A Night at Phonica Records: Crate Digging for Arctic Monkeys in Soho, London

The Arctic Monkeys EP record 'Who the F**k Are Arctic Monkeys?' being held in a record store. The cover art features the title written on a blackboard as if with chalk.

From Soho’s Buzz to the Doors of Phonica Records The electric energy of a Friday evening was just beginning to settle over Soho. I had just left Rough Trade Vintage, a rare Jimi Hendrix first press tucked under my arm, and my feet carried me through the bustling London streets. It was just after 6 Continue reading “A Night at Phonica Records: Crate Digging for Arctic Monkeys in Soho, London”

Booking Office 1869 Breakfast: An Unforgettable Morning in a London Landmark

The interior of a grand restaurant with high ceilings, Gothic arched windows, and large modern chandeliers hanging over a long central bar counter.

A Breakfast Experience Where History and Modernity Collide The morning air in London has a unique quality. Amid the bustle of King’s Cross, a grand structure stands next door: St Pancras International. This is more than just a station. It is a gateway to continental Europe. It’s a place filled with stories of arrivals and Continue reading “Booking Office 1869 Breakfast: An Unforgettable Morning in a London Landmark”

JAL Haneda to London Flight Review: Inside the New A350-1000 Business Class Suite

A private, suite-style business class seat on a JAL Airbus A350-1000. A wine-red seat with a white pillow is visible, along with a window, side table, and a large monitor.

The Prelude to a Journey: High Expectations for the JAL Haneda London Flight on JL43 Every journey begins with a prologue, a narrative that sparks the imagination about the destination ahead. This time, my stage was set for Lisbon, Portugal, home to WebSummit, one of the world’s largest tech conferences. (The Ultimate Guide to Web Continue reading “JAL Haneda to London Flight Review: Inside the New A350-1000 Business Class Suite”

The Ultimate Guide to Finland’s Tax Refund Process: A Surprisingly Simple Experience at Helsinki Airport

The spacious and modern arrivals lobby of Vantaa International Airport, bustling with many travelers. The ceiling is high, and the floor shines with reflected light.

Introduction: The Smart Final Step of Your Finnish Journey The light that painted the Helsinki cityscape, the thrill of window shopping for iconic designs, and the beautiful Marimekko and Iittala pieces packed in your suitcase. The end of a trip is always a blend of sweet sorrow and cherished memories. And to cap it all Continue reading “The Ultimate Guide to Finland’s Tax Refund Process: A Surprisingly Simple Experience at Helsinki Airport”

Oodi Helsinki: More Than a Library, It’s the City’s Living Room

A low-angle shot looking up at the dynamic wooden facade of the Helsinki Central Library Oodi under a clear blue sky. The massive, wave-like canopy covers a glass-walled ground floor, and people are visible in the plaza in the foreground.

An Introduction to Oodi Helsinki: A City of Heatwaves and Vinyl Memories The city of Helsinki was enveloped in an unprecedented wave of heat. It was July 2025, and instead of the cool Nordic summer I had anticipated, I was greeted by shimmering asphalt under a record-breaking heatwave. Everyone on the streets moved swiftly from Continue reading “Oodi Helsinki: More Than a Library, It’s the City’s Living Room”

A Treasure Hunt Through Time at Helsinki’s Iittala & Arabia Design Centre

A view of a copper-colored wall with shelves installed all over it, on which various designs of cups and saucers are neatly arranged.

The Highlight of My Helsinki Journey: The Iittala & Arabia Design Centre Underneath a clear Helsinki sky, the morning air was crisp. I was still basking in the afterglow of yesterday’s inspiring visit to the Marimekko headquarters and its delightful Maritori canteen. Today, however, a new design pilgrimage awaited. I boarded a tram, my destination Continue reading “A Treasure Hunt Through Time at Helsinki’s Iittala & Arabia Design Centre”

Lapland Hotels Bulevardi Breakfast: The Ultimate Helsinki Morning Experience (A Photomo Review)

A hotel breakfast buffet. Various types of bread in baskets, pastries, colorful dips, and butter are beautifully arranged on a wooden table.

A Helsinki Morning Ritual: The Serenity and Flavor of the Lapland Hotels Bulevardi Breakfast Mornings on the road hold a unique magic. There’s the foreign light filtering through the window, the quiet hum of a city stirring to life, and the palpable anticipation of a day of discovery. As CityNomix, my mission for Photomo is Continue reading “Lapland Hotels Bulevardi Breakfast: The Ultimate Helsinki Morning Experience (A Photomo Review)”

The Ultimate Helsinki Souvenir Guide: Why a Local Supermarket is Your Secret Weapon

An assortment of Fazer chocolates from Finland, including blue boxes of Karl Fazer in milk chocolate, raspberry yoghurt, and blueberry truffle flavors, alongside silver boxes and bars of Fazermint and other Karl Fazer bars, all laid out on a white surface.

Finding the Perfect Helsinki Souvenir in the Heart of the City The gentle afternoon light was fading as I finished my coffee at Café Engel, with the magnificent Helsinki Cathedral standing sentinel outside. A quiet moment of reflection confirmed that my time in this beautiful city was drawing to a close. With just a few Continue reading “The Ultimate Helsinki Souvenir Guide: Why a Local Supermarket is Your Secret Weapon”

A Cathedral of Books: Discovering the Breathtaking National Finland Library

An upward view of the magnificent interior of the National Library of Finland, showcasing its ornate domed ceiling with frescoes, arches, and balconies lined with bookshelves.

An Unexpected Turn in Helsinki Led to an Unforgettable Library Experience Sometimes, the best parts of travel are the detours. On a clear summer morning in Helsinki, after a delightful breakfast at Hotel St. George, I set off for the Hakaniemi Market Hall, full of anticipation. However, my excitement quickly faded. I was too early. Continue reading “A Cathedral of Books: Discovering the Breathtaking National Finland Library”

St. George Helsinki Breakfast Review: An Artistic Buffet Worth Waking Up For

A breakfast buffet laid out in a hotel restaurant. On a long wooden table, a variety of colorful cold dishes such as salads, fruits, cheeses, and hams are arranged. A bar counter is visible in the background.

A Helsinki Morning of Light and Serenity, Beginning at Hotel St. George The Helsinki morning arrives in a wash of clear light and profound silence. Yesterday was a day of intellectual pursuits, savoring a bilberry tart at the iconic CAFE AALTO inside the Academic Bookstore and searching for Moomins at the Stockmann department store. Still Continue reading “St. George Helsinki Breakfast Review: An Artistic Buffet Worth Waking Up For”