Blogs from Lappeenranta, South Karelia, Finland, Europe

So this journal entry is the beginning of my LONGEST week in Finland. I bussed (is that a word?) to Turku this morning at 8:20 and met Rick at his host grandmoters flat. We hung around the city at a couple coffee shops, then went to search for some jeans. We both got our "American hug fill" then chased the pidgions in the centrum. My host parents came by to pick me up at 12:35ish and the traveling began. It was snowing the entire ride to Helsinki, where we stopped at a Hesburger for lunch around 2. I almost the entire way (it was wonderful) then we arrived in Lappeenranta around 6. We drove to my Hanna Aiti's aunt and uncle's house, said hello, unloaded the car, then I went and put my snow pants on. ... read more

Finland, the land of a thousand lakes (at least) and forest. This was our second time there and this time round we went in summer. We flew Finnair from Heathrow and discovered they are affiliated with BA which meant long check in line and one lost suitcase on our arrival to Helsinki. Never had that happen before so it was with a sinking feeling we resigned ourselves to life without clothing and clutching our complimentary Finnair toiletries bags made our way to Budget. Another line awaited us there with pushy tourists and by 5pm we had finally got our hire car. With an estimated 4 hour drive we were keen to get going. Nick had no problems as usual with the right hand driving and there were barely any cars on the road which helps. Without ... read more