Ahoj!

So again it seems I have been neglecting the blog. My two weeks at home were manic, and this week has been just as manic. It must be something to do with the beautiful sunshine we're having here (although still not double figures in terms of temperature, so don't get too jealous), but I've been feeling rather sociable this week. So on wednesday, just one day after getting back in Finland, I went to the ESN goodbye party! So soon! It was a tshirt signing party, so thought it might make a nice memento. I have quite a bit of space to hunt down some of my friends that weren't there though... so be warned!

Then friday night was spent chilling with Mira. The days are so long here now, its really messing with my head. Its always much later than I think it is, and I nearly walked straight past Mira's flat because I didn't recognise it in the daylight!

Saturday, well saturday was crazy. I met with Mira again to go to the market that was going on down by the river. The sunshine was glorious and the fish smelt so good. I bought another piece of salmon cooked over an open fire (really really delicious!) and I was even brave enough to try the tiny fish that they seem to just eat as though it were a plate of chips. I always thought they looked unappealing, but one stall was giving away free samples, so thought I should try before I judge. It was very salty, still had the skin (no scales, but still I hate the skin on fish in general) and lots of tiny tiny bones. So I had a couple of bites and threw it away. I'll stick to the salmon :)

Oh, and since I got a shiny new digital camera for my birthday, I took a few snaps for your pleasure...









Then in the evening, the head of our ESN section hosted a party at her house. Its an amazing apartment, the most coveted of the student accomodation, and now I can see why. It was the best student accomodation I've ever seen. There was a mix of mostly Finns and the odd exchange student, but it was just a really fun night. Although I perhaps had a few too many vodka shots. Ahem.

Today, I'm out for drinks again (not so many this time), and then tomorrow will be a crazy last-minute packing night. Yes, I may have been back less than a week, but I will soon be off on travels yet again. This time I'll be going to explore the great motherland itself.

Yes, I will be travelling to Russia!!! After a bit of a headache with visa's and my disorganisation in signing up for activitys, its now all systems go. I will be travelling with ESN (and a Russia speaking tour guide) to both Moscow and St Peterburg! We spend one crazy day in Moscow (night train arrives around 8am, and then we get the night train to St Petersburg at about 10pm), where I will be partaking in a tour of the Kremlin among other things. Then we stay in St Petersburg for 3-4 days. I have signed up for a tour of one of the many palaces, a trip to the ballet (I'm not a huge fan, but if I'm going to see ballet anywhere I guess it should be in Russia right) and then a riverboat cruise of the city (with champers and chocolates on board). I just hope the weather holds out for that. There was also talk amongst the ESN girls last night about hiring a limo one night. Then of course there is the Hermitage to get lost in too. And CD shopping :) Any other tips and suggestions of things to do and see are very welcome!

So yes, a busy few more days. I'm sure even when I get back there will be lots more exploring. Particularly, I want to explore the islands around Turku much more, something I had been waiting for the sun before doing. No excuses now then eh? So moi moi for now!