May 16 - leaving Helsinki for a lake-side cottage
Today we met Fran and walked to the Botanical Garden. Fran brought Mark a helpful cane from Hanna, with whom she is staying. Fran went inside while we looked at flowers and birds. Then, we went to the Viola Cafe and had a light lunch and met Harri, a linguist/scholar that Fran has had contact with, although never in person. The cafe was in a beautiful old building.
Then, we went in Harri's car to a stadium where his son, Otso, 23, was running a half marathon. There were 14,000 runners in the half marathon. We were there in time to see people who'd run the marathon come in, but they were those who took a lot of time.
We also saw the medal ceremonies for the half marathon. The winners in order for the men were: a Slovakian, Ukrainian and Estonian. The women, in order were: a Finn, a Ukranian and a Finn.
Somehow, we missed Otso coming in as he had changed the shirt Harri was looking for.
Then, we all drove about 140 k together north of Lahti where Harri and Asta have a cottage that has been in Asta's family. They have a main cabin with two bedrooms, sitting area and kitchen. We were in a bunkhouse. Fran was in a room off the lakefront sauna. It was steep with a rocky, rooted path getting down there. There is an outhouse, too.
Asta is a special education teacher for middle school children.
Harri prepared a feast of a Finnish traditional meal of a whitefish caught in a nearby lake, gravlax salmon, smoked salmon, curried sardines, rye bread, Karelian pies, cole slaw (probably missing something).
Then, we prepared for their traditional sauna, heated by wood. Robes were provided to go down and back. The women went first. First, there was water to scoop out in ladles to clean yourself. No clothes, of course. Then, we went in and, Asta, threw water on the stones to create steam, or a breath. After a while, we went outside to sit and cool down. Both Asta and Fran dipped in the lake. Barbara did not. Then, we went back in as Asta says you must do at least two sessions in the sauna and she often spends several hours in and out with lake dips. It is totally relaxing and restorative. Aaahhhh.
Harri and Mark went in next. I think we all got into bed around 11 p.m. It was light until 10:30!
May 17 - A day at the lake
Today we eased our way into the day, totally relaxed. It is so quiet and peaceful. You can understand why Finns are so committed to their lakeside cottages and saunas.
We had another Finnish breakfast with some more Karelian pies, rye bread, cheese and some sweets.
Fran, Mark and Barbara went birding and saw some interesting birds such as Common Sandpiper, White Wagtail, Common Cuckoo, Euranian linnet, Great Spotted Woodpecker. We heard many chaffinches, but didn's see them or the Willow Warber, Tits and Bohemian Waxwings.
The day was spent reading and listening to Fran and Harri talk at length about MesoAmerican studies, especially linguistings. Fran and Harri exchanged their own signed books. Harri deciphered some Mayan glyphs. One about a tricker rabbit was especially interesting and humorous.
Harri made a delicious barbecued Mongolian-inspired meal on the wood-fueled fireplace by the lake and we at in a picnic shelter. It was delicious.
Asta had a lot of work to do to close the cottage for two weeks. Then, Otso drove us to the train station with Mark in the front seat, Fran, Asta, Barbara and two Spaniels in the back set.
They dropped us at the train station and we purchased tickets for Helsinki. Barbara and Mark's combined ticket was only 30 Euros. The train took about an hour and a half; it was so smooth, so pleasant. We arrived back and walked back "home." It was still light around 10 when we settled in.
The days at the cottage were memorable - a true glimpse of Finnish life. We feel very very lucky to have experienced it.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.