ilosaarirock 
(Read the first part of this enthralling yarn here)
After my king had disappointed me, all I had left were extreme measures if I were to bag myself a festival honey. The skateboard competition was well underway and I had myself an epiphany, the best one ever. I had forgotten to take my own board with me, but this gal just doesn’t give up when faced with such trivialities. So naturally, attention-seeking as I am, I decided to take part in the speedrun portion of the competition on foot and the rest, well, it’s Ilosaari history…
Did this trick score me a honey? Well, no, but I netted plenty of cheers and approval from the crowd. I wasn’t romanced directly, but the compliments, boy, they just kept coming. I do think that this lil’ PR-stunt got me the attention I wanted. The best case scenario has me as the talk of all the backstages of Ilosaari. After all, I’ve been a legend since birth, or at least that’s what my childhood neighbor Erkki is always telling me.
In the uplifting afterglow of the skateboarding contest I decided to go check out what’s on offer at the show put on by Asa & Band. I had a good feeling about this. If you can’t find a date at a rap gig, you can’t find one anywhere. The gig itself was empowering and there was hope in the air. I was surrounded by cute boys. Everywhere I looked there stood men each more handsome than the last. “Be brave and go talk to one”, I said to myself. Alas, the fear got the better of me and I couldn’t make even the slightest move beyond some innocuous flirting.
The first gig at Rento Stage was over and I was desperate for some advice and encouragement to help me complete my quest. Then it happened: an idea! I’ll consult the ambassador of love himself, I’ll ask Asa! With determination in my step I marched backstage.
Tell me, Matti, what is your hot tip for finding a festival romance? What sort of cats should I approach?
– The very first tip is that you shouldn’t focus on dudes who are always talking. True wisdom and love is found in a person who doesn’t make a big fuss about himself. You should also give truck drivers a chance. They are on the road a lot, which also gives you time for yourself, the rapper says with a wink.
– Teddy bears are the best. Those guys whose smiles glow with peace and love.
Suddenly, my heart was filled with warmth and relief. The star of my daydreams just gave me the best advice! Now I know how to crack this seemingly uncrackable nut – I’m going to find myself a romance!
Onwards! said the girl with sand between her toes.
(Read the next part here)
Text: Maija Ulmanen
Photo: Terhi Hytönen
Translation: Jyrki Laitinen
