Snowflakes, winter evenings and the lonesome walk
It was my first long trip to Finland, in winter. I had longed to see the snow, feel the crispy killing chill of the winter wind, and be part of the long dark sadist nights. I needed to romp in the snow, walk on the frozen lakes and enjoy a drink in a dimly lit pub, sitting by the window. I had heard about it. Visualized it. But now, was the time to experience it.
My office was in Hervanta, a snug quiet tech suburb that was the house of the then mighty Nokia. I returned from work, hurried to my service apartment and tossed my rucksack on the sofa, grabbed my camera bag, and ran out into the streets, through the wide doors.
That particular evening, as I walked through Hamenkaatu, the main street of Tampere, the footpaths were white and snow reflected the colours of the lights from the street lamps and the halogen bulbs in the glass-covered dazzling showrooms. The street lamps on both sides were trying their best to cut through the impregnable darkness. It was heavenly and I was quietly enjoying the lonely walk, my feet buried in the three-inch snow and once in while balancing myself, trying not to slip.
I inhaled the fresh crisp chill in the air only to be momentarily disturbed by the obnoxious sulphur-like smell from the exhausts of the passing cars. As I walked towards Keskustori, I stood for a moment on the bridge over Tammerkoski (the canal connecting two huge frozen lakes) and looked at Sokos Ilves. The reflection of the colourful lights from both sides of Tammerkoski on the still waters created a mesmerizing landscape. Not sure how long I stood there, the chill from the frozen lakes reminded me to move on.
I continued towards Keskustori and hoped one of the cafes might be open for a coffee. The bus station in the centre of Tampere was quiet. Two buses were waiting, probably for their last trips. A few young boys and girls got down from one of the buses, giggling and making merry. I grabbed a coffee from Hessburger (an unusual place to get a coffee) and walked towards the riverside behind.
I stood at the edge of the river and at that moment, I froze under the lamp post. As I took a sip of coffee, I felt snowflakes coming down in a beautiful symphony like fairies doing ballet. I watched as they came down and settled on the ground. Some melted, but most stayed on turning the ground fairy white. I took my gloves off and stretched my arm.
I was enjoying the moment, never thinking I would write about it 15 years later.