Lapland: Woof, Spven, Santa Clause

okay.

Sunday- skied, sauna, primary school

Monday- Dog sledding, Reindeer Sledding, Reindeer husbandry, sami life, Lapland Animals, snow Shoeing,

Tuesday- Santa Clause Land

Wednesday- Returned home at 4 am

So that is what happened. Add in crazy stories and friends and thats the summary.

Dog Sledding was the most amazing thing ever. It felt like you were flying . And the view. Ah. Amazing

Waiting for our turn was spent in the Tee- P singing Australian Songs

We went snowshoeing. This confirmed that I am terrible at anything which makes my feet bigger.

We had a lot of downtime but still there wasn't enough.

 Oh also! We ran to Sweden!!!!

view of finland from Sweden. 

sweden. different huh?

Sami life style

We had to say goodbye. The oldies, now if you're not an exchange student you may not understand the bond between oldies and newbies. They know what they are doing and when you get here. They help you find out how to get on your feet. 

We are going to be oldies soon and to be honest, it's scary. I hope I have my footing to help another. To teach, to show, to support, to understand.

Goodbyes aren't forever we tell our selves. But no matter how much we believe this, the truth is that some of them are. 

"home is where ever I am with you"

Anneke is ready for reindeer hunting

 We packed our rooms, and we were off to Rovinemi- The Land of Santa Clause.

Santa Clause came from Finland actually. So I met the man. I met Santa Clause.

and his elves

there he is

and that is where he lives

and that is one of his many christmas trees

Now the people are what made this trip amazing. The stories and the laughs. The long bus rides and quick goodbyes.

This trip changed a part of me. I don't know what and I don't know when it happened. Maybe on top of the hill? or maybe when in the hall way with everyone? maybe even when I was trying to manage three cups of coffee to my table?

I don't know when or why or how. But this trip was needed. This happened.

A Finnish Thanksgiving

My Finnish Friends at school surprised me with the idea to throw a thanksgiving. It was decided we would. On Sunday we all met up at Miksu's house and started cooking together. The thing which was so special was it all Finnish food- Reindeer, karjalanpiirakka, and rye bread. I added some mac and cheese and chocolate chip cookies to the mix.

karjalanpiirakka and note my customary  measuring cup

oh look at that yankieness

Riita brought me a cookie

rudoph

my plate

famly

So Misku does not like people but she is one of the best people I have met. And after we ate our selves twice over i found her in her bed. She deserves a hug. 

The thing is. Yeah this wasnt the most normal of Thanksgivings. But is was one of the best. We went around the table talking about what we are thankful for and I could talk for ages of being thankful. But in this moment I am so thankful for the people around that table. They went out of their way to give me some bits of home. Thanksgiving is about being with family and friends. being thankful. and being happy. It was truly the best thanksgiving so far. Even if I ate reindeer (its tasty.)