My Summer in Finland

Wow, what an amazing summer I had! I can't believe the time passed so quickly, it feels like just yesterday that I met my host family for the first time. It's been about three weeks since I left and as of right now, I'm still feeling a little down because my Finnish family so much! It's hard to leave the people that you had to rely on all summer and formed a great relationship with. But now I do know that a little bit of my heart is more than 3,000 miles away. I also know that I will definitely be studying abroad in Finland in the future. Or maybe even pursuing a job there after I graduate? One thing for sure though is that I will go back to Kerava as soon as I can!

During my summer in Finland, I learned a lot about myself, my own country, and Finland. Being away for 6 weeks from your home country makes you realize many differences between the two countries. For example, I realize that the USA is a lot more commercialized than Finland. Finnish people do not care for celebrities as much as Americans do. I weaned myself off of Diet Coke too- instead, I drank milk and water A LOT! I immersed myself in the Finnish way of life and I have no regrets. The food was amazing, the people were wonderful, and there were so many sights to see! I will not forget any of the memories I've made this summer or any of the people. Furthermore, I also learned that I can be away from my family for quite a long time without getting too sad. I enjoyed every day I spent in Finland so there was no time for moping around!

Thank you Jarkko, Nina, Inka, and Emil for letting me be a part of your family! I didn't know that it would be so easy to fit in with your family. I did just jump in and I became your American daughter and sister. I am so proud to call you my second family and I talk about you guys all the time. You have made a BIG impact on my life! I can't wait to see you guys soon- I'll be back before you know it!

Also, a big thanks to my biological family! Kiitos Mom and Dad! Sending me to Finland was the best decision you've made for me! I am still the same Maura, but now I know what direction I want to go in life.

And, thank you to all the readers! I hope you enjoyed my blog and learned a little bit about Finland and realize how great a country it is. I encourage you to visit if you have the chance! Moi Moi for now!

Suomenlinna

A little over a week ago, we all went to Suomenlinna the day after we got back from the summer cottage. We left in the afternoon to go to Helsinki and bought our tickets for the ferry. While we were waiting, I got to shop at the market again! I bought some more souvenirs for myself and my family.

Inka and I shopping

After shopping, we then waited in line to board the ferry. We then proceeded to walk up the stairs to the upper deck so we could enjoy the view. The sun was shining so everything was great! When we got to Suomenlinna, we just walked around. There are lots of magnificent views there! We also walked down to a rocky area where many people were sitting down. We took out two bags of cherries and ate a lot of them. Definitely, a moment I will cherish forever! Inka, Emil, and I also washed our hands in the sea after we were finished and started climbing everywhere. After we were finished there, we started looking for a spot where we could wave to the people on the Silja Line cruise. It was very windy where we went so we decided to look for a new spot. On top of that, we also went through some of the tunnels that are pitch black. I definitely enjoyed my day at Suomenlinna! It was nice to walk around, learn some history, and relax.

Last Week at the Summer Cottage

Another week at the summer cottage well spent! We relaxed and went to the sauna a lot. On top of that, we also go to watch some of the Olympics there, too. The lake was a lot warmer so I went swimming more than usual and I also tanned as well. Inka and I went fishing one day during the week and I actually caught a fish. It may be small, but at least I caught something! Overall, it was another wonderful experience and I so look forward to coming back next summer to enjoy the summer cottage!

Enjoy the pictures!

Spending the Day with a Friend

So a little over a week ago, I met Sam again, but this time in Helsinki. We met around 11 o'clock at the Kamppi bus station, where there were street hockey games set up. It was really cool to see some of the game! Anyways, we made our way to the Uspenski which is an Eastern Orthodox Cathedral. The outside is absolutely beautiful and the same goes for the inside.

Then we walked towards the big white Lutheran church (Helsingin Tuomiokirkko). I had been in the church before, but Sam hadn't so we decided to look inside. After we looked around, we decided to sit down, look at a map, and search for a restaurant to dine at. As we were sitting there, a man, who helps tourists, approached us and said "You're Swedish, ja?" To this, we replied, "No, we're from the US." He then gave us two maps and we were on our way again. I definitely thought it was funny that he mistook us for Swedish people. Definitely a surprise! :)

Anyways, we started looking around for a restaurant, but we quickly noticed that many were quite expensive. Then as we were walking, we decided to go to a cafe. I ate a sandwich and also bought some pulla for later. I wanted to see if it was better than our pullas (it wasn't).

After lunch, it was time for some shopping! I was really excited, but I don't think Sam was. We went to the Stockmann department store first. On their 5th floor, they have a huge souvenir section. They had lots of Moomin things as well as regular Finland items. I bought some things there and also some clothes from the 2nd floor. During our shopping afternoon, we also hit the H&M and a couple of bookstores. Then finally we went to the market place which is located right by the sea. I bought some more souvenirs there (a lot cheaper than the Stockmann!). We also ate some jäätelö (ice cream) and walked closer to the sea. There we experienced the ever friendly sea gulls who try to steal your food. Soon, our afternoon of exploring and shopping was over and it was time for Sam to go back to Porvoo. We said our goodbyes and then I met back up with Jarkko, Nina, and Inka who were near the Stockmann. They had stayed in Helsinki to shop too. With that being said, I had a wonderful day in Helsinki and I'm glad that the sun was shining!

Day Trip to Tallinn, Estonia

Hei everyone! About a week ago, I went to Tallinn, Estonia with my host family and it was an incredible day. We woke up early around 8am and left the house around 10am. We arrived in Helsinki around 10:30am and headed off to the Viking Express Cruise. As soon as we got on the ship, we immediately headed to the deck and grabbed a spot at a nearby bench so we could enjoy the view.

Family Portrait!

Almost in Estonia

The cruise was about two hours and while we were on the ship, we ate some lunch. Where we went to eat, they actually weigh how much food you have on your plate and then give you a set price. Weird! We also went to the Tax Free store and looked around for what we were going to buy later on that day. Soon, we were getting close to our arrival in Estonia and waiting to get off the ship. We quickly walked to the bus station where we waited for 15 minutes. We were going to get off near the shopping centers.

In the Bus

We headed over to a huge shopping mall and looked around, but found nothing. Then we went to the Stockmann where everything was on sale. I managed to find a scarf for 3 Euros and shorts for 9 Euros. Shortly after our purchases, we went to the grocery store downstairs and got soda and ice cream. When we were looking around, I immediately spotted Tomato Cheetos and Forest Mushroom Lays Chips. I don't know who comes up with these flavors, but they are weird. On the other hand, we enjoyed our ice cream thoroughly and started walking towards Old Town Tallinn. It really is magnificent! I wish we would've had more time to walk around because there is so much to see. All of the old buildings are preserved so well and everything is beautful there. The Old Town is quite exceptional and I hope that one day I will be able to go back. While walking around, we posed for pictures and shopped for some souvenirs. I found a snowglobe and some magnets which was a great find for me because there were not many souvenir shops there.





By Flower Shops

Souvenir Shopping

Finnish and Estonian Flags

Also, before heading back, we went through a big shopping center where t-shirts and select souvenirs were being sold. I found a little souvenir place and purchased key chains, magnets, and a Russian doll for myself. But soon it was time to leave, and we were heading back to our ship in no time.

Heading Back

On the way back, we went to the Tax Free store, where (surprise, surprise!) I bought another big box of Kinder and some flavored licorice. We enjoyed our candy out on the sun deck again and then went to the Disco Club. A live band was playing there and I enjoyed listening to the Finnish music. We also had some drinks as well (Coca-Cola Light, for me of course). Most importantly though, it was fun to watch all of the drunk older people dancing the afternoon away. The atmosphere was great! And before we left, I went to the restroom one last time and as I was washing my hands, a man walked in. He looks at me, walks to another sink, spits in it, and waits for the other lady to come out of the stall. As the lady walks out, we both give each other knowing looks. I walk out of the bathroom and I can't help, but laugh! He was so drunk he didn't recognize that he was in the WRONG restroom! Totally funny moment.

Enjoying Coca-Cola Light

The Band

I had a wonderful day in Tallinn, Estonia and I can't wait to go back one day! Here's hoping I'll be back soon!





Old Porvoo

Moi everyone! I apologize for the lack of blogging lately, I've been really busy! Anyways, a little more than a week ago, I went to Porvoo to visit another exchange student. Sam and his host family invited me over for the afternoon and I quickly accepted the offer! So that afternoon, my host family drove me to Porvoo which is about a thirty minute drive from Kerava. I met Sam and his family at their house which is just outside Porvoo. It was nice to meet another Finnish family and it was nice to see a familiar face too! Just shortly after my host family left, Sam and I headed off on bikes to the city. It was about a thirty minute bike ride and during that time, we talked about how our summer had been so far. We had so much to talk about because we had been doing a lot. Sam actually went to Lapland for about two weeks and also got to see some of northern Sweden and Norway. It was cool to see how our summers have been spent a little differently. I can't wait to talk to the other exchange students as well and learn about their adventures! Anyways, when we got to the city, we left our bikes near the river and started walking towards the Old Town. We were going to go to the church first and then just walk around after that. On our way, however, we actually ran into my host family. I slowly walked right past them until they finally noticed me. Inka's shocked face was the best! So we took a picture together and then headed on our separate ways.

The Church

And before heading back to his house, we enjoyed some Jattis ice cream and people watching. While sitting on the bench, I also noticed my host family AGAIN! They noticed us to within seconds. It was funny that we ran into them again. Finally, before we left,we also walked by these old red houses that are famous in Porvoo.

So we made it back to the house where I met Sam's host siblings. Before dinner, we got to talk some more with his host parents. We talked about the Dallas Cowboys and football as well. Their son plays American football so they enjoy watching it. They even have a Dallas Cowboys t-shirt! Small world, right? I enjoyed talking with them a lot and when it came time for dinner (some yummy Indian food), we still continued our conversation. After dinner, I got to see some of Sam's pictures from his trip and then we headed off for a walk with his younger sister and their dog. It was nice to enjoy the scenery on the way to the observation deck.

We got back to the house after our walk and enjoyed some ice cream. Shortly afterwards, it was time for me to go back to Kerava. Sam's host family drove me back to my home and I thanked them for letting me come over. Overall, it was a fun day! I'm so glad I went to Porvoo.

Eat. Sleep. Sauna.

What a wonderful week at the summer cottage! Since this was a few weeks ago, I am going make this post a little bit shorter. I will have mostly pictures on this post. Anyways, eating, sleeping, and going to the sauna are the main things that you do at the summer cottage and relaxing of course! During our stay there, we would get up late in the morning, enjoy some breakfast, and then go outside and enjoy the sun for a bit. Then we would eat lunch and go to the sauna afterwards. Going to the sauna is a great experience! It feels so refreshing when you jump into the cold water after you've been sweating quite profusely. I don't know what I'm going to do without it when I get home. I am so used to going to the sauna! Anyways, after we went to the sauna and swam, we would go back inside the main cottage and watch TV. I have watched so many TV shows that I've never watched before because I never have the time. All in all, the week at the summer cottage was quite relaxing and fun!!

Beautiful Sunset

Washing the Potatoes

Relaxing

Sauna Time

1st time with an air rifle

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Inka, Emil, and Me