Picture: First family walk in Jyvaskyla
As with all long trips abroad, the long months of planning and preparing suddenly and almost unexpectedly stop when the trip actually begins. For us, this usually means getting down to LAX and sailing through the TSA security without a care in the world (if only, Haha!). Both of our luggage bags were mysteriously exactly 4.5 pounds over weight, but the kids quickly squirreled the extra items away into their carry-on bags without being asked (!)The flights out were as smooth as can be expected. The Finnair staff were very friendly and welcoming, so if you’re thinking of coming out to visit, they are definitely worth it. However, I would keep carry-on luggage to an absolute minimum as all three flights including the trans Atlantic had problems accommodating everyone’s bags. C’est la vie!
First impressions-snow (obviously); forest bird sounds playing in the Helsinki airport bathrooms (relaxing); quiet (absolute and everywhere-making you think that you should whisper even when thinking); what a great place! So far we’re enjoying the lack of traffic and the calmer and slower pace of life. I had to be reminded not to stand so close to other people while at a crosswalk or waiting in line for something as the Finns seem to like a good 4-5 feet in their personal space which is even more than the English! We are also practicing not saying, “hi” or “hello” to everyone we pass on our walks through the city parks as the locals don’t really do this either. I think this will work out just fine! It really looks like a winter wonderland complete with pine trees tastefully decorated with just the right amount of icy frosting, while buildings range from Swiss style lodges to modern glass works of art.
So good to see Robyn waiting for us outside at 1:30 am. I was also impressed the next day by how much of the city she’d covered in her first few days here alone. Not easy as nothing is written in English. The ‘balmy’ 32’ F weather changed yesterday dipping to 16’F/-9’C. This was actually colder down by the frozen Jyvasjarvi (Jyvaskyla Lake) due to the breeze which nipped the exposed skin on faces and quickly numbs fingertips if trying to take a selfie. We’d been warned not to venture out onto the ice if there were ice fisherman out on it as they typically risk imminent death to catch fish while the ice is still soft enough to chop through (or fall as the case may be). We rounded out the day by buying some supplies at a local store before returning home in full darkness (3pm!)
Note: We’ve already been invited to our first dinner complete with sauna and avanto swimming (cold water dip). Am scared and excited…