Kerava Rotary and a new addition of: Adventures with the Aussie

Kerava Rotary!!!!

Wednesday I went in for one class and then caught the train before lunch to go and give a presentation to one of my two rotary clubs- Kerava. This is about a 15 minuet bike ride from my house but since I went by train a Rotarian picked me up.

Felt the need to show my locker at school, not everyone has a locker. Please note the heels, American flag, and english text book.

One of the most beautiful views when walking to the trains at Pustiola.

This is a funny story... so I didn't really want to be super fancy at school so I decided to get ready on the 20 min ride to Kerava. This resulted in me hiding in the last dimly lit train car, a strange look from the conductor when he walked by, and a innocent passenger walking into the last car looking at my chaos and then switching cars. I feel like this won't be the first time this will occur.

The meeting went well. It was nice to give the presentation a few weeks in so I could talk more in detail about the differences and the similarities between cultures. It also helped because I was able to poke fun at my Finnish mess-ups which made them all laugh. I am not the only exchange student in this club. There is also Milly. She is an oldie (def- exchange student which arrives in january, is here for 6 months of my exchange and then I become an oldie and teach the new exchange student.) I am super lucky to have her. She has actually been there for me since I got off the plane, before now that I think about it. Milly has taught me the ropes of the Finnish Exchange World, especially since we are the capital district there is a lot to learn. She was there for my presentation and afterwards we hung out.

more coffee always

kiss us, we are exchange students

After finding all the tourist information we could, a break was needed at the local exchange student hang out- really shady 5€ pizza place on the west side of helsinki. 

only 5€

We saw a rotary wheel in the window of an apartment. We got there attention. 

We sprinted through the rain to the only starbucks in Finland. They wouldn't accept my gift card. Ah. 

I ordered it in Finnish. Be proud.

 On the way home we went to all the thrift stores which are housed under the train station. The rooms are really small and thrown together but you can find some really cool things.

This just reminded me of home!

Our motto of the year.

I got home all cold and wet, the only weather Finland will offer us, but filled with joy. I find it so interesting how the exchange student world works. It is so much more detailed than one would even know. We rely greatly on each other I have found. There is an instant connection because you understand even the little details the other is going through. And the stories. Oh the stories. 

Helsinki Art Day 1420

The best district of the world is actually here is Finland- district 1420. We are one large, crazy family.

Once a year the city of helsinki has a whole day dedicated to art. Everyone shows up for it. The city is filled with street performers, colors, and music. It is one of the most beautiful experiences ever. Everyone needs to come and see it in their lives. 

All the exchange students went together. All 30ish of us. It was wonderful. Here are some photos!! 

Pre-gaming coffee with my oldie, also my favorite 

The amount of coffee I drink maybe at an all time high

Bring on the metro

The three musketeers: California, Ohio, and Brussels

Just to give you an idea

So much beauty of you look

Brazilll and Ohio

This was a scary clown bouncy house which ate children

A stage built out of shipping containers

In sent square they had just a bunch of cardboard boxes and everyone was building a huge castle. It was insane and super large. You could easily walk through it.

My good girl friend from school, Hilda,  invited me to come and visit her. She is a doll! I sit with her at lunch.

Senet Square

"Ahh I am in Finland"- my actual constant state

okay so we have USA, Belgium, France, Spain, and Germany all here

I turn around to take a photo and they  all come and pose. I love them

Felise! She is such a good friend. We have a coffee date every two weeks set up.

We all caught the late night trains home. It was good to see everyone again. We were who we all first relied on when we arrived. We take care of each other. We have the same struggles. Viva la 1420!!