Rori

Dwelling in Helsinki. ☃

[eleniror]

Hi! I'm Rori! Obsessed with bookstores, libraries, books, maps, and scented candles. You can also find me on instagram. And hey! Feel free to send me anon questions here! x

[eleniror]

It must be spring in Reykjavik. The grass is shouting green, the dandelions have taken over, and statues stand proud under cloudless skies. Puffins twirl in shopfronts, towers rise like something out of a fairytale, and bronze vikings strike a pose. Everything feels both brand new and centuries old.

[eleniror]

Two weeks ago, I drifted into the 7-step ritual at Sky Lagoon. Warm waters cradled my body, a plunge of cold that I couldn’t quite face, heat and mist and salt on skin, breath rising in clouds. The sea stretched out past the edge of the pool like a question with no end.

I got to the cold plunge, dipped a foot in, and instantly backed out. Too much. Too sharp. So I stepped back. Let myself not be brave. Let myself not push. That felt like a kind of healing too. Choosing softness over endurance.

I’d been holding so much tension from work, from being constantly on, constantly needed. In the silence, I felt it unravel. Not all at once. Just enough to breathe again. Enough to remember there’s a self beneath the stress.

I didn’t leave transformed. But I left more me. And for now, that’s enough.

[eleniror]

This sunset in Iittala, Finland, on the hottest day in September, a rare and unexpected gift, wasn’t just a goodbye. It was everything in between. On one side of the bridge, a softer glow of blush and peach drifted seamlessly into the fading blue. On the other, the sky melted into tangerine and amber, spilling like molten glass into the lake.

We stopped the car on a whim, and I stood there, suspended between two skies, letting the warmth of the moment settle into my skin. Much like the end of 2024, this sunset wasn’t just a fleeting beauty. It was a reminder that saying goodbye doesn’t have to be bitter. It can be a soft pause, a transition filled with warmth and wonder, paving the way for what comes next. This sunset became the highlight of my year, a moment so vivid that time itself seemed to stop, a quiet conversation between light and water, between an ending and a beginning.

[eleniror]

Just finished: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss. This one had been on my radar for a while, and I’m glad I took the plunge. It’s a fascinating read, especially if you’re into psychology and the art of persuasion. It took me a bit to get into the rhythm of Voss’s methods. His approach to negotiation is intense, shaped by years of high-stakes FBI work, but once I did, I found myself hooked. Voss cuts through the noise with clear, actionable advice, all while weaving in stories from his time in the field that really ground his strategies in real-world situations. There’s something refreshing about how he balances empathy and assertiveness, teaching you to navigate tough conversations without ever splitting the difference. Definitely one for anyone who wants to understand the power dynamics at play in everyday interactions.

[eleniror]

Attached, Amir Levine and Rachel Heller – A compelling examination of attachment theory through a contemporary lens, this book synthesizes decades of research into a practical guide for understanding relationships. Levine, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, and Heller, a social psychologist, bring their expertise together to explore how our early attachments shape our adult connections.

I was impressed by the clarity and relevance of their writing, which draws on real-life case studies and scientific data to make a convincing case for the importance of attachment styles in romantic relationships. The book's core message is that understanding whether you are secure, anxious, or avoidant in your attachments can profoundly improve your ability to form and maintain healthy relationships.

What struck me was the accessibility of the concepts. The authors avoid overly technical jargon, making the science of attachment approachable for a broad audience. Their discussion is not just academic but deeply practical, offering concrete strategies for individuals to recognize their patterns and work towards more secure attachments.

Levine and Heller's use of everyday examples and relatable scenarios brings the theory to life, highlighting how attachment styles play out in common relationship dynamics. The emphasis on the science of human connection is both enlightening and reassuring, as it underscores the notion that our relationship struggles are often rooted in understandable and manageable patterns.

However, one notable limitation is the authors' somewhat simplified categorization of attachment styles. While they provide valuable insights into secure, anxious, and avoidant types, they tend to overlook the nuances within the avoidant category and the third type of insecure attachment style; disorganized attachment. This omission might leave readers with an incomplete understanding of the full spectrum of attachment behaviors.

"Attached" serves not just as a guide for those seeking to improve their romantic relationships but also as a broader commentary on the human need for connection. The book's balance of empirical evidence and practical advice makes it a standout in the field of self-help literature, providing valuable insights into how we can better navigate the complexities of our emotional lives.

[eleniror]

São Bento Train Station Porto stands adorned in a cloak of azulejos- each tile a storyteller, each tableau a glimpse into Porto's captivating past. Ugh, Porto. Let me breathe, will you?

[eleniror]

In the heart of enchanting Porto, where the cobblestone streets whisper tales of time, there exists a sanctuary for bibliophiles- the Livraria Lello. ✨

[eleniror]

not very enthusiastic about my new coiffure.

[eleniror]

Ljubljana Old Town

[eleniror]

Bled, Slovenia.

Well, what a beautiful little town– it just blew me away.

[eleniror]

Hiked up to Mala Osojnica to get a bird's-eye view of Lake Bled and its island. You know I love a good view, and this one was absolutely incredible.

[eleniror]

Second time in Rome. Revisiting the top tourist spots like the Colosseum.

[eleniror]

On our second day in Madrid, we started our walking trip by visiting Librería San Ginés. It has been considered as one of the oldest bookshops in Spain. I feel extremely lucky to be able to visit this gem.

[eleniror]

Upon entering the library, you are greeted by a spacious and light-filled interior. The ambiance is calm and welcoming, with comfortable seating areas and an overall atmosphere conducive to studying, reading, or simply enjoying the surroundings.

[eleniror]

Turku City library or Turun kaupunginkirjasto offers a vast collection of books, including a diverse range of genres, both in Finnish and other languages.

As expected, they have impressive manga collection as well. Available in English too... My mouth dropped. I was in awe. Brb. Moving to Turku..

[eleniror]

I never knew that Linnanmäki was this huge. This place has lots of rides and games. Anyhoo, I think Linnanmäki is one of the best attractions in Helsinki. Et kysynyt, mut kerroin.