How was your morning?

Woke up by Päivi comming into my room looking a bit hysterical and saying that the car is stuck and I need to come out and give a hand. During the night there had fallen 25 cm of snow and in her rush to work Päivi had tried to climd the hill of snow created by the plowing machine and blocking the exit of the yard. I tried to get the car out but was not successful and it was standing partly in the road busy of all the people going to work. Two friendly persons came to assist, but eventually a towing car had to be called in for rescue. Now some snow to remove before even attempting to get my car out... Back inside the house in the heat and thinking of what more to expect from this day, maybe I better stay inside and work from home.

Curling

I think I got into the technic fast but it was difficult to get the speed right. My team lost all games and I did not contribute any points but still a fun experience. Now only few days left in Finland and soon back on southern hemisphere. Hoping for a warmer climate there cause I had my share of winter for a couple of years to come... The old Toyota has however behaved and even started in -25 when many other cars had said good night.

Caged in Joensuu

Different psychological methods have been applied to make PhD students work and especially the guinea pig (me). Caging is the latest trend; previously I was caged for working and allowed no social contact. Nowadays I get caged outdoors in -25 as a punishment if I have not been working hard enough. I am expecting some scientific papers coming out of these caging experiments from my supervisor.

PhD defence

Attended Andrew Mollel's defence on 'A human rights approach to conflict prevention. Management and resolution in the Africa's great lake region: A focus on the DRC conflict' He managed very well and has all the reason to be proud of his great achievement.

New Years Eve with Wii

Christmas celebrations

First christmas with Toni's little Alex.

waterfront

Sunday lunch at a busy waterfront but at least with a view.

chapman's peak

Inspirational views for the research group while making future plans as department is rocking with all the changes the merge is bringing...

Zanzibar 5-8 Dec

Heidi came over to Tanzania for a couple of days and we took the ferry over to Zanzibar. Stayed at a lovely place (Coral Rock) in Jambiani on the east coast. A relaxing holiday after a very intensive time in Tanzania.

Leaving Iringa

Finally there is regular flights to iringa. The plane was a bit old school but took me to Dar in one piece and saved me from several hours on bus.