Home sweet home

This picture was taken on April 19th on the shores of Helsinki. I had my short spring holiday then. At that time, it was quite cold, about +10°C, freezing in Singaporean standards. The nature had not awakened yet, the trees were pale with no leaves. Still, it was spring and all the hopes were high.

Now it is time to go back for a summer holiday. The summery bloom has already had its peak in June. I am bit sad I did not see full blossoming season. But there is something else. Usually August evenings are warm. It is nice to sit on a terrace in candle light with a glass of wine. I can not wait.

Mystery of Finlayson Green

I have been haunted by a mysterious riddle for some time now. On my daily route I always see this street sign, Finlayson Green. For most of the passing by people it is just another meaningless name. For a Finn like me there is something more to it.

Finlayson is one of Finland's best known brands - or at least it used to be. I believe almost every Finnish household has some Finlayson's textiles; bed linen, sheets, towels, etc. Although Finlayson sounds quite Finnish, the origin of the name leads to Scotland. Finlayson was found by James Finlayson, a Scottish Quaker, in 1820 in Tampere.

At my Finnish background I have been wondering if the Scottish Finlaysons have something to do with the Singaporean Finlayson Green.

I found out that the name Finlayson Green has its roots in John Finlayson. I did not find any information if he was British but I assume he was as he was working in Singapore in significant administrative positions in the end of 1800's as were many Britons at that time.

Interesting question is, were these men, James and John, related? Many sources, like this, say that the name Finlayson comes from Scotland. James Finlayson is often mentioned as a famous member of the Finlayson family. Unfortunately, there have been quite many John Finlaysons and quite a little information on them.

At this point, the mystery remains. I promise I will dig further.

Annie Leibovitz x Peninsula

Above images: Annie Leibovitz for Peninsula Hotels

Hotels are like micro worlds where dozens of people make their best to provide a pleasant stay for their guests. Often one forgets how much is done behind the smiles of the pageboys and closed doors.

Peninsula Hotels are often considered the best of the best when it comes to hotels. They do not merely have fancy facades, but they also let their staff shine. Peninsula started a collaboration with photographer Annie Leibovitz in 2004. Ms Leibovitz took delicate black and white pictures of the Peninsula staff in their every day tasks. The collaboration has continued for five years and this year's results are again amazing, as you can see above.

In Ms Leibovitz's pictures every hotel task is shown with dignity and pride. I like every one of the 17 pictures, but my favorite is the cleaning lady in the second picture above.

The best thing is, that these beautiful pictures are also true. I spent a week at the Peninsula Manila Hotel end of June. The eye for detail that is shown in the pictures, is there also in real life.

A man with a fan

The August 2009 issue of GQ Japan has an article about the traditional Japanese men's accessories. This proves that Karl Lagerfeld is not the only man using fans.

I like especially the wooden sandals. Sadly the Japanese footwear runs so small that it has been really difficult to find my size (EUR44/UK10) even in Tokyo. Maybe better luck on my next visit...

Somehow the pictured below Kris van Assche sandals from the SS10 men's collection remind me of the Japanese sandals, at least the soles are bit similar. A bit bulky, but beautiful.

Image: www.krisvanassche.com

Singapore x Monocle

Monocle, one of favorite magazines, is a great fan of Singapore. In its summer 2009 issue the magazine lists top 25 most liveable cities in the world. Singapore is number 18 on that list. The 18th position is probably not enough for the kiasu Singaporeans, but I think it is a great result. My home town Helsinki was ranked 5th on the same list.

Monocle also has published a Singapore city guide. But the best is yet to come. In the August 2009 issue Monocle will have a wide report on how Singapore became a success story of Southeast Asia. The issue will be out on August 20th.

On the edge of the roof

There are certain things I would not dare to do. One is cleaning the windows of a skyscraper. Although their techniques were state of the art like pictured here, I just would not have the guts to hop on the car. Would you?

Hindu fashion

Great details from Sri Krishnan Temple in Singapore. Especially the cherub on the right. It reminds me of the ones on top of Notre Dame.