The Hall of Truth

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After the wedding, all of the family (yes Jodie you are considered family you poor thing) from Australia went to stay in a cottage on one of the many lakes north of Helsinki. Before we even got to Finland I was refering to the cottage as the "Hall of Truth". And didn't it live up to its name.

The drive up was the first chance for us all to get back together after the wedding reception. It turned out that there was more to the evening than I thought. We had people nearly getting kicked out of clubs for trying to jump the line and not paying (and really at his age he should know better); a sister left at the bar by herself with numerous drinks she had payed for and then having to make her own way home; a person getting back to their room and having to pee in the shower because their sibling had made a mess all over the floor; people having their snooring taped to be played to the rest of the family; and finally discovering that it is a single Kransky that makes you throw up after a long night of partying and not all that alcohol. So another CF of 10 to the wedding reception that keeps on giving. Don't worry I wont need to put your names in at a future date, you all know who you are. Shame people shame.

The cottage was brilliant. Sarita a CF of 10 to you for all your efforts in getting it organised. I can see why the Finns spend there summers at such places as much as possible. We had a very large cottage (not at all typical but perfect for the 13 of us) that was right on the lake. There was a canoe and fishing rods at our disposal and plenty of places to roam and paddle. It was very quiet and scerene, placed right in amoungst the pines and silver birches. Once again we had clear, fine weather. The cottage was a double story of sorts. There were two bedrooms, a kitchen, living room, sun room, laundry, bathroom and sauna at the bottom and a large attic like room for sleeping up the top. This is where the moniker of "The Hall of Truth" comes into its own. Everyone was open to discovery. Who snoored, who talked in their sleep, who farted, who wet the bed? What we did know is that everyone was worried that Andre was going to bring out his iPhone and record it. Damn you to hell modern technology. What I do know is that most of us say hello when we first great people in the morning, not use some audible emission from our rear ends to great the day, isn't that correct the two youngest Hine siblings!!

Our days were spent fishing (Phoebe and I did manage to catch some tiny perch), paddling, having BBQ's, going for walks, eating way too much and drinking pear fizz. Alex managed to talk the ears off every person within a 25km radius and Phoebe got to discuss her boyfriends with her aunties and uncles. It was great for the kids, especially Alex. Travelling has been hard on him, especially through Asia. He has not had any kids to play with and only his parents 24/7. He has had that many people just walk up to him and grab him and pinch his cheeks. It was nice for him to have people around just to love and to talk to about his day (even if that is just all about Mario and his DS). A big CF of 10 to everyone for giving him so much time. Phoebe sends Jodie a CF of 10. It was like her having a big sister for the weekend and no matter what she talked about that big sister just listened to it and thought it was the most important thing in the world. This time at the cabin should keep them going for the next month hopefully.

Sarita initiated us to the wonderful world of the Sauna. It is not just about getting all hot and sweaty. There is a whole social aspect that goes with it. The sauna is very much a part of the Finnish psychology. It is linked to celebrations and family getting together. It is however oddly relaxing. Who would have thought that sitting in a room of 65 degrees celcius and then running out and jumping into a lake (a difference in temperature of about 50 degrees) would be so enjoyable. Bloody cold, but enjoyable. It would be great to experience in winter. Can you imagine a sauna of 80 degrees and then running to the lake and jumping in through a hole in the ice. As Sarita said, I will need to toughen up this princess before I give that a go.

All in all a great experience. We now know who farts, snoores, talks in their sleep and makes funny noises. We also know who thinks it is alright to wake up the rest of the sleeping household so they can have their cup of tea and jam toast. Serious who would do that. A CF of 1 for that. Just remember that you did that to 5 of your 6 kids and a nursing home is well and truely on the cards. Phil and Sarita you are now free to enjoy your honeymoon in Thailand. We leave Finland with many happy, and it must be said, interesting memories.

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Photos

The jetty to the lake.
This was the view from the front of our cottage. Tough to take really.

The cottage.
Could it be any more picture perfect?

Fishing on the lake.
Honestly, it was this big. It feel off just as i was getting it to shore.

On the water.
The kids really enjoyed going for a canoe on the lake.