November 27, 2014: The worlds most normal thanksgiving in the least normal way

1 Italian
4 Fins
6 Americans
1 Bahamas
2 Mexican
1 Aussie


So basically add together that mixture of people and the knowledge that all of them lack on how to throw a thanksgiving and the result will wield you the best thanksgiving one has seen

It stated on Wednesday the 26. The ingredients were fetched and the pie was attempted to be baked. I say attempted because we just started dancing and eating apples. But the dough was made so thats a start.

On the morning of Thanksgiving, I woke early and finished the pie before everyone else woke up. And then the day commenced. We first had an American breakfast of real pancakes. Daniel came over to enjoy them with us. He brought the sugar. How sweet.

Anyways, lets get down to business. The turkey. So basically none of us knew how to cook. All we had was the little book my mother created for us and that was it. Also the internet. 

I had to cook the turkey. We named her Kristian. 

Slowly but surely everyone was arriving and cooking in this little kitchen. We had our Flag hung up. There was sweet potatoes going and green bean casserole cooking. Luis made some mexican food to spice up the dinner. Mash potatoes were mashed. Corn bread was made. Everyone was working and cooking something. The house smelled soo good.

When it was time to eat we all gathered around and noticed we forgot drinks! hahah We all talked about how much props we give to the women who make thanksgiving possible. They deserve all the credit. Thank you to all the women in my life which has made thanksgiving what it is. It was so hard but it was worth it. Running a kitchen like my tootsi did.

After we said thanks, the plates were passed over the table and the laughter grew. I swear I have never laughed as hard in my life before Finland. 

This year I found the meaning of thanksgiving. It isn't the food. But the people around the table. Being thankful that everyone is there and you are not alone. That there is family.

Back in the states the table was surrounded by family. 

In Finland my table was surrounded by family. 

not as good as my mothers

can it get more american than this? nope

he mixed up lamb and beef. He's the best friend I could ask for.

shes a special one

desert and coffee

Happy Belated Thanksgiving

Ice skating and Family time

I AM LEARNING HOW TO ICE SKATE AND FALL GRACEFULLY

Sunday between the hours of 11 and 12 the Kerava Winter Sport Hall offers free ice skating. And since I just got a pair of ice skates (so thankful) it was time to learn how to skate. And fall.

the last photo I was on the ground right after it was taken

we came home and made gingerbread
the house smelled so flavor filled

she is the sweetest

Everyday Life

Each day something happens and each day I learn new things. I wish it sounded more poetic but sometimes life is just blunt. I have stories over stories of seeing new sights and experiences but to be honest I like documenting the everyday. The little things- meals, the walk to school, train rides, funny events. This is what truly makes each day different.

Salla on her way to College

whether it be saying good bye to my older host sister on her journey to scotland. It was four in the morning at the airport. We woke up at three and had a huge breakfast. And of course coffee.

FEstivels are always going on and in all of the shops you find nature. Fins are very intuned with their sourrndings and hold close to their hearts the earth.

knitting shops are where its at

afternoon train rides

accidently found out my high school has a movie theater in it

exploring and finding the famous Sibelius Monument

pretty awesome and it is is hudge

This is currently my number one cafe. I wish I took more photos of it but my phone was dieing and I need to always have contact with my host family. But it was the littlest shack adn they had 2£ coffee and with each free refill they gave you 5 cents. The inside was  coated in old pictures and frames. The ceiling had every instrument imagianable and outside they were playing Michael Buble and Big Band music.

splendid black coffee

There was seven exchange students on this hang out and it was just so confrotable

pizza and pasta. flavors. anneka (roommate from Karrku)

Yes I need to stop taking photos of random strangers. But this was such a cool moment. This man was scribbing feriously on this book and to watch him be so focused was a special experience. We were the only ones in the train car. 

Every night I journal. I keep track of the days. I say the weather. I write details. This has been the most daunting and rewarding thing I have done since I arrived. 

this happens way too often... cookies

Finnish Courses every tuesday and thursday! 

dinner and journaling after a long day

I add recipts and little things. So it is more like a giant scrap book.

This sign is in my bathroom and I walked in to look at it and someone corrected my finnish.. this being my ten year old sister. She taught me "otsa" is forhead and not neck. Thank goodness!

my first book I read in Finnish was I want my Hat Back. One of my finnish friends sent me a photo of the book in english. I recommend this book for everyone. 

Michael was lecturing me about how it is drink and not juice. Juice is not a thing apparently... who knew!?

So I don't know if this post was more for me to one day look back and remember the walks to school, or the train station, but what I know now is the beauty in the everyday.