Latest Posts by lageografiademicamino - Page 2

Praia da Ursa Bear’s beach is famous for its distinguish rocks. Next to Capo da Roca (most western point of EU) you can hike there within 45min-1h. The route is often described as easy but if you’re not used to make an exception from the paths going down might be difficult. 

It’s surprisingly popular and the traffic on the path is heavy. There are entire families with food, tents etc with them. 

Please note that this beach is also known as a nudist beach and as it is located right on the Atlantic coast, the waves are big and cold. I recommend going here when the summer heat wave reaches its peak. 

I loved Évora! 

Évora, located in the hot Alentejo is full of history and culture! Don’t hesitate to visit! 

Nazare, the surfing paradise

Some shots from my weekend trip in Nazaré a while back. This where the surfers come usually for the biggest waves during the winter season. 

Masterlist

Contains my photos and blogs from 2017 on. Updating as we go along and digging some older posts from MTL times. 

BLOG 

Eurovision

UMK 22 

Host City 22 : Turin

ESC 20 : Best Non-English Entry

UMK 20

Eurovision 2018, Lisbon. 

ESC 19: Songs that I love but others don’t / Artists coming back to ESC / Songs that I don’t love but others do / Different genres / UMK artist guess / 

ESC 18: Positive review / Negative review / Songs that I loved but other’s didn’t / Non-English songs / Biggest growers / Different genres / The BIG 6 / Saara Aalto Songs / Mid tempo tracks / 

ESC 2023: 10 things I don’t want to see / Voting system to be changed / Who will qualify SF2 / Who will qualify in SF1 / Top 5 Non-English Songs / 

UMK23: Keira / Benjamin / Robin / Lxndra / Käärijä / Kuumaa / Portion Boys / The worst UMK stagings / UMK23 review / 

UMK24: Cyan Kicks / Sexmane / Sara Siipola / Jesse Markin / Windows95Man / Sini Sabotage / Mikael Gabriel x Nublu 

Lisbon Life : 

LX Blogs / LX tips Part 1 / LX tips part 2 / 1 year in LX / Sintra first impressions / Quilty 6 months in LX /  Fall 2017 / One month in LX / 2w / PT expectations / Going to LX / 

Something else 

100 years of Finland / 3 x / Home / Geography of my way / 

PHOTOGRAPHY: 

Lisbon

Sintra / Lisbon before Covid-19 

Lisbon Before Covid-19

Lisbon Before Covid-19 Part 2

Mixed: Olaias Metro, the most beautiful / Xmas / Less known LX / Random Part 1 / Pantheon + random / Rua August sunrise / 

Waterfronts : Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / 

Parque das Nacoes: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / 

Belem: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / 

Palaces: Queluz part 1 / Queluz part 2 / Belem Part 1 / Quinta da Regaleira Part 1 / Pena and the Moors Part 1 / Pena and Moors Part 2 / Pena and Moors part 3 / Pena and the Moors part 4 / Pena and the Moors part 5 / Royal Palace of Ajuda / 

Lisbon Streets: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 /  Part 10 / Part 11 / Part 12 / 

Beach: Part 1 / Cascais / Praia da Ursa

Sétubal: Part 1 / Part 2 / 

Arrabida : Part 1 / Part 2 / 

Portugal

Berlengas: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / 

Azenhas Do Mar: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / 

Porto: Part 1 / 

Nazaré: Part 1 / Part 2 / 

Évora: Part 1 / Part 2 / 

Braga: Part 1 / Part 2 / 

Coimbra: Part 1 / Part 2 / 

Costa Nova

Helsinki

 Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / 

Lahti

 Lake: Summer Part 1 / Winter Part 1 / Winter Part 2 / 

Travels

Bologna: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / 

Amsterdam : Part 1 / 

Galicia:  part 1 /  part 2 / part 3 / part 4 / part 5 / 

UMK 22 : My top

If pandemic has had any positive effects during the last two years – it is on Eurovision. The contest is now being seen differently as an oppurtunity to promote your music and gain fame than ever before. Television in general I guess since performing live has been pretty challenging now for the passed two years.

Last year’s Eurovision results showed how people are craving for live music, self made songs about real emotions and not pre-choreographed dance moves. All top 3 of winning songs were not sang in English and represented each of them a different genre. Blind Channel brought Finland the best result since Lordi’s victory 15 years prior and have ever since been embraced by charts all over the world. This is the professional spirit I’ve been longing in Finland for years.

UMK 2021 Winners Blind Channel

Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) offers perhaps the best national ESC selection of the season! All the seven acts are already published artsits with their own characters, style and paths. These are all very well produced products already on its own merits and it’s only matter of one’s personal taste whether or not the song is your cup of tea. 

This year’s black horse The Rasmus could be easily thought to be the automatic winner being the most famous band among the seven entries but these six other entries do give a fare and balanced battle and the best one will win!

Music videos have also been upgraded what they were from previous years matching to each performance and atmosphere. Check each one by clicking the title of the song below! 

Cyan Kicks : Hurricane

Cyan Kicks

This was such an explosive start for this year’s UMK! Cyan Kicks comes from the same record label as last year’s Blind Channel and to be honest they do share some of the same elements. They call their style as modern rock. In genres Hurricane succesfully blands electronic as rockier sounds together. The energy here is undenyable. I cannot think of anything to add to this one. Only live performance will define where they will stand in the race to Torino..

Pros : self made song

Cons : generetic lyrics

BESS : Ram Pam Pam

Bess

The most surprising UMK entry so far and my ultimate favourite! People tend to compare this to Erika Vikman’s Cicciolina a couple years back but I personally I find this 10 x times better. The chorus is catchy and you find yourself singing along Ram Pam Pam instantly! The song is ultimately about freedom and breaking up from a bad relationship. For me this is the best pop-music can offer and I’m so in love with Bess’ raspy voice. I seriously wouldn’t mind if this won the ticket to Italy!

Pros : bold perfomance on the video and hopefully on the stage

Cons : The title of the song + swear words in the lyrics which would have to be changed for ESC

The Rasmus : Jezebel

The Rasmus

The big name among this year UMK entries. Frankly I’m surprised they weren’t just internally selected as for Darude and Saara Aalto. However having them competing this way brings much needed spice to the show. First sight and hear promises well (Desmond Child was one of the songwriters btw!) – I loved the black and yellow look and the quitar (new quitarist Emppu getting much deserved attention through entire song). The song follows safe pattern in its rock genre and moves smoothly from one part to the next one. Tiger roaring is a nice add. However I was slightly disappointed in the chorus – it didn’t explode, reach the hights as I would have wanted. But then the song does improve the more you listen to it and at this point it does sound quite natural as the song goes on. This is hit and stage ready and very familiar from The Rasmus with or without Eurovision.

Pros : Solid, high quality performance

Cons : Too safe? Can The Rasmus answer to these crazy high expectations?

Younghearted : Sun numero

For me less known band but Younghearted has established a reputation of singing beautiful, acoustic songs. Sun Numero makes no exception. This is a heartfelt break-up ballad. The song builds up nicely but a bit too slowly to my taste, the singing is amazing though. This is a great add to this years UMK. I don’t have much to say about this and it bothers me.

Pros : Emotional, gentle – easy to listen

Cons : Too forgettable?

Olivera : Thank God I’m an Atheist

Oliveira was completely new artist for me so no expectations but the song title promised bold, ironic attitude. The first thinfg you hear after pressing play is the VOICE! So unique, strong… I hear so much soul and character. The second thing that blows me away here is the lyrics, they’re so deep which makes me think again that is ESC able to appreciate this talent and art enough? She’s not super well known in Finland but I hope her participation in UMK gets her much deserved attention. I’m loooking forward to see how her R’n’B ballad is staged. Despite of the memorable beat, atmosphere her voice and lyrics are definitely the hook in this one! 

Pros : Self produced without a big label behind her

Cons : Just another ballad? Will her voice deliver live? 

Tommi Läntinen : Elämä kantaa mua

Every year UMK has a ”senior artist” entry. Last year it was Danny, this year it’s Tommi Läntinen. I prefer Tommi, his songs have always had more flavour even though I cannot call myself a fan by all means. His 1994 hit ”Syvälle Sydämeen Sattuu” about school bullying is a timeless Finnish classic among others. ”Elämä Kantaa Mua” however carries a more uplifting, positive message than Danny’s song last year or Tommi’s previously mentioned hit. The song is written by Finnish rock band Haloo Helsinki, who are one of the best loved rock bands in the country and if they were performing this song, this would be all over the charts. Even sung by Tommi it does have a radio play appeal and the tune does suit for him. He interprets the lyrics in his personal way and has a strong presence. This has grown on me significantly. Would I want him to represent Finland in Turin? Perhaps not but I do hope all the best and success for him with this song.

Pros : well written and performed pop hi

Cons : age group tends to separate this further from the other entries and voters

Isaac Sene : Kuuma jäbä

Another surprise in UMK 22! And probably the hottest one which has promised to make you blush! This is a genre, style and artist I wouldn’t normally listen. However one has to give credit a song well composed and played and charismactic performer. I don’t know if he reminds me of Young Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake or Justin Bieber - or perhaps a mix of all them? This lingers somewhere between pop-R’n’B but includes also electronical sounds. There was a small fuzz around this song if it had been relesed before UMK release – however since no actual recording of this release has emerged, it remains only as a rumour. There’s nothing I would add or remove but as mentioned before not my cup of tea.  

Pros : daring, not a traditional ”Finnish” song

Cons : Is he only a teenage idol? Will this sexy performance appeal to voters?  

What do you think of this year’s UMK entries? UMK takes place on February 26th at 9pm (FI timezone) on YLE. 

Top 10 reasons why Turin is the best Italian city to host Eurovision 2022

The Eurovision 2022 is officially open as any song released since September 2021 can be considered to compete in Eurovision next year. Usually this has been accompanied by the news of the location and exaxt dates and possibly to go with the logo, theme of the upcoming contest. However this year the wait was fashionably late as customed in Italy- the winning country of Eurovision 2021. 

17 Italian cities competed to host world’s most watched TV contest for example the Italian capital Rome, fashion and business hub Milan, culinary and musical center Bologna and of course the city where Eurovision itself origins : San Remo. Turin made it’s way to number one spot and Eurovision Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl describes it is the perfect host city!

Here are my top 10 reasons why Turin, this dark but festive city is the best choice to host Eurovision 2022! 

1. Turin is the capital of Piedmonte and significant cultural and business center in Northen Italy. All together 2,2 million people live in the city’s metropolitan area. 

2. Turin is no stranger to great international events and is best known for hosting Winter Olympics of 2006. Actually the venue is the very same PalaOlimpico (13 000 capacity). 

3. The city has an excellent location up North close to the French and Swiss borders and other major Italian metropol Milan. Besides city has it’s own iternational airport 16 km from the city with direct connections from Paris, London, Amsterdam, Munich, Barcelona for example. 

4. Italian espresso, TV, automobile industry and telecommunications have all their origins in Turin. 

5. RAI - the Italian broadcaster has significant amount of production in the city which eases the steps to organize the event. Turin has been mentioned frequently as a potential host city in Italy over the years whenever Italian artist (almost every year) has come up close to winning. 

6. Turin was the first capital of Italy. 

7. Turin is popular among Italian and international tourists and it’s famous of its multiple museums such as National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento, National Cinema Museum and National Car Museum. 

8. Turin is known by a nick name “Little Paris” or “The Paris of Italy” for its natural beauty.  

9. Besides Eurovision you can also squeeze a day trip or two to the Alps! 

10. Mole Antonelliana - the iconic tower from Italian two cent coins is in Torino!. 

Turin is definitely on my travel to do list! Do you agree with my choices and with the selection of the ESC host city 2022? 

Lisboa / Sintra before covid

Lisbon before covid-19

Lisbon before Covid-19 

Coruña was so amazing and of course there is this “my last foreign trip” vibe as you can’t travel now.. 

Best non-english tracks of ESC2020

I’m painfully aware that Eurovision 2020 is not happening due to ongoing COVID-19 situation. Getting over this grief will take a long time. But as i’m in love with many songs of this season and which cannot be used for ESC 2021 I intend to give respect to the artists as much as I can. So here are all the NON-ENGLISH tracks from this season. They appear in alphabetical order. 

BELARUS

VAL - Da Vidna (not confirmed if they will automatically go for ESC 2021)

CROATIA

DAMIR KEDZO - Divlji Vjetre (not confirmed if he will automatically go for ESC 2021)

ISRAEL (parts in English)

EDEN ALENE - Feker Libi (confirmed for ESC 2021) 

ITALY 

DIODATO - Fai Rumore (not confirmed if he will automatically go for ESC 2021) 

FRANCE (parts in English)

TOM LEEB - Mon Alliée / The Best In Me (not confirmed if he will automatically go for ESC 2021)

PORTUGAL

ELISA - Medo De Sentir (confirmed not going for ESC 2021)

SERBIA

HURRICANE - Hasta La Vista (not confirmed if they will automatically go for ESC 2021)

SLOVENIA

ANA SOKLIC - Voda (not confirmed if she will automatically go for ESC 2021)

SPAIN 

BLAS CANTÓ - Universo (confirmed for ESC 2021)

SWITZERLAND

GJON’S TEARS - Répondez-Moi (confirmed for ESC 2021)

UKRAINE

GO_A - Solovey (confirmed for ESC 2021)

In a situation like this there’s not much else left to do but dream...

UMK 2020

After two years of selecting internally our representative YLE has gone back to have an open competition. Out of the 400 songs sent out, the final 6 artists with their songs were released in January. I feared the worse and hoped for the best. But compared to many other years material we’ve had this is a gigantic leap to the right directions. Here are my thoughts (the songs appear in the order of their release) - please click the link in the title of the song to listen the tracks.

Saara Aalto represented Finland in 2018 as internally selected artist.

1. TIKA - I LET ME HEART BREAK 

THE power ballad. The X-Factor winner 2018 in Finland is specialized in them and she has a voice for it! However I feel something is missing. It has the right structure but it’s missing some filling. Surprisingly it has kept in the race within the ratings on Youtube (almost 200 000 views) and Spotify (over 120 000 streamings) making it the third most popular UMK entry this year. I haven’t lost my faith though and I’ll give the live version a chance. 

2. ERIKA VIKMAN - CICCIOLINA

The most buzzed about. The song special theme (Italian porn star /politician whose story gave the name for the song) has received attention international and national along with the headlines. I’m bothered by Erika’s poor English skills though and her mispronunciation of the title. However I find her way from the Finnish tango scene to the pop sky interesting. It has a nostalgic Euro/ Finnish pop vibe but doesn’t represent the 2020 scene of either of them - it can be a pro or a con. The song sounds just out dated and something that Finns have been sending to ESC for decades with a little success. I find it difficult to understand why would we be going back for that. However it has a catchy chorus though. Unfortunately general opinion is against me and Cicciolina has been viewed over 1 million times on Youtube and streamed on Spotify  over 1200 000 times. I just hope that these people click the song out of curiosity for once and will not be voting for it. Even though the international ESC bloggers seem to excited about it too. I really stand alone. 

In 2014 Softengine brought Finland our best result (11th in the final) since Lordi’s victory (2006).

3. AKSEL KANKAANRANTA - LOOKING BACK 

Our only male entry. This was the first one I actually liked. Well produced but tt could go further though. I wish they’d update it a bit or the live version will give it much needed kick. I really like his singing! He is fairly popular also among UMK 2020 entries - viewed over 200 000 times on Youtube and streamed almost 200 000 times on Spotify. 

4. F3M - BANANAS

I understand why people wouldn’t like this but that’s exactly why I do! It’s a bit goofy,definitely catchy but also annoying. The song has some definite hooks that will be playing in your head all day but I wonder is it too forgettable? And people like this! Not doing bad on bloggers lists and on Youtube + Spotify considering. 

5. SANSA - LOVER VIEW 

Hate to say this but the loser of the crowd. A very unlikely winner. It doesn’t interest people. However Sansa’s song was the one I was the most excited about beforehand because of the dance and electronic style. It’s nicely produced but too light and easy. I wish there would be something to catch me properly. A great ac companion for a run or to the gym but perhaps that is its biggest problem. The most annoying thing is that I get it why they’ve left the song like this because I understand people who like music without too much drama or screaming. 

6. CATHARINA ZUHLKE - ETERNITY

She competed in UMK 2017 and is back for another round. The first time I heard her song Eternity I knew this was it! From the Perfect Villain to a perfect pop song! However I’m afraid that it might be too predictable and that’s why it hasn’t become a Youtube/ Spotify favourite (or is  it because she was released last). I really hope the live goes well for this one. I’m hopeful based on the positive comments and the mix of two genres (slow ballad in the beginning to catchy euro pop in the end). 

The representitive will be selected tonight at 9pm (finnish time). Make sure you’ll be voting for your favourite(s)!

UMK artists 2020.

These Coruña shots never end... 

More Coruña shots! This part of Spain has so much to offer! 

Took my time going though the Coruna trip photos from last September. I saw so many beautiful places! These are from my first 2 days :) 

It’s summer now somewhere...

I’m still in summer... 

Now when it’s all cold, dark and so autumn like it’s good to remember the perfect first summer days..

Lahti sunsets from last May :) 

In May I visited Helsinki, where I lived for 2 years. Awesome new museum AmosRex and amazing new library Oodi. Check these out if you’re in town! 

Amsterdam in April. It was very grey so made it even more so. 

Street art + Lisbon detail hunting! 

ESC19 songs that I don’t love but which will probably do great

AUSTRALIA / Kate Miller-Heidke / Zero

The song has improved along the with the staging and even I have to admit that this is pretty cool. I'm pretty sure this goes to the final. 

CYPRUS / Tamta / Replay

As there was much hype around Cyprus last year Tamta's entry was highly appreciated. However I was disappointed with the song because I find it a bit overproduced and lacking personality. But I don't hate it and I have an open mind what comes to the live performance. 

PORTUGAL Conan Osiris / Telemóveis

I wasn't a fan. And still isn't but I give credit for uniqueness and individuality. These kinds of performances bring diversity and develop the contest which is why I hope Portugal will be in the final.  

CZECH REPUBLIC / Lake Malawi / Friend of a friend

I seem to have a problem with Czech entries since I didn't like last year's entry but everyoneo else did. However I see why people do love this. It's a perky, modern, colourful performance which is why this probably will go to the final. 

BELGIUM / Eliot / Wake up

This is such a great song but with a weak chorus. I'm not the only who thinks so however this entry also gets a lot of love. 

RUSSIA / Sergey Lazarev / Scream

Russia. Do I have to say anything else? Russian entries usually enjoy great popularity year after year and they do have massive production. There's nothing wrong with this song but for me something is lacking. VERY IMPRESSIVE staging! This will go far - no doubt. 

North Macedonia / Tamara Todevska / Proud

The song has grown for me but still this isn't the top 10 track for me. I'm interested to see this live though cause the staging looks cool! 

Spain / Miki / La venda

Everybody loves this. However I don't. It's too cheerful for my finnish taste. Fun track though. 

Slovenia / Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl / Sebi 

Another one everybody loves except me. I get it why. The atmosphere, the stars, the couple. However it's too repetitive and too bland what comes to the singing and her facial expressions (there's none). I'm not into the staring each other's face thing either. I'd like to see them interact with the audience but this can still happen.

ESC19 songs that I LOVE but probably WON'T DO WELL

As the rehearsals keep mixing my lists here are some of my loves during Eurovision 2019 which I’m afraid that I’ll stand alone for. (random order) 

ISRAEL / Kobi Marimi / Home

Even though automatic qualifier as the host country I haven't seen much hype around this. However for me this is the best ballad of the season and Kobi singing just moves me (to tears!).

GERMANY / S!sters / Sister

There's a lot negativity around this one apparently due to the national selection but since I didn't follow that.. I'm kind of liking this. Not the best but definitely one of the biggest growers of the season.

FINLAND / Darude feat. Sebastian Rejman / Look away

My country with unfortunate and unlucky ESC history. As this is second internally chosen Finnish artist for ESC I'd wish this to do well. The song is however a bit repetetive and missing that climax and Sebastian's singing aint' one of the best in the contest (he's improved though). I do have hope though the icy performance does stand out (even though being the 3rd in Semifinal 1) between Moldova and Poland who represent totally different genres.

POLAND / Tulia / Fire of Love (Pali sie)

The staging has improved Poland's chances. However this is a heavy track that will create all sorts of reactions. But I do hope these ladies have more lovers than haters!

ALBANIA / Jonida Maliqi / Ktheju tokës

The underrated song of this season. Her voice, charisma, presence is one of a kind and the song has a nice ethnic sound which makes it stand out - I just hope they've got some drama, colour planned for us what comes to the staging!

AZERBAIJAN / Chingiz / Truth

This is fun and different from the rest of the upbeat tracks. Some people think it's over produced, too dark but from the first hear I loved it. I hope they'd do well! 

ARMENIA / Srbuk / Walking out

What a voice! There's nothing wrong with the song but I worry we've heard this before and people might forget this since this starts semifinal 2.

Once an ESC artist always an ESC artist

Five artists have participated Eurovision before but didn’t quite get enough on first round- 

RUSSIA / Sergey Lazarev / Scream (Stockholm 2016) 

SAN MARINO / Serhat / Say na na na  (Stockholm 2016)

HUNGARY / Joci Pápai / Az én apám (Kiev 2017)

NORTH MACEDONIA / Tamara Todevska / Proud (Belgrade 2008)

Serbia / Nevena Božović / Kruna (Malmö 2013)

Eurovision 2019 - Different genres

It's time to talk about Eurovision! The lists have been shaping during the entire spring and I'm ready to talk! Let's do the different genres first. Even though characterized as a pop song contest which it still is Eurovision holds a large range of influences of other genres as well. I always find sending something else than pure pop to Eurovision as a bold move and nevertheless how well they do they develope the event and give courage to those to think outside of the box!

(in alphabetical order) 

AUSTRALIA / Kate Miller-Heidke / Zero Gravity - Opera /Pop

FINLAND / Darude feat. Sebastian Rejman / Look away - Dance / Pop

HUNGARY / Joci Pápai / Az én apám - Folk/ pop

ICELAND / Hatari / Hatriö mun sigra - techno/rock

ITALY / Mahmood / Soldi - R&B/pop

POLAND / Tulia / Fire of Love (Pali sie) - Folk / choir

PORTUGAL Conan Osiris / Telemóveis - Genreless / mix of everything

Last of Bologna! Now I’m out! Should go back to shoot some more :)