2025 has just begun, yet it already feels like a year filled with moments that linger in my mind. Reflecting on these early days, I find memories worth treasuring and sharing.

Wonders of the Night Sky

Helsinki’s long January nights have gifted me some breathtaking views. My day often ends with a workout at the gym, wrapping up around 6–7 PM. By then, the sky has already been dark for hours, creating the perfect backdrop for stargazing.

One evening, as I stepped outside after my workout, the crisp air and the bright moon instantly lifted my mood. But the moon wasn’t alone. Nearby, a smaller, shining point caught my eye, and then another. Curious, I checked NASA’s website and learned that January is a great time for skywatchers, with four planets visible to the naked eye. Based on my observations, I’m guessing I spotted two of them, Venus near the moon and Saturn a little bit further away on the left.

Now I’m dreaming of getting a telescope to confirm my assumptions and explore the night sky more deeply.

Savoring Hand-Brewed Coffee

Whenever I visit a coffee shop, my go-to order is usually a cappuccino or flat white. But living in Finland, a country known for its coffee culture, challenged me to try something different.

I recently visited a café that first made me fall in love with coffee. This time, I ordered a hand-brewed coffee using the same beans I’ve been brewing at home with my AeroPress. I was curious: did my home brewing technique capture the true flavor profile of the beans?

The café’s hand brew was smoother and more refined. Intrigued, I revisited my own brewing process and realized I’d been missing a crucial detail: the pressing speed. A slower press, I learned, can make a significant difference. The next day, I brewed a cup at home, carefully slowing down the process. The result? A smoother, richer coffee experience. It feels like a small win in my journey to brew the perfect cup.

A Snowy Morning at the Arboretum

Living near an arboretum has been a blessing. Whether it’s sunrise or sunset, nature is always just a step away.

After several days of heavy snow, I decided to brave the freezing morning and head out to the forest to catch the sunrise. Armed with a thermos of freshly brewed Adam Banata coffee—rich with notes of berries, figs, and maple syrup—I ventured out.

The moon hung low in the sky, so large and bright it felt almost surreal. It looked impossibly close to the buildings around me. The thick, untouched snow in the arboretum made the walk feel magical, and the wind sweeping across the snow’s surface created a scene straight out of a winter wonderland.

Many others were out enjoying the snow, gliding gracefully on skis. Watching them made me wish I had a pair too.

At my favorite spot in the arboretum, I unpacked my coffee and waited for the sunrise. Unfortunately, clouds obscured the horizon, and the sun stayed hidden. As my body started to freeze, I gave up and began the walk home. Just as I was leaving, the sun broke through the clouds, bathing everything in golden light. It was the perfect ending to a cold, snowy adventure.

Reflection

Looking back on these past 10 days, I feel grateful for the simple joys: stunning night skies, snowy mornings, and the ever-evolving art of brewing coffee.

Here’s to a year hopefully will be filled with the beauty of the day, the magnificence of the night, and more delicious moments to savor.