Category: Fulbright & Finland

Picture: Liam and his dad walk home

My Trip To Finland Has Begun!

The trip started back in January 8 when me, my dad, and my sister drove 3 hours to LA to go the international airport. When we got there we checked in our luggage and passed through security without a hitch. Finally, I sat down at the gate, 4 hours before the boarding began! While we were waiting I was able to take a look around the airport and at the planes.

Then I boarded the plane to London. The flight was going to be 9 hours and 8,750 kilometers long. More than a few movies later I arrived at Heathrow airport in England. After a mad dash to the checked luggages pick-up, we sat down near a board with flight information. Which turned out to be incorrect. Right before I boarded the 4 hour flight to Helsinki I bought a sandwich for the ride. Then a soft landing in Helsinki.

A 2 hour layover, then finally Jyvaskyla. When I first stepped out of the airport, I gasped because of the cold and also of the beautiful landscape. Trees topped with powder-like snow and the ground was sparkling even at 2 in the morning.

The next day my dad and I woke up at noon. The sun had only been up for 2 hours before and would set in the next 2 hours. So we swiftly got dressed and went for a walk and it was extremely cold out; 16 degrees fahrenheit to be exact. Then we got back and went to sleep. That’s all for today.

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…

Picture: Robyn looking chipper at 5 am/S.B. Airport. On her way at last!

I’m pleased to announce that Robyn’s mom is making a strong recovery and so Robyn felt comfortable with catching her flight this morning as planned. As worrying as this was, I’m thankful that we were able to help and that family and friends are pulling together. There maybe one or two more grey hairs on our heads than a week ago, though.

At the time of posting, Robyn should be nearing New York for a brief layover before heading out east. I gather there will be at least one other Fulbrighter on the same flight which is good for morale although I don’t think it qualifies for an upgrade to business class. As for those of us still here, the kids and I are all packed and set to go. I did take out one extra kitchen sink from our luggage (how many do you actually need? 😉 The dog is settled in his temporary home, and the to do list has shrunk down to single digits. Time to start the countdown: T-minus 48 hours…

Thanks again to all who have supported us and help make this a reality. “Kiitti” as they say in Finland.

Picture: Meggie on Ice

Our training for Finland continued this week as we took a few hours gliding smoothly and professionally around our local ice skating rink, Ice in Paradise (rated #1/1;) At least that was the plan. The reality was 3 rigid scarecrows clawing their way around the torturous ice trying to avoid small children who seemed intent on hurling themselves to their doom under our dull blades. I say 3 scarecrows only, because Robyn seemed to have remembered her ice skating youth and so moved gracefully in and around the throng while actually smiling. The nerve!

I was more than a little worried that one of us (well, me mostly) would fall and break something necessary for our upcoming trip. This feeling was elevated when we noticed a small crowd gathered on the ice while we waited for our skates. Then a wide-eyed person said that there’d been an accident. Robyn urged me out to take a look as my EMT training sometimes comes in handy. Slithering over on my street shoes, I followed the young supervisor to the center of the rink where a prone figure lay still. Turns out the teen had fallen on his face and blacked out. Another person with medical training and I talked to him and I soon saw that he hadn’t broken anything obvious and that he thankfully had all his teeth. Soon after the first responders arrived and we faded into the background. Phew!

So, yes I was sure that I would be the next person to impact on the ice like a rotisserie chicken thrown from a rooftop as I’m at that age where people seem to end up on America’s Funniest Videos doing something stupid. Luckily, we had friends of ours with us who have spent much time on the ice playing hockey and the like. Giving just enough relevant information to get us safely through the tough first hour and enough hope to go back for more, we owe much to Jason, Nick, and Naomi Perl. THANKS!

As it turned out, it did become much easier for us all as we stuck at it. In fact, I noticed that we were beginning to enjoy it much more by the end. As it seems to be a daily pastime in Finland, we really do need to become more comfortable on blades, especially as there is an unlimited supply of ice this time of year. But, could I please wear a helmet?

Picture: Liam and I going to school on our very last day together. We’ve walked to work/school everyday for the past 7 years. Liam has endured many early mornings and late afternoons. Gonna miss this extra time together.

Today was my last day at work before leave. I’m totally emotional. Why so sad when I’m about to embark on such a tremendous opportunity? I love my job, I am passionate about advocating for my students, I have an amazing team, and I get a high sharing my knowledge with colleagues. Fulbright has already impacted my life even prior to departing. Obviously, I do not know a lot about many things. However, I do know about inclusive education, special education, collaboration, and training. My deputy superintendent once told me I was an expert in my field and I laughed inwardly at her statement feeling at the time that she was mistaken. This year I own it: I know that I am an expert in my field. And yet I know that even with all my knowledge I can be proud of, I still have so much to learn. Everyone needs to continue learning- even teachers!

I will miss my students, our program, the talented team I get to support. I trust that the hard work and foundation that I have created will allow for smooth sailing.

To all the amazing teachers that interact with my students-I know that you’ll take care of our program. Collaborate with other team members. Have conversations and ask questions before you get frustrated. Brainstorm and problem-solve because you have the skills in place to make this year amazing. It’s an honor working with you all.

Signing off, Robyn

It’s beginning to get very real…We came to the almost painful realization that packing up doesn’t just mean stuffing your mountains of acquired crap into a storage area and various assorted suitcases. Oh no. What it really means is transforming  your house into a blank canvas so that you can begin the real work: cleaning it and making it renter ready.

Wow! Our delusions of minimalism were rocked to the very foundations when we delved into the darkest and deepest recesses of our small home. Items lost years ago magically presented themselves (including 3 cousins, a boat lost in the Bermuda Triangle, another child). Perhaps we need to try a little harder to limit possessions?

Added to which, did you know that when you remove every single item of food from the cupboards, fridge, and freezer it reveals a layer of detritus that must be cleared away and then sanitized? Apparently we didn’t when we decided to, “quickly pack up the kitchen and then the rest of the house before lunch…” My bones still ache from the memory.

Still, we are done. Tonight is the last night we will spend in our house until mid July, 7 months from now. We will presumably go through our luggage a few more times to make sure that we have what we will need to replace when we get to -20 degree weather in Finland. Yet for now we are set to go. Yes, it’s getting very real. 

Thanks to everyone who in ways big and small are helping us prepare. Let’s do this!

-Stu