It is 5am, I am in Helsinki, and a little jet-lagged from 36+ hours of travel from Toowoomba, Australia. Finland embraced daylight saving last weekend and the sun will rise at 6:45am. I am in a hotel next to the Helsinki Central Train Station and opposite the main shopping area and CBD. At this time on a Tuesday morning the streets are remarkably quiet. A stray taxi, or a single car passes. The trams have started, but the city is sleepy. Arriving at this time of the year I have missed the cold winter. There is no snow, it is 4 C and heading for 11 here today. Coming into Helsinki via train from the airport I observed dusty cars, dusty buildings, and many trees still devoid of foliage, waiting for the fingers of Spring to massage them into life.
Cosmic sabbatical? Ok, you know how I like adjectives (and verbs!). This is the word I have chosen. This is what it will be. Today, April 1, 2025 (no this is not a joke) is officially Day 1 of my 6-month sabbatical (or APDP – Academic Professional Development Program as we call it at the University of Southern Queensland). I will be in Europe for 4 months visiting 8 countries.
Cosmic: “characterised by greatness especially in extent, intensity, or comprehensiveness”
Today I catch another train and head north to Jyväskylä. A city of about 150,000, it is the regional capital of central Finland. I am based there for 11 weeks as a visiting scholar at the University of Jyväskylä. This Wikipedia page shares essential insights into the ‘Athens’ of Finland.
I invite you to follow my ‘Cosmic Sabbatical’ through conversations shared on this blog.
……but now it’s time for breakfast and to start Day 1…..
Looking forward to reading more about your adventures, Julie. I hope you have the most amazing time.
Thanks for dropping by my blog Katrina! Lots to talk about.
Have fun! Will be following your travels. You should visit the Oodi while you are in Helsinki and connect with the HundrEd.org people!
Hi Lucy – how interesting, will certainly look into this suggestion.
Wonderful to hear Julie. I cannot wait to hear more ‘cosmic conversations’ about how you experience collaboration, education, learning and connections local to global in these different countries.
Hi Yvonne, thanks for following along!
Looking forward to hearing more about your sabbatical, Julie – enjoy!