Last night was the first night I slept in my own bed in about 10 days! Crazy busy couple of weeks. Firstly, we went to Rovaniemi, which was just brilliant. The scenery was beautiful, we met Reindeer, Husky dogs, Santa Claus, and swam in the huge river up there. We also went to the museum (Artikum) and did a spot of shopping. Along with the open boat trip that we took to get to the Reindeer farm. Then it was back to Turku for one night before heading off to Helsinki. Then it was an early start to get the ferry for Tallinn, where we spent one night, got very sunburnt, and then came back to Helsinki to meet the brother. We then did the touristy bus tour in Helsinki (mother wanted to see the Sibelius Monument, and the Rock Church, both a bit out of the centre, and it was pouring of rain, so walking wasnt an option). Then we headed back to Turku, where I immediately ran off to the boyfriends yet again. I'm not very hospitable it seems. Anyway, yesterday we saw the catherdral, the observatory hill, and the beach at Ruisalo. Nice day. Today we are heading off to the Castle (again... eugh), and a few other spots round town (university etc). Then tomorrow is the Baltic Sea Tall Ships Race. Or something like that. Which means there will be lots and lots and lots of tall ships lining the river down to the harbour, so that will keep us occupied for a while I expect. Then on to St Petersburg at the weekend!
Showing posts with label Lapland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lapland. Show all posts
July 22, 2009
July 13, 2009
Reindeer!
I finally saw a Reindeer. More than one in fact. We wasted no time apon arriving in Rovaniemi this morning, and booked ourselves onto a boat trip to a Reindeer farm, where we got to mingle with the horned creatures. Beautiful weather here today as well, so the boat trip itself was also very nice. Just thought I'd let you all know :p
I'm sure there will be pictures to follow once I'm back.
June 24, 2009
July Plans
So I guess its about time I reveal to you the truely ambitious month of travel I have planned for July. My mother is coming to visit me here in Turku, but she doesnt like to fly (problems with her ears you see) so she is coming via 5 trains and a ferry! So since she was coming all that way. I foolishly suggested that I extend my lease on my student flat (assuming there was anyone wanting to move in as early as July) and she stay for a few weeks and we could really explore. Little did I know what a headache organising everything would be. We got a little carried away with where we want to go and what-not, but here is the final plan...
05/07: I leave for Stockholm on the night ferry.
06/07: Mother joins me and we spend a few days exploring the Swedish capital.
09/07: We head to Turku on the night ferry.
12/07: We get a night train to Rovaniemi.
15/07: Return from Rovaniemi.
17/07: Head to Helsinki.
18/07: We take an early ferry to Tallinn.
19/07: Return to Helsinki, and meet my brother from the airport.
20/07: Head to Turku for the week.
24/07: Head back to Helsinki to see my brother off. Spend the night.
25/07: Take a train to St Petersburg.
28/07: Return from St Petersburg.
31/07: Sat moi moi to Turku. Take the night ferry to Stockholm, and then 5 trains to home!
How crazy is all that?! Well, its been a bit tricky booking all the various hotels, trains and ferrys. Not to mention arranging for another visa to Russia. I know that for my mum it is the trip of a lifetime, and she is so excited to see everything. I am happy to be visiting Stockholm again, and for a longer stay this time. And then I'm always happy to go back to Tallinn. Can't say I was overly enthused about going to St Petersburg again so soon after I've just been, and all the extra complications of getting visa's a what-not didnt help, but luckily the Russian consulate is here in Turku. Anyway, nearly everything has been booked now. Well, all the things my mum was in charge of is at least. I only just started my end of the deal, but I'm slowly getting sorted. Although maybe I should stop being so slow, what with it being less than 2 weeks away!
I finish work on tuesday. I can't believe it. Especially since there are still many assays to be done. Will have to trust that someone takes over from me. So anyway, you might not hear that much from me in July other than the odd quick update here and there.
05/07: I leave for Stockholm on the night ferry.
06/07: Mother joins me and we spend a few days exploring the Swedish capital.
09/07: We head to Turku on the night ferry.
12/07: We get a night train to Rovaniemi.
15/07: Return from Rovaniemi.
17/07: Head to Helsinki.
18/07: We take an early ferry to Tallinn.
19/07: Return to Helsinki, and meet my brother from the airport.
20/07: Head to Turku for the week.
24/07: Head back to Helsinki to see my brother off. Spend the night.
25/07: Take a train to St Petersburg.
28/07: Return from St Petersburg.
31/07: Sat moi moi to Turku. Take the night ferry to Stockholm, and then 5 trains to home!
How crazy is all that?! Well, its been a bit tricky booking all the various hotels, trains and ferrys. Not to mention arranging for another visa to Russia. I know that for my mum it is the trip of a lifetime, and she is so excited to see everything. I am happy to be visiting Stockholm again, and for a longer stay this time. And then I'm always happy to go back to Tallinn. Can't say I was overly enthused about going to St Petersburg again so soon after I've just been, and all the extra complications of getting visa's a what-not didnt help, but luckily the Russian consulate is here in Turku. Anyway, nearly everything has been booked now. Well, all the things my mum was in charge of is at least. I only just started my end of the deal, but I'm slowly getting sorted. Although maybe I should stop being so slow, what with it being less than 2 weeks away!
I finish work on tuesday. I can't believe it. Especially since there are still many assays to be done. Will have to trust that someone takes over from me. So anyway, you might not hear that much from me in July other than the odd quick update here and there.
March 08, 2009
Lapland Highlights
I realise I never did any proper travel-diaries for Lapland, and to be quite honest I don't think I ever will. It wasn't really a sight-seeing trip after all, and most of the days were spent skiing or such. However I will do a quick review of some highlights, just for the sake of sharing photos at least...
* On the way we stopped in Rovaniemi, at the Santa Claus village on the border of the Arctic Circle.
* Met Santa Claus! He was very lovely as expected. Told us to look out for the reindeer up in Levi, although Rudolf was away in Australia getting a bit of sun and relaxation after the busy Christmas period.
*Crossed the Artic Circle.
* Made it to Levi, Finlands biggest ski resort.
* First day involved the ski school and then a bit of skiing with the ESN girls on the nice easy blue slopes :]
* Second day was a bit of shopping in the morning
* Then the ultimate highlight of the trip - husky dog safari!!! It was just the most amazing experience. Highly highly recommend it.
* Next day was more skiing. Just very relaxed, although went with some more experienced skiiers, and did get quite a bit higher up the mountain than intended. But once you're up there, you have no choice but to ski down again! And it was bloody freezing, so you didnt hang about (-25 at the bottom of the mountain, but naturally colder at the top with the winds).
* Then back again before a final bit of shopping and then sauna. Which of course involved some rolling around in the snow :)
* Then it was time to pack up and get back home again. A painfully long journey, with film after film after film. I mean, I'm a fan of movies, but I was on the edge of a nervous breakdown after the 5th one.
* Oh, and we saw the Lordi bar during our dinner stop in Rovaniemi
* After which we carried on to Kemi snow castle, which although mostly closed as it was a sunday, the bits that were open were cool. Literally.
Although I may not have done much as such, the whole experience was worthwhile. I have never been somewhere like that in conditions like that. It was a bit of a shock at first, and for the girl who doesnt feel the cold, I was a bit underprepared and was very very glad of my rented ski clothes! I didn't see a single reindeer all week either. Or the northern lights. So was a bit dissapointing in some respects. But I will never forget the feeling I had when I woke up on the way there to see nothing but all ecompassing white. So much snow and ice. The ground, the trees, just everything white. Incredible.
* On the way we stopped in Rovaniemi, at the Santa Claus village on the border of the Arctic Circle.
* Met Santa Claus! He was very lovely as expected. Told us to look out for the reindeer up in Levi, although Rudolf was away in Australia getting a bit of sun and relaxation after the busy Christmas period.
*Crossed the Artic Circle.
* Made it to Levi, Finlands biggest ski resort.
* First day involved the ski school and then a bit of skiing with the ESN girls on the nice easy blue slopes :]
* Second day was a bit of shopping in the morning
* Then the ultimate highlight of the trip - husky dog safari!!! It was just the most amazing experience. Highly highly recommend it.
* Next day was more skiing. Just very relaxed, although went with some more experienced skiiers, and did get quite a bit higher up the mountain than intended. But once you're up there, you have no choice but to ski down again! And it was bloody freezing, so you didnt hang about (-25 at the bottom of the mountain, but naturally colder at the top with the winds).
* Then back again before a final bit of shopping and then sauna. Which of course involved some rolling around in the snow :)
* Then it was time to pack up and get back home again. A painfully long journey, with film after film after film. I mean, I'm a fan of movies, but I was on the edge of a nervous breakdown after the 5th one.
* Oh, and we saw the Lordi bar during our dinner stop in Rovaniemi
* After which we carried on to Kemi snow castle, which although mostly closed as it was a sunday, the bits that were open were cool. Literally.
Although I may not have done much as such, the whole experience was worthwhile. I have never been somewhere like that in conditions like that. It was a bit of a shock at first, and for the girl who doesnt feel the cold, I was a bit underprepared and was very very glad of my rented ski clothes! I didn't see a single reindeer all week either. Or the northern lights. So was a bit dissapointing in some respects. But I will never forget the feeling I had when I woke up on the way there to see nothing but all ecompassing white. So much snow and ice. The ground, the trees, just everything white. Incredible.
February 14, 2009
Lapland Pictures
I havent had time this week to write up a diary of my Lapland trip, but for those of you that are interested you can view my photo album of pictures from the week here...
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| Lapland |
February 09, 2009
Return From Lapland
I returned from my very tiring trip to Lapland at 6am this morning, and consequently have spent the day lounging around the flat. Its been lovely. In fact I've only been awake 8 hours, and am already considering returning to bed :p
The trip itself was different to what I had expected. I was a little disappointed on the first day if I'm honest. But then I embraced it for what it was, and relaxed and had fun. I spent 2 days skiing, and the husky dog safari was amazing. I have some beautiful pictures from atop the mountain. It was blooming cold (-25ish). And I have never watched so many films in such a short space of time (I think maybe 12 in 6 days!). So there is plenty to write about. Just give me time to gather my thoughts :)
Hope I havent missed anything while I was away. Its good to be back.
The trip itself was different to what I had expected. I was a little disappointed on the first day if I'm honest. But then I embraced it for what it was, and relaxed and had fun. I spent 2 days skiing, and the husky dog safari was amazing. I have some beautiful pictures from atop the mountain. It was blooming cold (-25ish). And I have never watched so many films in such a short space of time (I think maybe 12 in 6 days!). So there is plenty to write about. Just give me time to gather my thoughts :)
Hope I havent missed anything while I was away. Its good to be back.
February 03, 2009
Lapland!!!
In less than 5 hours I will be off on my trip to Lapland! I realise I havent mentioned it much on here, but its mostly because I wasnt that excited about it I guess. But now that its here I am getting rather excited. I think the main thing putting me off is the overnight coach (!) journey. Eugh. We leave at 8:30 and get to Rovaniemi at 9am tomorrow morning. And then we have a couple more hours after that before we get to Levi. But I once went by coach to Italy on a school ski trip and that took literally 24 hours. So this should be a doddle. I'm armed with tons of videos of comedians and music videos on my ipod, and have a good book to tide me over. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep for some of it too.
Anyway, once that part is over there will of course be the amazing 5 days in the heart of Lapland. I have to say, despite there being snow here for a good week or so already, I am a bit jealous of the mad excitement of my friends back home playing in the snow. I havent really had the chance to yet. But I expect I'll have plenty of time to roll around in the snow. I promise to try and take lots of photos, but my camera is corrupted, and can be a bit temperamental. So we'll see.
On the itinerary for the week is; plenty of skiing, a husky dog safari, karaoke, Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi, Kemi snow castle, and lots of sauna time I expect.
To be honest, i'm looking forward to just having a relaxing few days in a cottage in the middle of a winter wonderland. Since August really, it feels like I havent stopped much. I need a holiday! hehe. I mean, Stockholm was such a rush, and Christmas didnt pan out exactly as I had hoped, so fingers crossed this will be more successful!
Anyway, once that part is over there will of course be the amazing 5 days in the heart of Lapland. I have to say, despite there being snow here for a good week or so already, I am a bit jealous of the mad excitement of my friends back home playing in the snow. I havent really had the chance to yet. But I expect I'll have plenty of time to roll around in the snow. I promise to try and take lots of photos, but my camera is corrupted, and can be a bit temperamental. So we'll see.
On the itinerary for the week is; plenty of skiing, a husky dog safari, karaoke, Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi, Kemi snow castle, and lots of sauna time I expect.
To be honest, i'm looking forward to just having a relaxing few days in a cottage in the middle of a winter wonderland. Since August really, it feels like I havent stopped much. I need a holiday! hehe. I mean, Stockholm was such a rush, and Christmas didnt pan out exactly as I had hoped, so fingers crossed this will be more successful!
So, thats the last you'll hear from me till Monday now folks!
January 30, 2009
Its All Starting Up Again
So, its already got to the point where I'm a busy little girl. The next few weeks are gonna be packed.
* Tonight I'm off with Russian housemate to watch a film with the Russian Language Circle (The English Language Circle meet was a bit of a disaster last night, so lets not dwell on that). After the film, we're heading to Dynamo, a funky club in town, my favourite in fact.
* Tomorrow I've been invited to the sea sauna. I thought I could get away with the sauna and then just look out into the sea, but I have a feeling that if I dont go for a swim voluntarily, that I will be forced... Oh, and its meant to be like -5 tomorrow. Goodie. Then in the evening I'm meeting a friend from last semester who is heading back to Korea to say goodbye :( Then the Finnish esc selection final in the evening!
* Then Sunday some people are going sledging. We'll see how the snow is, but not sure whether I'll join them yet. Might still be frozen after the sea!
* Monday will be business as usual.
* And then Tuesday, well Tuesday, I am just popping up across the artic circle for a week of skiing, cottaging, and husky safaris! Yes, I'm off to Lapland for 5 days! Should be awesome, I'm so excited!!! I'll be sharing a cottage with some of the French people I met on the last cottage weekend, and also my housemate and her Russian friends will be around somewhere, so should be a fun week. Also, it will help take my mind off the fact that Rachel will no longer be just across the Baltic sea, and in fact back in the UK. Going to Guildford no less. I'm not jealous. Well, I am a bit, but being up in Lapland should numb the pain (see what I did there?)
* Tonight I'm off with Russian housemate to watch a film with the Russian Language Circle (The English Language Circle meet was a bit of a disaster last night, so lets not dwell on that). After the film, we're heading to Dynamo, a funky club in town, my favourite in fact.
* Tomorrow I've been invited to the sea sauna. I thought I could get away with the sauna and then just look out into the sea, but I have a feeling that if I dont go for a swim voluntarily, that I will be forced... Oh, and its meant to be like -5 tomorrow. Goodie. Then in the evening I'm meeting a friend from last semester who is heading back to Korea to say goodbye :( Then the Finnish esc selection final in the evening!
* Then Sunday some people are going sledging. We'll see how the snow is, but not sure whether I'll join them yet. Might still be frozen after the sea!
* Monday will be business as usual.
* And then Tuesday, well Tuesday, I am just popping up across the artic circle for a week of skiing, cottaging, and husky safaris! Yes, I'm off to Lapland for 5 days! Should be awesome, I'm so excited!!! I'll be sharing a cottage with some of the French people I met on the last cottage weekend, and also my housemate and her Russian friends will be around somewhere, so should be a fun week. Also, it will help take my mind off the fact that Rachel will no longer be just across the Baltic sea, and in fact back in the UK. Going to Guildford no less. I'm not jealous. Well, I am a bit, but being up in Lapland should numb the pain (see what I did there?)
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