Tuesday, December 15

A chain called Hong Kong used to have large stores in the countryside and a few places in Helsinki, including Lanterna, the local shopping mall that specialised in home decor and DIY stores. Hong Kong (known to Finns as Honkeri) offered the kind of things you would never find anywhere else. It sold cushions in the shape of life-size cod and other large fish, and alligators, as well as giant gnomes, owls and more for gardens.

Earlier this year a Swedish company bought Hong Kong and it became a part of Rusta, which sells a much more sensible version of Hong Kong’s product range. This evening, having gone to K-Rauta for light bulbs, we find ourselves in Rusta.

I become momentarily delighted when I discover some remaining honkeriness. A table of large themed Santa Claus statues stood almost empty, with only two Santas remaining. One wore a chef’s hat and had spoons and other kitchen implements sticking out of every pocket in his many-pocketed apron. The other held a surfboard. I almost bought the Surfin’ Santa, but he cost 16€ and I thought better of it.

I moved Santa to an empty shelf and photographed him. Afterwards I realised that the photograph probably contains everything I needed from the encounter.