Fed up: Furnished Apartments for Rent in Oulu

Annikki and I have been pestered with problems of those who have rented directly from various house agents in Oulu. On the other hand, all the houses we have organised for rent to Indian professionals who have come to Oulu have only received the highest praise from the occupants.

Shilpa (of Patni) was specific in her praise as to how she had been able to settle in beautifully in Oulu because she moved to "India House". Srinivas (of L&T Infotech) told us that we had saved them all a small fortune by helping them with their accommodation and other matters. Ramesh and his 3 friends (from Nokia) were so happy with the apartment we got them that they hope that when they come back we will have apartments for them again. Sumit (of Aricent) and his wife got a beautiful apartment just suited to their needs right in the heart of the city.

Seeing how several Indians and their families have set themselves up in difficult and sometimes quite dangerous situations, we decided to formalise the work we have been doing.

One person living in the centre of Oulu told me that there was no place for his six year old very active son to play outside. Others are staying in locations which are dangerous (according to the Oulu Police) especially on the weekends.

On the other hand, those staying at, what is now being called as, "India House" have even a cricket field at their disposal!

Our simple question is "Why ask for trouble when there are much better solutions to your living arrangements?" Our solutions are considerably cheaper and better as it takes into account the needs of the individuals and their families concerned.



The new blog we have set up Oulu Furnished Apartments is to help those people coming to Oulu to settle in in comfortable surroundings, especially those with families, and also single ladies.

All the apartments we have in our books are with water and electricity charges included and also, in most cases, with a convenient internet connection at no extra cost. No running around buying furniture or crockery or cutlery that you are burdened with at the end of your stay. No need to buy carpets or bed linen. And we also have a cleaning service for those who have no time to clean their apartments.

We hope that Human Resource Departments of all the companies bringing foreign professionals to Oulu will use our BUDGET Furnished Apartments Service - no, not one which have Flat TV and a host of other features not required by professionals who just want a convenient yet economic stay in Oulu. At present, besides the City Centre, we have flats at the Tuira Riverside and the best place in Oulu - Väliväiniö.

Enjoy your stay in Oulu and let us help you make that happen!

Ali Baba's Grotto in Oulu

A friend of mine had tried to call me a few days ago, but my phone was not working.

Aku, Master Rulla Kebab Maker

I enquired his whereabouts from another friend and learnt that Aku was in the process of acquiring a new Pizzeria in Maikkula, a southern suburb of Oulu. It is located on Riihitie.

Samu had his football practice at a school football pitch in the area, so while he was busy, I thought to drop in on my friend.



From the frontage it looks like a very ordinary small pizzeria like one would find in almost every suburb of Oulu. But when I stepped in, I knew that the name was a gross misnomer!

Aku was not in, as Monday is his day off. I was hosted by Serbest, another young man from Iraq. Very courteous and friendly.






As I admired the small room, he pointed to a small archway at the end of the room and asked me to step in and see the larger room inside.






I was surprised to see such a world of treasures adorning a pizzeria . The children's corner was spectacular.

The next time Samu had football practice, we decided to stop and meet Aku. He made us a pizza and offered us a drink, but refused to accept any payment. The pizza was delicious reflecting the many years experience in Goreme, Finland's finest pizzeria, run by two other dear friends, Hasim and Kasim from Turkey.

I told Aku that he needs to rename the pizzeria as Ali Baba’s Grotto!