The presenter was Mr. James Balog of the Extreme Ice Survey.  Speaking to an overflowing auditorium, Mr. Balog lectured by way of his amazing time-lapse photography film clips.  Using solar powered cameras permanently located at some of the most remote locations on earth, Jim Balog has assembled remarkable footage on the retreat of key glaciers over the past several years. I can honestly say that the audience was spellbound by what they were seeing and motivated to expand their own efforts to make a difference.

Then off to Oulu University of Applied Science where the School of Music, Dance and Media acted as the host of the Embassy’s sponsored “Scratch Ambassadors Tour”.  This was one stop on a multi-city Finnish tour for this hip-hop group from the famous Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. For all of the various master classes and the concert itself, the joint was jumping.  

Scratching with Berklee Hip Hop Quartet in Oulu

Finally, a late night dinner with the Major of Oulu, Matti Pennanen and then I caught the late night flight back to Helsinki. My only regret was that I didn’t have more time on this trip, but I plan on getting back to Oulu soon.