Couple of weddings and Mauritania
Last month has really been a busy one, both on and off the work. Before the end of our summer vacation there was first Sami's stag do and then the following weekend was the actual wedding party. Once I returned to work I was informed that I need to go to Mauritania which turned out to be not so cool place. My only souvenir from there was a stomach disease that kept me at home for a week after the trip. Fortunately I got better right on time for our holiday trip to Italy. The main purpose for this trip was Lee's and Lucia's wedding in Matera, a lovely town in southern Italy. It also was a perfect excuse for a proper holiday week in Italy.
August started with Sami's stag do which in addition to the traditional activities included some off road driving in the forest. Other interesting detail was the location which turned out to be Sami's summer place where we haven't been invited in more than 10 years, now we had to do it by ourselves. This house was the first spot to host our countryside parties after we turned 18 and got our driving licenses. It still is one the most legendary ones.
Before the cruise
Still everybody on.
When both cars still were ok.
The crew on a break while the car is broken.
Only the craziest ones kept going.
It's getting muddier.
Next morning a relaxing poker game on the sun shine.
Week later we all headed to Pielavesi for the wedding party. Sami kindly had organised a guided tour in Pielavesi for us the night before the wedding. The purpose was to check out all the significant places around. The party itself was held in a local guest house by the lake. All guest from Helsinki also stayed there.
Lepikon torppa, the birth place of former Finnish president Urho Kekkonen.
Orthodox church.
Guest house with one of the few bars in Mauritania serving alchol.
After recovering from the work trip we headed to Italy. We flew to Rome but stayed there only briefly... saw the colosseum though. Next day we took the train to south where we rented a car. It's an interesting experience to drive on the narrow roads of medieval town in southern Italy... these guys are bit crazy with their vespas. However it all went well and at the end of the day it was actually quite enjoyable. First half of the week we stayed in Amalfi coast area (Sorrento, Positano). These places are bit touristic but the views and the sea are amazing.
Rome
Termini station waiting for a train to depart.
Our nice hotel in Sorrento on the top of the cliff.
It also had an own small beach. Iines appreciated.
Paula and the coast.
View over Sorrento harbour.
Positano and its steep landscape.
Amalfi coast.
Before heading to Matera, the town where the wedding was held we checked out Pompei. It's massive and pretty unbelievable that how well some of the buildings have preserved. The pictures can't really give the idea about the place so here's only one and it's more about my lovely wife.
Matera is very nice small town and its most interesting part is definately Sassi. An ancient area where most of houses are carved to the rock. Matera was chosen as a wedding place as Lucia's family is from there. Lee is my old friend from Lyon times. Other representative from those days in the wedding was Chris with his girlfriend Lou. We usually meet about once a year somewhere in Europe and so far this has been the most unexpected place. The party itself was great, Italian surely know good food. There were 8 terrific courses in the dinner and the party went on late. Thanks Lucia&Lee, I hope you enjoy your 7 week honeymoon in Sicily+Asia.
Signor Hardy
Iines is enjoying life by the pool.
The wedding venue, Santuario Madonna di Picciano. Believed to be more than 1000 years old.
Paula, Lou and Chris.
Iines in her lovely party dress.
The ceremony is about to begin.
Lucia and Lee, newly weds.
Congratulated by la famiglia.
Extempore photo shooting by a random vespa.
The little traveling girl on our way to the airport.
August started with Sami's stag do which in addition to the traditional activities included some off road driving in the forest. Other interesting detail was the location which turned out to be Sami's summer place where we haven't been invited in more than 10 years, now we had to do it by ourselves. This house was the first spot to host our countryside parties after we turned 18 and got our driving licenses. It still is one the most legendary ones.
Before the cruise
Still everybody on.
When both cars still were ok.
The crew on a break while the car is broken.
Only the craziest ones kept going.
It's getting muddier.
Next morning a relaxing poker game on the sun shine.
Week later we all headed to Pielavesi for the wedding party. Sami kindly had organised a guided tour in Pielavesi for us the night before the wedding. The purpose was to check out all the significant places around. The party itself was held in a local guest house by the lake. All guest from Helsinki also stayed there.
Lepikon torppa, the birth place of former Finnish president Urho Kekkonen.
Orthodox church.
Helsinki people hearing about the wonders of modern farming.
"Muu"
Päivi and Sami heading to the altar... still bit nervous.
Now already more relaxed.
Once I was back at the office I was punished of having too good and eventful holiday by sentence to Mauritania.
Crusing in Sahara, on our way to the site.
Guest house with one of the few bars in Mauritania serving alchol.
My mansion.
Mauritanian Copper Mines, Guelb Moghrein operation.
After recovering from the work trip we headed to Italy. We flew to Rome but stayed there only briefly... saw the colosseum though. Next day we took the train to south where we rented a car. It's an interesting experience to drive on the narrow roads of medieval town in southern Italy... these guys are bit crazy with their vespas. However it all went well and at the end of the day it was actually quite enjoyable. First half of the week we stayed in Amalfi coast area (Sorrento, Positano). These places are bit touristic but the views and the sea are amazing.
Rome
Termini station waiting for a train to depart.
Our nice hotel in Sorrento on the top of the cliff.
It also had an own small beach. Iines appreciated.
Paula and the coast.
View over Sorrento harbour.
Positano and its steep landscape.
Amalfi coast.
Before heading to Matera, the town where the wedding was held we checked out Pompei. It's massive and pretty unbelievable that how well some of the buildings have preserved. The pictures can't really give the idea about the place so here's only one and it's more about my lovely wife.
Matera is very nice small town and its most interesting part is definately Sassi. An ancient area where most of houses are carved to the rock. Matera was chosen as a wedding place as Lucia's family is from there. Lee is my old friend from Lyon times. Other representative from those days in the wedding was Chris with his girlfriend Lou. We usually meet about once a year somewhere in Europe and so far this has been the most unexpected place. The party itself was great, Italian surely know good food. There were 8 terrific courses in the dinner and the party went on late. Thanks Lucia&Lee, I hope you enjoy your 7 week honeymoon in Sicily+Asia.
Signor Hardy
Iines is enjoying life by the pool.
The wedding venue, Santuario Madonna di Picciano. Believed to be more than 1000 years old.
Paula, Lou and Chris.
Iines in her lovely party dress.
The ceremony is about to begin.
Lucia and Lee, newly weds.
Congratulated by la famiglia.
Extempore photo shooting by a random vespa.
The little traveling girl on our way to the airport.
posted by Paula ja Otso | 14:41
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