An invitation from the Prime Minister

Yesterday I received an invitation from the Prime Minister. Well, from the Prime Minister's Office. The Prime Minister of Finland. It was an invitation to attend the International Gender Equality Prize Ceremony and Reception. In attendance would be the Prime Minister, the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Ombudsman for Equality (Helsinki), the Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Equality and the MP and Chair of the National Council of Women of Finland (Helsinki) - who I might add, is a woman logically, unlike ours was a few years back. I think these are people our country could learn a lot from. Note the Finnish government has almost parity of gender - not from quotas, merely by chance because women are valued as people.

I am very excited, as I nominated the Daughters (and Sons) of Cambodia for their work to improve gender equality, getting women and trans men out for prostitution and violent situations by educating them with skills to work in other fields. For those that continue to work in the sex industry, they support with health testing. It is a religious organisation, but you don't need to convert to receive help (as true Christians know. Shame on those applying charity with 'strings').

I have my fingers crossed that they win, as they would make good use of the cash injection. If you are looking for Christmas gifts, maybe check out their site and see what the shop has in store.

I toyed with the idea of going, as the city of Tampere has a Moomin Museum, a Spy museum and their Vivid on (The Festival of Lights). And I would get to hear these wonderful forward thinking people speak on a panel, discussing ways forward for equality.

However, I've decided not to make the journey, as exciting as it would be. The money, the emissions (and the 27 and 29 hours flying time) for only 2 days in Finland, seemed too extravagant, especially when I will be there in January.

So I will just have to get myself invited again. Next year.

Thus this week, I am loving the feeling that there is a better way to do things, and that I'm vaguely somehow part of it. I'm loving the hint of hopefulness that I may have enabled something to help  people doing good for a lot of people living a devastatingly hard life. I want to thank the Finnish Government for their generous $300k prize that goes out globally, and for realising their role is bigger than their own borders.

We can do better, we must do better.

What are you loving this week?

Linking  up this old post with #TimelessThursdays. I was discussing my regret now,  at not going when I had the chance as travel is no doubt to become impossibly expensive when it's finally allowed. I guess you learn a lot in hindsight...

PS Happy Halloween everyone. I fell in love with this display and am declaring them the winner of our neighbourhood. I am currently trying to work out how to take my youngest and her friend out trick or treating and be home to answer the door so the middle one can study for his exams tomorrow without being disturbed. Any suggestions are welcome!

Fabulous Finland

I love Finland - it's an extraordinary country both in nature, custom and it's people. I had this reinforced when I saw this post by the embassy, the request for nominations for the International Gender Equality Prize

So if you know any organisation that deserves to be nominated, please make the effort to do so. Imagine the help they could provide with an extra $300k!

Linking with #DreamTeam #WednesdayAroundTheWorld  #TravelTuesday #RubyTuesdayToo (the red flowers in the church) #TheRandom #PictorialTuesday #WordlessWednesday  #ThruMyLens  & #MySundayBest

Countries I have visited...

Even the carparks are cool in Finland!

I've traveled a fair bit, and I've loved pretty much everywhere I've been, however a few standouts for me were:

1. Cambodia. We only went to Siem Reap however not only did we decide it was the coolest city in Asia, but I had a life changing experience. The Landmine Museum and story of Aki Ra had a profound affect on how I viewed my place, and my ability to change things in this world. All the businesses in the city seem to have a community charity built into them - be it restaurant or store, even the circus and concerts helped others. It made me see how businesses should run. I loved everything about it.

2. Finland. We went chasing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi. While that was not the hugest success, I loved the experience. It was probably our last full family holiday so it meant a lot to me, all these moments with all my children playing together. Everyone loved it. We bonded and laughed as all the activities seemed to please all ages. There was a trippy feeling being in that much snow constantly. All the experiences were new to us all - sleeping in an igloo, riding Husky led sleighs, and so many more wonderful activities.





3. France. I've had so many great times in Paris. I can never understand people that don't like it. The people have always been amazingly nice, and the beauty is beyond compare. The French countryside is gorgeous and the monuments and history are well looked after. Been far too long since I was there but the rest of the world is calling and there is only so much time and money to spend.

4. Hawaii. I know it's not a country but they are different to the rest of the States. Spend some time there and you can't help but be a little changed. The Hawaiian people seem to be community minded and caring towards those in need. Their friendliness and relaxed attitude is contagious. Big Island in particular has amazing beauty and an abundance of wild life. We saw whales, spinner dolphins (spinning over our raft!), turtles galore and even a monk seal just landed on the beach! You didn't need to set out to see them, they'd just turn up!  The night snorkel with the Manta Rays is one of the most AMAZING experiences I've ever had.  The volcano is fascinating - and spare a thought to the damage being done to the locals as a result.






5. Singapore. I have a soft spot for Singapore. I've been going since I was a kid of seven, and I've seen a LOT of changes every visit. I've had so much fun, especially at Grand Prix time - they know how to put on a race! There's art galore, fun festivals, oddities and funky hidden markets. It has something for everyone. You can eat well on any budget, and if you don't adore it, you just aren't doing it properly.

There are many more great countries I've visited but these are the ones that really made an impact on me. There's not a single place I wouldn't return to, but alas it all comes at a cost in both time and money, both of which I don't have enough of and alas the scales tip heavily in favour of countries I have not yet visited...







Where have you been and what were your favourites?

Linking this old post with #TravelTuesday

Share my Snaps!

While I'm meant to be back, there will be no First of the Month Fiction this month due to another story I need to write and a total lack of direction and interest in getting back into routine. However I couldn't resist #Lifethisweek's theme of Share my Snaps!. 

Having just got back from magnificent Finland, I thought I'd share couple of teaser pics! Let me tell you, in Finland it's very hard not to love life!

 Finland is glorious outdoor adventures with endless sunrises and sunsets - as we went further north, it literally morphed from sunrise to sunset around midday, with no 'daytime' in between the two.

 

Linking with #WednesdayAroundtheWorld (this is an old post but the world seems so very far away at the moment, and we were talking about this trip last night)
















Linking this one with #WeekendReflection - the lights in the restaurant are reflected on the glass