Last Day in Finland

I can’t believe it’s here already... my last day in Finland! I did not think I would miss it... but now that the time has come nostalgia has set in.

I’m going to miss the clean fresh unpolluted air and water. The lack of crowds. The awesome cinemas with the most delicious popcorn. The beauty of it all.

I’m also looking forward to moving back to the UK where everyone speaks English and you can buy food where you don’t have to guess what it is. I’m so looking forward to cooking in an oven again (only had a 2 hob here). Ahhhh and a dishwasher!

Living in Finland has taught me so much - mainly revealed how much excess I used to deem as necessary... so looking forward to some "spring cleaning". Watch out Oxfam, all your Christmas’s are about to come at once!

This is also the first time we have used movers to collect our things from storage and bring them back to our flat - it’s going to be great not having to do all the heavy lifting and grafting ourselves.

I’m also super excited to be blogging again - it’s good to be back!

Flying out in a few hours time so I had better get a move on, no pun intended!

Happy Birthday Lynne - I miss you!

Finland Forest & Lakes

Awoke rather early for a Saturday, packed a bag and headed for a hike in the forests and lakes of Finland with an organised tour group. On the way to meet everyone, I stumbled across these guys...

I did chuckle at the guy on the right - he seemed on a different planet!

Two hours later we arrived at the Nuuksio Nature Reserve.

Super cute sign!

The guide had the most hypnotic voice, made you feel sooooo sleepy listening to him, however some of the facts were rather interesting:

The government allows you to pick berries in the forest and sell them, all profits are tax free.

As they also have a huge problem with wild mushrooms, you are entitled to pick these

Eat them - if they're edible (or you're just brave!)

BUT you cannot sell them.

The paths in the forest were lined with stunning yellow flowers, paradise for bees

and so pretty with all the butterflies.

The trees in the forest are NOT allowed to be cut down; however, if a tree falls naturally you may cut up the wood and use it.

The hike started out on a main road

then slowly turned into a well trodden path

in the more dense areas there were planks you walked across

Of course all the stagnant water around could only mean one thing: MOSQUITOS - In their drones! Luckily, our guide insisted we all use a repellent as we climbed off the bus - which he supplied - life saver!

The scenery was diverse

From the magnificent tree tops

to the ground - everything was alive

almost enchanted.

Then in the midst of it all... this! Cute.

After about an hour we reached the lakes

Wow

Wow

WOW!!!

Really exquisite!

That was until the heavens opened - but that just added to the mystique of it all.

A solitary jetty

then as if in the middle of nowhere - a home. Imagine living here - I think summer would be wonderful but winter... mmmm not so much.

That home above is actually visible in this photo (click on photo to enlarge).

The hike concluded with some sweet tea and Finnish bread. People from all over the world were on this trip: Saudi Arabia, India, Germany, South Africa, China and England. I'm sure there were more nationalities, but those were the only ones I spoke with.

All in all - a great day. Really beautiful and well worth the effort!

Finland Fun Fair

Now I LOVE funfairs, the rides, the atmosphere, the food, the people, the adrenalin - you name it! Finally the Helsinki Fun Fair opened (it closes during the winter months).

First things first, as the ritual begins...

Ritual 1: The Big Wheel.


You get a feel for where everything is and what rides are a go or no-go. You can see Helsinki in the distance.

Ritual 2: Always start with a crazy ride that gets you into the swing of things!

This one more than did it.

Ritual 3: Then a tame ride.

Caution: Never wear white while going on any water rides! (Advice I should have adhered to!)

We were drenched

Ritual 4: Dry out whilst gorging on real "healthy food" and then discuss the "veto" rides.

Marc is more of an adrenalin junkie than I am, so we agreed for every 10 rides I can veto 1 ride.

Ritual 5: Free for all!!!

"Veto" Ride 1

Definitely "Veto" Ride 2

Marc - Letting Loose!!!

"Veto" Ride 3

This is without doubt the worst ride!

My final "Veto" Ride 4

This is more my style - "The Rainbow"

But nothing beats the good old fashioned Roller Coaster!

Such Fun, such fun!!

30 April 1 May Beginning of Summer Festival

Every year in Finland they celebrate the return of "Summer". What happens is on the 30th of April all the streets are closed off and a huge celebration begins with festivals and all night dancing in the streets. The following day everyone - and I mean EVERYONE, heads to this one park for a picnic.

It was unlike ANYTHING I've seen before - almost like Splashy Fen (For all you fellow Saffas out there) on steroids! This was just the toilet queue!

It took forever to make our way through the crowds.

Now this picnic is also unlike any other picnic. There was no food to purchase, nowhere to buy drinks or snacks etc. Really bizarre! It seemed everyone made their own food at home and came here to eat share and have a good time - DESPITE their hangovers!

A good experience, one I'm glad we never fully took part in!