So perhaps we should continue with the dairy posts? I think I gave up on about the 2nd...
3/12
We had the language circle pikkojoulu. Think thats how its spelt. Its just a pre-christmas party. We had traditional food from all the different language groups, and some did presentations too. We decided to combine the two tasks, and gave out the things needed to create a Christingle, and showed people how to do it. The party itself was nice, and our group members said some lovely things about us to the main organiser of the language circles. Will be carrying on with it next semester for sure. Was the best thing I got involved with here, as nearly all my friends were met through it.
4/12
I believe this was the night of the monumental skype between Rach and I. Other than our daily emails at work (its highly important stuff of course, not just random muses on popo's, lunch, and capri-sun) I hadnt had a proper chat with her in ages. Mostly because I hadnt been in a lot. Was so nice to catch up properly though. Although the catch up over Christmas will be even better!
5/12
I had planned to go to Tampere. But I overslept. Which in my defence is very easy when the sun doesnt even start to rise till 10am. Anyway, went and did some shopping instead. Found a really huge second hand shop/warehouse out of town (had been told about it, didnt just stumble across it). Anyway, found A1's third album, The Rasmus's first album, and an old (Finnish) idols CD, which altogther cost less than €5! Bargin, hehe.
6/12
Finnish independance day. Was originally going to meet up with friends in Kuopio. But since we were told there would be no-where open and buses would be irregular, we decided to head to my friends in Seinajoki instead. But then I was told about the military parade that takes place in Turku every year, and also about the presidential palace ball, which was being shown on telly in a pub in town. So they decided to come here again, and we partook in the aforementioned activities. Was good. Although the parade was strange. We thought it would be a celebration of independance, lots of flaf-waving and cheering and such, but actually it seemed a rather sombre affair. More of a show of respect for those that fought for the country's independance.
The ball was also quite strange. I had been warned though. Basically the broadcast is just 2 hours of each guest shaking hands with the president. There's the odd celeb (Anna Abreu) thrown in to keep it interesting, but basically its a big fashion show.
7/12
Just hung out with my friends before they headed home.
8/12
More knitting. Finished one of my arm warmers so started on the next. Thats about it really.
9/12
They showed a Finnish Christmas film for the exchange students. Was a good film actually. Will write a proper film review soon (I hope).
10/12
Christmas baking! There was an ESN party on the 11th, so the girls needed help with preparing the food, so the deal was they would show us how to bake traditional Finnish cakes and we would get to eat some, but not all. Was good. We made these Christmas star things, which were so easy, I made them again tonight. We also made ginger bread cookies, and some cinnamon buns. All very very tasty. Iceing the cookies was fun too, although a bit messy.
11/12
Stayed home. Was knackered!
12/12
Film night at Carries. Watched the Painted Viel. Will write a film review on that soon too. Promise.
13/12
Today was Saint Lucia day. Being of the Lutheran religion, the Finnish dont really celebrate saint days. However this is a Swedish tradition that is upheld by the Swedish-speaking Finns, of which there is a lot in Turku (or Abo to be precise). Anyway, basically, a girl is elected to the role of Lucia, and she gets to dress in a big white dress, with a crown of green and candles apon her head. The congregation sings some Swedish songs, and then the candles get lit and she walks down the aisle. Was quite cool. And not just because Swedish spoken with a Finnish accent is very attractive ;)
I will update both my diary posts with pictures, so check back soon.
