Now that we’ve learnt how to walk on ice without dying, it’s important that we also know how to walk under it too. Because with the big thaws happening its the ice hanging from overhead buildings you’ve got to watch out for.
The first time a big load of snow was dumped down next to me I actually thought someone was throwing snow at us. But it’s all about timing and mine that day was bad.
Watch out for snow & ice falling off the roof (& people dancing in mid-air)
With your head down checking where your feet go, it’s a precarious job looking for falling ice. Luckily the City of Helsinki takes precautions for us by blocking off sections of the street.
But what are we to do? Wait until spring to use these parts of the pavement?
No, silly. Send young men up there to scrape it off and throw it into the streets below.
I know there must be rigorous health and safety methods going on but I swear this guy was just held up by his mate holding a rope around his waist.
However they do it, the ice has mostly gone in Helsinki and today was feeling quite tropical with a high of 10°. Unless we have takatalvi that is (literally: taka: back or rear & talvi: winter, which means wintery conditions in spring).
In which case you may find the sign pictured above waiting for you as you slide to the bottom of the stairs on your taka – Ei talvikunnossapitoa – not maintained in winter.
Hey Helsinki 
When I saw the blokes shovelling snow and ice off roofs, I knew exactly what I wanted to do when I grew up.
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I think the closest you’ll get to shovelling ice in Australia David is working in a bar! ; )
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Hyvin surullinen!
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Hey Dave, maybe you could drive a zamboni.
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And, alas, sometimes the worst happens (from 2012):
http://yle.fi/uutiset/helsinki_woman_dies_after_ice_falls_from_roof/5298315
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Wow, so it can be quite serious. That’s terrible to die from something that comes down to really being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
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I’ve obviously lived away from Finland for too long. I had completely forgotten the falling snow and icicles, and the men on the roofs of buildings getting rid of them! 🙂
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Or maybe you are just used to them! We were probably the only ones looking up in fascination ; )
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You mentioned takatalvi, so there (+ lyrics Google Translate will make hash of).
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Wow – I think I might need to do a Finnish Metal Appreciation Course while I’m here!
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They have one at Suvilahti at the end of June.
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…but while waiting you can start with this (they have written many more good songs) and there are plenty of other bands for your proper edification, you know.
And who can forget the mighty Amorphis!
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That falling ice can really scare you. But once that happens you are set for the rest of the winter. Really share your thoughts on the challenge of looking up and down and the same time. So far I still stick with looking down 😉
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I would like to say I’m pretty good at it now, but pride comes before a fall 😊
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