smaller while europe section was more bigger. For me, I would have wished the other way ^^;;;
Because I'm mainly interested in Asian countries I found it a little disappointing for not finding for example Singapore. My mom wanted info from Phillipines but they weren't in Matka 2016 either.
But all in all, we enjoyed more than last year, for me Korea's booth was a definite plus and I liked how almost every worker in every booth were ready to give you information. From europe's section I think Iceland and Estonia had the most interesting booths!
I got excited with brochures xD
That's all today~ I'm going again tomorrow with different friend :P So let's see what is left because some booths run out material yesterday already. I guess Matka 2016 is more popular this year? ;)
Hi everyone, this will be just a quick post as I am writing about Matka - nordic travel fair on saturday after visiting there tomorrow~
Everyone who recognizes me, come and say hi! Maybe we can share some travel tips ;)
I'll be going with one friend and my mom for sure (other friend is still deciding if she's coming or not). Even if I have company I always have time to talk with new people about travelling :)
Can't wait for tomorrow! Mainly excited about long-haul destinations part but also Tallinn (really have to do that two-day trip sometime) and then lotteries of course :D I never win anything but hey, you can't know until you try ;) I checked a list from Rantapallo and gonna go through those all (well, at least trying xD ) Thanks to Rantapallo anyway, now I know at least couple lotteries I'm dying to participate for. I am going to be poor after South-Korea's trip and going to be suffering from travel fever case xD so fingers crossed that I win something :P
I'm more excited about South-Korea's booth now that I have confirmed my whole trip. Gonna stay at Bong Hostel in Hyehwa, near Sungkyunkwan university. Why is it that I always find university areas to stay at xD Anyway, my travel guides about what to do needs a little update so maybe I'm going to ask some advices since I only know that I'm going to visit N Seoul tower again and then Bukchon hanok village for the first time.
Oh, and I heard South-Korea's booth will have some korean food tastings so beware, going to steal it all (just kidding) no but seriously... xD I miss korean food soooooo much!
Also, my company aka my friend and mom will be searching info about certain things themselves~ I hope travel fair this time is bigger and more diverse than the last one. I was honestly disappointed about last one... But they can only do better so I'm really really waiting for walking around in there and checking what everyone has to offer :)
See you on saturday! Going to review my whole experience and what to look in travel fair and what was the most memorable thing~
Hello everyone!
As I mentioned in last blog post, I'm going to South-Korea in April! Going to stay there a little over two weeks and I'm excited even though it's my 4th time in there :P
I have flights booked but I'm still looking for a hostel to stay. Two weekends I'm staying at my boyfriend's place and weekdays I'll be in Seoul (except for the first weekend when I arrive). If anyone have some recommendations for me as to where to stay (hostels), please let me know~ I already got one tip from Anniina and gonna check it out if they have rooms available but I'd like to compare before booking any. I have always stayed in Hongdae area so this time I want hostel from someplace else.
Many of my friends have already asked to meet and I'm happy that at least I'll not be bored~ Even though I'm used to travelling alone, I still miss company and it's more fun to experience things with someone. I still have no idea what I'm going to do though xD But I have at least one sight I want to see finally; Bukchon hanok village in Seoul. Sometimes my friends are like "you still haven't visited there, it's like one of the first things to visit when you're in Seoul" :,D I admit, my loss but I'm finally gonna visit there for sure!
Anyway, because I have visited Korea before, I thought I could do listing for you guys what to remember when you go to Korea. This will be useful for first timers :)
1.Vaccinations. If you go to Seoul it's pretty safe area but if you're travelling anywhere else you should check if your vaccinations are still valid.
2.T-Money. When you get to Korea, search convenience store at airport and ask for T-Money. It's their equivalent to finnish "matkakortti." So it's basically a travel card where you can load money and your travel expenses in public transports will be a bit cheaper than when you're buying a regular ticket. Public transports in Korea are very cheap, I have usually put something like 30,000won (about 23€) and it has been quite enough for travelling two weeks inside Seoul. You can load t-money either in convenience store or if you forget to put money for the card there, they have loading machines for example near subway station.
I use subway alot in Korea(I rarely use bus in Seoul) because it's convenient and takes you basically anywhere. So it's so nice I don't have to spend alot of money for ticket payments!
3. If you want to end up staying center of Seoul from where you can access lots of places, here's couple areas that will fit you perfectly: Dongdaemun (whole), Jongno (whole), Myeongdong, Hongdae, Ewha, Hyehwa, Sinchon.
My favorites are Hongdae and Myeongdong. Hongdae is good especially for younger people.
4. Cash! Korea uses won. In most shops foreign cards will work, even my visa electron has worked in pretty many places. But be aware that especially in smaller, individual shops that don't belong to any chain, your card might not work. So it's good to have cash.
5. Learn at least few words in korean. About in 90% places in Korea, they don't speak english. And especially if you go anywhere outside Seoul. If you at least know few words, you will be treaded more friendly instantly. Koreans will be happy you have spend time to memorize at least few words.
6.If you don't know hangul (korean alphabet) and you have friends who do, have them translate most common foods in restaurants for you. This will help you alot and you don't have to guess everytime what you ordered :P Because in many many restaurants, they have menus only in korean.
But no worries if you don't know hangul or don't have friends who know either, you can just pretty much point pictures (usually many restaurants have pictures of their foods on walls) or then just point some other customers food.
7. When you give your card/cash for payment and when you receive it back with receipt and change, hold your left hand under your right hand (preferably under elbow but under wrist is ok too if you're in hurry). It's respectful gesture when you're receiving something. If you receive only with one hand, it's considered disrespectful. If you're receiving present from elder person, always receive with two hands! They forgive if you don't remember this because you're foreigner but they will be happy and surprised if you remember. And I put this here because sometimes for example when I was standing at bus stops random elder people gave me food like fruits xD they're really kind in korea that way~
8. Take mosquito repellent with you, even in winter. Mosquitos in Korea are like ninjas, you almost never hear them, just get stinged xD They have mosquitos even in winter... I don't know how they survive... And if you're sensitive to mosquito noises, take earplugs especially if you're staying in guest house. In my experience, guest houses have them the most.
9. Pack lightly when you leave your country. In South-Korea it's pretty cheap, especially for those who live in western countries are like in heaven when coming to Korea lol. Clothes, make-up, food... did I mention you can get warm meal with only 2€. Of course Korea has also expensive places but basically most of places are really cheap.
10. Do rough travel plan. Especially if you're only staying in Seoul. Because Seoul is big, it's impossible to see everything if you're planning on staying only one or two weeks. It's also important to do plans for different days because sights are scattered all around and it's more convenient to see sights close to each other in one day. Because for example if you take one sight from left side of Seoul and second sight opposite side, you may end up travelling over 1 hour in subway.
So here was my tips to Korea~ I have learned from some mistakes and I'm glad to help others for their travel plans :) If you have any questions for me, comment below.
And lastly, some useful short info:
You don't need adapter (if you're from Finland). They use the same as us.
Road signs are mostly romanized or in english.
When you're travelling in a bus, you have to beep your t-money card when you're entering bus and when you're going out. They have machine in city busses near center doors so you have to tap that before going out or next time your ticket payment will be a bit higher (something to do with penalty fee of not tapping out).
Cosmetics are popular in Korea, they have many of their own brands. They're cheap but good!
At least in cosmetics shops they give you freebies. It varies how much you'll be getting freebies and samples from where you're buying. (buying from areas with lots of tourists you get less).
Korea has two airports in Seoul area (Incheon and Gimpo). If you're flying domestic it's propably leaving from Gimpo.
Only places where customer service speaks good english are in airport and in hotels. And in some stores in myeongdong and insadong (very popular shopping place among tourists).
If you visit Busan, T-money works there. But note; you can't load it in Busan.
I hope this helps! I can't wait for my trip, a little over 2 months to go >3< I'm excitedly waiting for matka2016 to get some more travelling tips for my trip~
Hello guys, this will be a bit different post than I usually write~
I got this playful "challenge" to write something like my dream destination or best countries worth checking for in Matka2016. So *intense drummin*... I'm going to write about countries and tips you should definetly check out! So without further due, let's get onto it :D
If you're interested in Asia and Europe then this will propably be useful to you~
1. South-Korea. As I am fan of South-Korea I know I'm a bit biased. Last year I was so disappointed Korea didn't join the fair but they're back this year! Wohoo! So I'm double as excited. And yesterday, I just booked flights for my 4th trip to Korea! I'll be visiting from 1st april to 18th april! I got them really cheap from Finnair, they have promotion called "matkakuume" going on for Finnair plus club members. Really good discount prices for especially long-haul flights so you should definetly check it out.
But anyway, South-Korea has risen to popularity within couple years because of their "hallyu wave" which means culture, especially kpop music spreading around the world. Besides that, Korea is really beautiful country with mountains and amazing scenery everywhere. For finnish people at least, Korea offers exotic experience that will leave a great memory. For first timer, Seoul is basically enough because it's so big and there's always something for everyone. Even I have still something I haven't seen and I've already visited there three times. My friends (who also visited there) sometimes ask me surprised "you didn't visit that and that place?!" xD
For those who look something away from crowds and busy city life I recommend Gyeongju or Jeju.
You can visit South-Korea's booth at the travel fair to ask more info. I'm definetly going to update my maps etc. They're at 7e50.
2. Japan. Even tripadvisor ranked Japan as one of the best countries to travel this year. Even though I know I'm not going to travel Japan at least this year I've had interest in Kioto for a long time. Hopefully I'll be able to visit Kioto sometime in the future. Or then Okinawa! For me both of them feel exotic~ I have only visited Tokyo once but I can say you're in for some culture shock if you decide to visit Japan xD You can find Japan at 7e61. (by the way, 4.30pm on saturday they have program "greetings from Japan" at Sonera inspiration stage *wink wink*)
3.Spain. Why Spain? Well, they're theme country this year~ Even though I have visited Spain only once (well canary islands) I still recommend to check them out. Many of my friends have visited especially Barcelona and I have heard only positive feedback from the experience. Spain is everywhere this year, you can find booths from many areas and cities. Most of them you can find from 6a.
4. Travel bloggers flee market. I'm also donating to there :) You can find stuff from travel guides to equipments with affordable prices. Profits will be donated to "Autolla Nepaliin" -project which emphasizes that with little things you can do great. Check it out on saturday from 1pm to 4pm and sunday from 12pm to 2pm. You can find it near Meeting point and Rantapallo stage.
5. On friday, program called "Traveltrends of 2016 and how you can afford to travel more often" presented by Mattias Varen, Travel Economist and professional traveler. I think this would be a great to hear if you like to travel alot but feel like everytime you travel you spend too much money. Or it feels like it takes too much time to save for a trip. This would be good even for me lol. I feel like everytime I do a trip my account shows zero after I come back home :,D You can find this on Mondo stage, 3.30pm.
Of course, Matka2016 offers many many more things that are interesting and worth looking for! But these are my recommendations and tips :)
Oh and if you want to win some great prices, like trips, go to tempaudu.fi. Who knows, maybe luck is on your side ;)
I have been spending the holidays quietly meeting with friends and spending time with family so that's why my blog has been quiet. My christmas was nice~ on 22nd day I went with Annina to Tuomaan markkinat (traditional christmas market) which is held in Helsinki in Senate square. I bought too much food lol. After spending afternoon in Helsinki I went home for few hours before I left to movies with my brother and the movie was none other than Star Wars force awakens :P
Here's some photos:
On 23rd we decorated christmas tree (well it was mostly me lol) and in the evening we visited my great grandparents grave which is in the most biggest cemetery in Helsinki. It's finnish tradition to visit graves and light candle to dead loved ones close to christmas eve (our family does it on 23rd every year because it's too crowded on 24th).
For foreigners reading this blog; christmas eve is the main event in Finland. On 25th we just rest :P
24th started with eating rice porridge what my dad makes every year. Actually my dad prepares like all the food, he likes cooking. My mom hates cooking lol.
My sister and her boyfriend came 1pm and we started our christmas dinner then (I say dinner because on christmas eve we usually eat only one big dinner, no lunch). We had pork (main dish), liver casserole, mashed potato casserole, carrot casserole, rosolli salad, cold smoked salmon, and one type of salmon dish that apparently doesn't even exist in english dictionary :,D and some few other side dishes. The food was good and everyone enjoyed it~
Then we rested a while and proceeded to open presents. I got Moomin bowl and couple movie tickets from my parents, my sister gave me also couple movie tickets and chocolate she made herself and then I got money from my grandparents and from aunt and uncle. My brother had failed to inform he didn't get presents for anyone...
Well anyway, I was happy with my presents <3 even few things give a great happiness.
Then rest of evening I spend with my parents just three of us because my sister and her boyfriend left around 4pm and my brother went to his friends.
Calendar completed
After christmas I went to a shopping spree in christmas sales lol. I first on sunday visited Helsinki with Linda and finally bought hair straightener! I have somehow managed these years without one xD I also bought one Shiseido travel set which was only 24€, so very cheap for being Shiseido.
Then on monday I went to shopping mall near my town with Annina. Bought couple cheap shirts. And I thought people are crazy because it started to be crowded in afternoon and everyone just pushed to make their way at stores. So we left pretty soon it started to be too crowded. Hint; go shopping right when they open stores, you have at least couple hours to shop at peace lol.
My new year's eve went quietly. I just spend it at home with parents because I wasn't invited anywhere. Well, doesn't matter, I had fun with my parents. My brother left to his friends after eating dinner with us. When it was almost 12am we went outside to watch fireworks. We didn't buy any ourselves but watched our neighbors xD
Well I had these little ones at least :P
Now to cosmetics review (it's been a while, sorry)
L'occitane shea butter handcream
Price: 8,50€ / $9.20
Where can I get it: Most european cities have l'occitane shops or stores that sells it. They also have websites.
Oh my god. This is propably the best handcream I have ever tried (and I have tried maaaaany). It has rich texture but it's still spreading well without leaving sticky feeling. And the moisturized feeling after spreading, it feels so gooood :D The handcream has subtle fragrance but at least for me it's pleasant. I seriously recommend this one! I think I found my handcream from now on. I just have to use the other 5 brand's handcream I've bought xD And just to add one more praise; it's travel sized so wherever you go you don't have to carry a huge tube, this fits into smallest of purses. Would I buy this again? Yes yes yes!! I fell in love *A* I actually got a small tester of this from habitare fair? (I think) and used it all up before christmas. The one you see in the photo, well I bought it from l'occitane store xD Thank you for that sample, l'occitane, you opened my eyes xD
And one other review, from L'occitane also;
(I normally don't like these type of brands because they use strong fragrances and my nose is sensitive but l'occitane surprised me)
L'occitane Essence sublime
Price: normal price 54€ / $58.90
Where can I get it: same as above
Essence sublime is basically a serum, only lighter. It doesn't have serum's more heavier texture and some features but it's close to being a full serum. Because Essence sublime is light it fits perfectly under makeup without final result feeling sticky. I actually like this alot, it moisturizes really well and has a subtle, nice fragrance. It's also easy to spread. It promises to fade redness, tighten pores and soften and brightening skin. And for me it has done that all. It hasn't caused any extra pimples or uneven skintone for me so I definetly recommend it to those who have sensitive skin! It comes in small 30ml bottle and it's light so it's no problem to take it with you for example when you're travelling. Essence sublime is a bit pricey but it's worth it, trust me! You'll love the light moisturizing texture! Would I buy this again? Yes, I feel like it's the one thing I've been missing from my morning skincare routine before makeup.
But first, an announcement: I have been accepted as travel blogger to Matkamessut 2015 (Nordic travel fair)!! How cool is that! I just applied but never expected to be accepted because my blog is also concentrated on lifestyle and events. I'm so happy because it's my favorite fair and I've been going almost every year. And I heard South-Korean tourism bureau is back after being away a year so I'm excited! I don't remember if I have told in my blog yet but my next trip to South-Korea is in April. At least hopefully it's in april :P I'm still waiting for to find cheap flights but practically I have the mindset that I'm going in april xD Soooo excited to blog about the fair and about South-Korea's booth! I'm also interested in Taiwan because I might visit Taipei for few days if it's comfy for my budget. So two countries I'm looking forward to~
So everyone who's going, if you see me come say hi! I'm usually shy so if you ever notice stalker listening your interesting conversation from across corner that would be me :,D
Ok, then to my week; well let's start actually from last sunday. First we had our last dance practice and it will hopefully continue next year. Then when I got home I showered and me and my parents left to visit our aunt and uncle and wish them merry christmas. Then when we got home, me and mom went to christmas event organized by our town. Direct translation for it would be "christmas road" where our near park was decorated beautifully full of christmas ornaments. And there were booths where you could buy christmas food. It was beautiful when it was dark, there were thousands of candles on the ground~
On tuesday I went to Tallinn with Annina and Linda. We had misfortune right from the start. Linda forgot her passport home and had to turn around and go pick it up. Then when we took tram towards harbor there was crash infront so tram couldn't get forward and all we had to walk to terminal. Luckily we were still on time.
When we were at terminal (we travelled with Viking Line) and checked in we went straight to lobby to wait opening of doors to ship. We didn't have to wait long before they let us in. The ship was full of retired older people, we got cut in many times while waiting in queue.. and they say younger people are rude... Anyway, we headed to roberts coffee and bought some beverages and sat down to talk for awhile like where we would visit while in Tallinn. After we got bored we went to visit tax free shop. I found (well actually Annina found lol) one chanel blusher that was 15€!! I had to buy it :,D since when have I become obsessed with brand cosmetics xD
After a brief browsing we went to lobby and I was feeling tired for some reason. Linda and Annina went to clothing store while I stayed like a dead fish in one bench lol. Then it was pretty much time to go to doors and wait for them to let us out of ship.
Firstly we headed to Rottermann and visited Bershka and Pull&Bear. I found cute shirt from Bershka. I'm still jealous that we don't have Bershka in Finland. After browsing we started walking towards Viru center. We passed one plaza where was this one enormous christmas tree and couple cozy looking handcraft shops. I took couple photos in there <3
We visited one shop on the roadside before entering viru center. There we headed to Mojito and Reserved. I didn't find anything even though there was season pre-sale going on. Annina and Linda found something at least. We spend quite a while in those shops and noticed at 4pm how time flies. We had one more hour so we decided to go grocery store downstairs and buy something to eat. We found sushi lol. But then we kinda spend too much time in there shopping for all kinds of snacks so in the end we had to eat like speed of light and hurry back to harbor. But not before we visited chocolate shop Kalev. It's in Rottermann and was right next to that big christmas tree. So I got pretty photo of it in dark while lights were shining <3
Then we pretty much had to walkrun to harbor.
We were speaking how we _really_ have to make a trip someday when we actually stay in Tallinn for one night. 3 hours is too little time to spend in Tallinn. (well there is actually four hours but about hour is spend when going to Tallinn and back to harbor.)
We were totally tired when we got on to ship and we went straight looking for a place to sit. We found one corner where we just spread our things and just sat there arranging our things. After a while we went to tax free to do some last minute shopping and for rest of the time we sat ourselves in Robert's coffee xD We were so tired that most of the time we just stared each other :,D I had to buy some food because I was hungry again (that sushi wasn't that filling) and bought cold smoked salmon barley bread (kylmäsavulohirieska) and it was so gooooood omg. And cheap! I recommend it to everyone who likes cold smoked salmon (you can get it from blue deli). After eating it I was still a bit bummed so I went to Robert's coffee to order coffee.. and I ordered a slice of cake too. Because it looked so yummy xD
Finally after what seemed forever we arrived to Helsinki. Annina's father was there to pick us up. After getting home I went almost straight to sleep. And next day noticed I bought too much snacks lol.
On wednesday I got christmas package from my boyfriend<3 I was surprised about his gifts even though he said it was only a little. He send me scarf among other gifts, I absolutely love it<3 And omg fell in love with honey flavored potato chips *A* shame that kind of taste you can't find from Finland T_T
I won't do cosmetics review this week either because I'm still trying couple products and I'm trying to make sense if they actually affect in any way.. so propably next week I'm gonna tell about those (maybe doing even two or three reviews).
Sorry I haven't updated like in two weeks. I was busy preparing for christmas and going to events.
So last week my week started by going to movies with my mom. We went to watch Bridge of Spies and it was ok. For me it was a bit boring mostly but my mom liked it.
On tuesday last week I went to flower shop again with mom (I'm starting to think she's obsessed with christmas arrangements lol). And after it we visited Koiramäen pajutalli which is traditional finnish country house styled shopping place for old-, retro- and decoration stuff. Mostly finnish design but they import some swedish traditional things like in christmas time they have swedish glögi (mulled wine). Now at christmas time it is open all weekdays but other seasons it's closed only on mondays. They have some animals in there like rabbits and pigs which are so cute<3 I bought just a liquorice from there. I wanted to taste because it was chili liquorice and that's why it sounded interesting :P
On Wednesday I visited my old workplace's popup store at airport. They sold already tax free priced products with discount so I couldn't resist lol. I went with my friend Annina and with my mom. I went there again on friday because I felt like this is last chance to get some brand products with cheap price. At least now I have lotions for whole year xD I will be doing some reviews later when I have tried them.
Here isn't all but these were so nice and cheap *A*
On Sunday we had Finland's independence day so we just spend quite afternoon and in evening started watching independence day's festives. To those who don't know, every year our president will hold party for politics, important people and celebrities and athletics who have achieved something. And the whole party is aired for all people to watch from tv.
So that is how my last week was. I felt this week went too fast except on wednesday morning lol. On tuesday I met with Anniina and we briefly visited our friend Linda's art exhibition where she had her work she had done as last to graduate. It was so cool! <3 And Linda looked so good in her dress (I have to consider ordering dresses from abroads also next time I'm in need of one lol).
Then me and Anniina left to Anniina's place and ate and went straight to sleep. Because we woke up 2am, took taxi 2.30am and were lining up to wednesday's B1A4 concert at 3am. We're a bit crazy but so were the 40 other people before us who came even earlier xD B1A4 is a kpop group and this was their first time in europe. I have actually seen them once before, when they had their first concert in Seoul 2012. It was fun experience then and I was sure it would be fun experience in Helsinki also.
Here's couple of their songs so you will get the idea what kind of group they are:
We were excited but the whole day it was raining so it wasn't that great... at least we had queue system that allowed us to go to inside once in a while without losing our place in line. So me and Anniina were 42, Linda who also came to the concert came about 9am and was number 123. I also met couple other friends later. In the queue we talked with group of girls for long at morning because we weren't allowed to leave queue until 7am. It was nice talking with them but I can't say I would be friends with them because frankly, I was 10 years older than them lol. So at some point it was feeling really awkward.
The day went really quickly and soon we were lining up to go inside venue. We had gotten fanbanners earlier and before going in we also got lightsticks that were sponsored by one fanproject. It was nice to be able to do lightsea for B1A4. Only minus thing I have to say about the whole thing is that organizer's ticketing system sucked. I mean we had to have two separate tickets, one general and then what extra we bought for it like early entry. Then they also gave us wristbands but at least just we early entry didn't even have to show it anywhere like what? What were they even for?
Finally we got in 6.30pm. First they checked our both tickets. Then I left my stuff in cloakroom and then we had security
check. Literally security check, the same that they do at airports with
those machines to check if you carry any dangerous metal objects. It's a new security thing because of those Paris attacks...
Anyway then me and Anniina were good to go and we actually got into 2nd row and in very
good places!! We were worried that we would be in 4th row because we
were quite back in queue but we were so happy we got in so front!
We
had to wait an hour before they started the show. During the wait they
showed some zanybros video which they showed different kpop groups… and
some people started screaming to certain groups showed in screen. How stupid can you get? You are in B1A4′s concert and start screaming to
other group… talking about disrespectful… in korea they would have been thrown out by other fans.
When the show started
I didn’t even fully realize the boys were there and that’s why I don’t
even remember what was the first song xD Second was Solo Day remix which
was great *A* I don’t remember all songs they performed but at least
these; OK, What’s happening, Lonely, Sweet girl, Beautiful target, 10년
후, You Are a Girl I Am a Boy, Baby I’m sorry, You are my girl, My love, 몇
번을, Super Sonic, Baby goodnight (during encore), 물한잔 (during encore),
who am I (during encore). Only thing I was veeeeery dissapointed was
that they didn’t perform Tried to Walk which is my favorite song from B1A4 T_T
First
half was energetic, they performed only couple slow songs. Members
introduction talk was the best!! They introduced themselves in finnish
and they totally nailed the pronounciation!! We all finns were so
surprised!! And throughout concert Baro spoke english so well! We were
all hyped up xD At some point there was vcr where they showed B1A4 playing games and
then they came to stage with kigurumi’s lol XD they performed one song
like that and then went to change clothes again while they played vcr
MC’d by Gongchan x,D Then they came to perform couple more songs and it
was the last half, I remember after Gongchan’s vcr was Sweet girl and
Lonely. (ok it might be wrong since I was so hyped and don’t know which
song came first xD ). After those was couple more songs and then they
were like “we have to go now” and all fans were like awww.
Then
started encore and seriously, never in my life have I jumped and
screamed so much during encore!! The boys had so much energy and songs were catchy so we all were like OMG PARTY HARD X,D We had this banner ready for them that
said “thank you, let’s meet again” in korean. First encore song
was “Baby goodnight” and members looked so happy and surprised, C.NU
even picked that banner from one of the fans and waved it to the
audience. Second encore song was 물 한잔 and the boys started throwing
water and I literally got splashed everytime they threw water from
bottles. At one point I didn’t see a thing because they got so excited
that all of them just threw water all the time lol and I was in second
row and was like “gimme a break I wanna see something” At one point
Sandeul picked up finnish flag and started waving it like crazy. C.Nu
also had finnish flag at one point but I don’t even remember when lol.
And during 물 한잔 they lenghtened the end of song for a long time and Baro
was “AGAIN, AGAIN” and Sandeul was looking like “Baro pls stop it srsly I can’t
anymore" lol.
So I had the best concert ever because the energy was awesome!! B1A4 really knows how to get fans hyped xD
Sorry if in this next text I am fangirling a bit but they were so cute<3
I
had so much eye contact with Jinyoung, Gongchan and Baro. I got
Jinyoung to wave at me <3 I was like “ok maybe he doesn’t see me but
I’ll try anyway” and just then he looked at me, I shyly waved and he
smiled and waved back and I just died a little because Jinyoung is my favorite. Like I have seen him from screen about since they debuted, I have also watched his dramas and now he was just there waving me :,D At some point I also touched his hand because he was giving high5 to everyone :P And C.Nu was so funny! At one point during encore everyone
went crazy when he took off his shirt (although he had one thin top
under it) But when he tried to
threw his shirt to fans it got stuck on ceiling and he facepalmed
himself really hard and looked totally embarrassed lol x,D Oh and
Baro… I was never really a fan of him but O.M.G he took so much eye
contacts and everytime he stared at me and smiled I was like nope. But it was weird seeing him also because I have started watching some of his dramas and at the same time I was thinking "he's an actor too omg I'm seeing a korean actor" xD Sandeul and Gongchan were so energetic, they were full of sassyness and did great amount of fanservice to fans.
So all in all I had great concert with great company with me. At some point I saw Linda in same row as me and I was like how did you get there xD because she was behind me at first but she later explained some girls left their place and so Linda got more front. Nice~
Here's a little clip how energetic everyone were throughout the concert (no wonder my legs were mush and my voice was down for a day lol)
