In completely information for information’s sake, nothing to do with Finland or learning Swedish….  I finally updated my personal website with my newest paintings.  Yea for that!  I’ve had two paintings that I completed in early spring and two others since that hadn’t been updated.  Thank goodness that I finally got on my “horse” and did this!

In case anyone is the least bit curious, please check out the gallery.  Let me know if you’d like to purchase a painting (pipe dream, I know) but I have to at least put out the request.    Heck, please let me know if you like anything!  It would make my day.    http://www.painfullyaverage.com

And here’s another request…if anyone is a photographer or has interesting photographs and wouldn’t mind me using some as possible paintings, please let me know!  I’m more than happy to look through galleries on Flickr or other photo sharing sites and I’m always looking for new material.  Love to share the love…    Here is hoping that I have a few emails in a few days!  Much love to all….  h

   While all of the Swedish-speaking Finns were visiting the states, I was given the opportunity to ask what I deem as difficult Swedish grammar questions.  (Don’t think that I’m a terrible hostess…this was after the crayfish/schnapps visar party.)  What I got to find out is that time is difficult to talk about in Swedish, er rather, when to use specific words and when regarding time.  So with the help I received that evening, and the assistance of Lexin’s Swedish-English dictionary, I’ll try and explain to help my understanding.  (Let’s hope I get this correct and don’t further learn it incorrectly…please feel free to help me!)

   In my teency-eency understanding of Swedish, there are three words to describe time: tid, gång, and dags.  While at the “in-laws” home where all of the Swedish-speakers were staying, I kept hearing all three of these to describe time, but couldn’t seem to figure out when and why they used them.  Yikers.  Lexin helps me describe each a little easier:

   Tid:  Seems to be used when describing an actual time, as in the time the movie starts or a reservation.  Apparently it can also be used for a period of time, which I didn’t know.  Eek!  Lexin gives us these examples:  tid att tänka—time to think;  i en månads tid—in a month.

  Gång:  Seems to be used when describing the amount of times something has happened.  Here are examples from Lexin:  the first time I saw her — första gången jag såg henne;  en gång till—one more time.

  Dags:  Seems to be used when describing a time that is fluctuating, as in, “I’m tired and it’s time to go to bed.”  Not a set time.  Lexin’s examples:  det är dags att gå hem—it’s time to go home; matdags—time to eat.

   Ugh.  Swedish is difficult, but sooooo interesting.  If I wasn’t such a masochist, I most likely wouldn’t keep this up.  Yikes.  I’ve also started looking into some actual classes, but the only ones offered this fall begin at intermediate level, which I am absolutely nowhere near.  Ugh.  Let’s all cross our fingers and say a good thought for my molasses-speed learning. 

  If you’re like me and you’re STILL attempting to learn Swedish, you need to have a little levity while studying.    Here are some fun words I’ve either heard in conversation or have been taught over the past few weeks:

   Pigg:  Looking alert or spirited.  (One of the only times you’d ever want to hear that you look “pigg”.)
   Kant:  Edge, either of a table or knife.
   Faktum:  Fact.
   Smaklig:  Tasty.  (This word sounds just as it is: something is tasty, you’ll smack your lips.)
   glasögon:  Eyeglasses.  Literally translated, glass eyes. 

   This is a posting to say sorry to the five people that still read this blog.  Ever since we got home, it’s been a weird “time travel,” trying to get back on a schedule.  That, and I planned a trip to visit my Mormor and my Parents less than a week coming back.  Ick.  I don’t recommend that for anyone’s sleep schedule and/or mental stability.  Add that to trying to work after coming home, and you’ve got some serious issues.  (And that’s when you don’t take into account my slacker tendencies on the blogging…)

   So, I’ve still got to finish up the blogging about our trip.  Yep, at last count, I still need to cover the last day of the road trip, the last few days in Jakobstad, and the last two days in Helsingfors.  Yikers.  Until then, just know that I’m well aware of my slacker ways. 

   I’m happy to say that Ben and Bitti are now here in the states for the little bro’s wedding.  What’s nice is that they’re really happy with my progression on learning Swedish.  WOW!  That’s an amazing compliment.  Especially since I still only get every third word, I was sure that everyone was wondering when the “slow” girl would get her act together.  Yea for that!  I’m also happy that Ben and Bitti are great about telling me what is “high Swedish” and what is dialect for their region in Finland.  Nice to know what is what, even if I can’t, and most likely won’t, remember.  At least they’re all looking out for me. 

   So speaking of progression…yep, I still had to look up my most-used word while in Finland, which was förlåt.  (Forgive)  I still don’t know if this is the correct conjugation or not, but it’s what I’ve decided to slap my name on for now.  At least when I pronounce the word, it sounds correct.  Maybe this is the progression they were talking about…    Well, if I’m wrong, at least laughing is the same in every language…I think. 

   Ok…more to come!  Love to all and hope all is wonderful.  -H

Road Trip – Last Day

The second day of our road trip found us all the way from Ruka, to the Russian-Finnish border, to the amethyst mine, and ending in Rovaniemi.  Once we were in Rovaniemi, we were able to walk around a bit, which was nice.  Walking was great to get rid of our “car legs,” but also to see a bit of the city.  The little bit that we got to see was very pleasant – there was a promenade that spanned at least three blocks, ending at a river.  Businesses were all along the street, including pubs, restaurants, and my favorite, H & M.  (Sadly, they were closed.) 

The hotel we stayed at was just wonderful.  Here are just a few differences between US and Finnish hotels, er, or at least the one we stayed at:  1.  You can get a room with your own sauna in it.  Crazy!  Michael’s Uncle collects “points” with the particular chain we stayed at, and got an upgraded room with a sauna.  Too fancy.  2.  Floors are all hardwood.  Perhaps the foyer had carpeting, but I’d be surprised.  (My memory didn’t allow for this last detail.)  3.  The “master” switch.  We had this slightly-larger-than-the-rest light switches in the middle of the headboard, and at first, we couldn’t figure out what it did.  After only a few minutes, we realized this is the “master” switch, which will turn off everything except for the television.  Aah, just what you need when you’re sleepy and have forgotten to turn off the little entry light. 

After leaving the hotel, we were off to meet Santa!  Oh Santa!  Santa’s village and workshop were just across the  river from our hotel in Rovaniemi.  Only a few minutes of driving, and we were there!  The entire area is very large, with most of the space taken up by an outlet mall of sorts.  (We didn’t venture in that direction, as we had a mission to meet Santa.) 

Santa’s workshop is an enormous building!  (I should have taken a picture of the outside at least, but I think the adrenaline was flowing a bit too much to allow for coherent thought.)  Once inside, after the enormous sign that lets you know it’s free to see the big guy, you speak to one of the elves that ask your name and where you are from.  With that information plugged into a computer, you’re then given an admittance tag and allowed into the workshop.  All four of us started through the heavy wooden door that would begin our trek, and were instantly greeted by a “no pictures” sign.  Blah. 

Yet once we were inside, I realized why you can’t take pictures.  (Well, of course, they want you to come to Rovaniemi and see it for yourself…)  More importantly than that, I don’t know that I’d be able to take a proper picture of the workshop.  In the heart of the workshop, there are these enormous gears that must be 20-40 feet in diameter.  (Yes, I’m not the best at estimating.)  Regardless, it looks as though you’re inside an enormous watch, with gears turning and moving all around you.  These are all part of the ‘time machine’ Santa uses to be able to deliver presents to all good boys and girls in one evening.  Just amazing!

After viewing the time machine, we walked up to Santa’s office.  We were then greeted by a cheery elf who would let us in to see Santa after the last “children” had finished with their visit. This elf asked us where we were from, and just after saying Seattle, the elf laughed and smiled.  She had just moved back to Rovaniemi from Spokane, where her husband is from.  Small world, eh? 

When we were allowed into Santa’s office, I was amazed at how large the area was.  It was beautifully outfitted with nice furniture and antiques.  In the center was Santa!  He was sitting in his chair, with his wonderfully white beard reaching his lap.  His feet were enormous, or at least his woolen slippers were.  We chatted for about five minutes, with Santa also talking to Michael’s Aunt and Uncle in Finnish for a bit.  Santa was kind and friendly and his beard was impeccable.  

Once out of Santa’s office, we had many options of purchasing reminders of our visit.  There were different packages and sizes of pictures, keychains, tee shirts, and the kicker:  a memory stick containing a recording of our conversation.  Wow!  We opted for the pictures, and purchased a little 5 pack.  Ben and Bitti were nice enough to buy us a large photograph for us.  J

Oh…too much typing for now.  I’ll have to write about Sweden and our drive home next time!  J

Road Trip – Day Two

After waking up a bit late (thank goodness) we had a wonderful breakfast of grönsaker, sill, and knäckebröd.  When we got back into the car, our first stop was going to be a bit further north-east to the Russian-Finnish border at Salla.  On our way there, we spotted even more reindeer cruising along!  I believe these last few that we saw were the last I photographed.  (I think the “shine” wore off seeing them, especially due to the very severe braking any drivers had to make upon seeing them.) 

Once we arrived at the border, I was surprised how quiet and small it was.  Due to the fact that the only borders I’ve ever crossed in a car are for states or the Canadian-American, this was a shock.  There was a small station, a small fence, and a few “railroad-like” guard arms.  What was most interesting to me was the sign declaring that we were in a “green zone.”  Wow.  Well, that and seeing the Russian Ford Explorer parked next to us.  Also very cool.

We then hopped back into the car for a short hop of perhaps two hours to Pyha.  It is here near Pyha that there is an amethyst mine that is open to the public during Finland’s short summer months. 

Ben parked the car and we headed down the trail to the mine.  Little did we know until about a half-kilometer that the trail was a total of 4.5 to 5 kilometers until we reached the mine.  Yuck.  This normally wouldn’t be too bad, but our walk was compromised by a few things.  We were tired and dehydrated, which will put anyone in a lousy mood to walk very far.  Add to that a warm to hot day, and you’re even more drained.  Then mix in a thick stream of mosquitoes, and you’ve got a bad walk ahead of you.

When we finally arrived, we purchased our admission tickets and stepped back outside.  This is when we realized that to get to the mine, we also had to walk up the equivalent of about four to five flights of stairs, which were attached to the side of the hill/mountain.  Yikes.  This is after our hellish walk that we had to hurry on, as tours began at the top of every hour. 

Once we’d reached the top, we were greeted by our guide.  He was a very pleasant fellow, and provided us with a bit of lingonberry juice once we’d reached our desitination.  He then told us about amethysts, the mine, historical uses, and so on.  We learned that the amethyst mine is not a traditional mine, at least in the imagination’s sense.  I had originally pictured a huge crater in the earth, filled with heavy machinery and loud noises.  But no, this appeared to be just the top of a big hill or little mountain.  Odd.  We also learned that this mine is almost smack-dab in the middle of a national park, which protects the ground the mine is on, as well as the mining practices.  Lastly, we found out that anyone can become a share holder in the mine.  While you don’t rake in the money per se, you can have a framed share with a piece of artwork attesting to your ownership, and you are invited to the annual shareholder’s meeting.  Fun!

After learning a bit about the gemstone, we were then told that our guide would now become our boss.  We were going to be allowed to “mine” for our own amethysts!  WOW!  Our guide/boss let us know that to keep your amethyst for free, it would have to be fully enclosed in your hand.  If you were lucky enough to find one too large for your hand, you could keep it for a fee.  (Our guide was very funny; he said that because his bosses are in Helsinki, he gets to charge whatever he feels like.  He said if the weather is nice and the “miners” are agreeable, he doesn’t charge much.  J)

We were then led on a walk in and around the hill.  We were shown the areas they mine during the winter, which are covered and parceled off.  Our guide told us that during the winter months, they use electric blankets to thaw the ground so they’re able to mine for more amethysts.  Crazy!  After a few more twists and turns, we were led out to what I believe was the opposite side of the hill, where we would be allowed to mine.  We were shown the different types of rock and quartz that were in the area, which included smoke quartz, milk quartz, and amethyst.  We then were schooled on the different grades of amethysts (usually middle to dark purple is good) and what they look like (anywhere from lightly tinted glass).  We were then given a pick and sent off! 

I thought I’d hit the mother lode on my first attempt!  I took my five or six specimens down to the wash basin where our “boss” was.  He washed what I thought were my enormous amethysts, and found that I’m great at finding regular, everyday, boring rocks.  Yuck.  Michael then let me know that he was having better luck, so I joined him.  After our ten to fifteen minutes of mining, Michael had found the lion’s share of our fortune, with maybe one or two that I’d discovered.  Our guide was kind enough to sort them for us, with the higher quality amethysts being placed in my right hand.  Ben and Bitti didn’t find as many as we did, rather they found larger, higher-quality stones.  They did quite well!

On our trek back down the mountain, all of us were in better spirits.  The mining tour/experience was better than anything we were originally imagining, which seemed to rejuvenate our spirits.  We took a few pictures above the gorgeous Lapland geography, and headed back down the hill.  Our 5k walk wasn’t exactly pleasant, but we were in a much better mood and had a wonderful experience to reflect upon.   (We were also walking a bit slower, now that our adventure was complete.  I was then able to snap a few pictures of Michael with is mosquito-gear, and of one of the largest anthills I’ve ever seen.)

From the mine and Pyha, we headed almost directly west, headed for Rovaniemi.  Once there, we checked into our hotel, took blissful showers, and had a sumptuous dinner of steak and pasta.  We walked around the city’s central promenade area, looking at the sights and the rushing river.  After an hour or so of visiting, we all hit the hay in preparation for our third and last day of the trip:  meeting Santa, driving into northern Sweden, and then to Jakobstad.  J

Yes, I know that I’ve already written about the first leg of our trip once.  Yikes.  I was so sleepy that I completely forgot what I’d already finished.  Oh well.  Here it goes again!

The first leg of our road trip started after Michael’s Fammo’s 94^th birthday party.  The party was very nice with everyone in a festive mood.  Michael and I were also happy that we were able to help Barbro with the food preparation, which allowed us to try and give back a little of the kindness Barbro’s shown us.  Something I found to be interesting was the amount of kaffe (coffee) everyone drinks.  Eleven guests went through 4 pots in about three hours.  What’s even funnier to me is that Michael and I were the only people that used the cream or the sugar.  Apparently we’re coffee “woosies” that can’t hack the strong Finnish stuff.  J

After helping clean up the dishes, Michael and I said our farewells and headed back to Ben and Bitti’s.  Once there, we raced into our room, changed, and packed for the trip in under twenty minutes.  (That’s a new personal  best for both of us.)  Ben, Michael, and I then enjoyed some of our leftover kebabs from the night before and then we were off!

The first leg of our trip was ending in Ruka, a ski resort in north-eastern Finland very close to Lapland.  On our way there,  a frightening and wonderful thing happened at almost the same moment.  Michael and I were in the backseat, each of us peacefully reading a novel, when…..BRAKE!  I was scared at first, thinking someone in front of us stopped short or there was an accident.  But no….there were reindeer on the highway.  Reindeer!  Running along the center line was a mother and baby reindeer.  I was lucky enough to get a quick picture of the two of them, along with the side view mirror from the car.  (Just for proof…) 

After my squeals of excitement finally dulled down, I learned some “fun facts” about reindeer from Ben and Bitti:

*Fun fact number one:  Reindeer aren’t the best animals to share the road with.  They apparently are skiddish around people, and if you get out of your car, they’re likely to bolt.  But if you’re sharing the highway with them in your automobile, they’re content to trot with you there.  Only problem is that they don’t have blinkers and apparently love to play chicken, weaving in and out of lanes.  No fun.

*Fun fact number two:  Reindeer have a gang mentality.  Guess there’s safety in numbers.  While this is wonderful for the reindeer, it’s not the best for drivers.  If one crosses the road, you’d better stop and take a peek around.  Most likely, ten to twenty will be following shortly thereafter.

*Fun fact number three:  This is basically a mix of numbers one and two, but I gave it its own number.  As you could have guessed, reindeer apparently aren’t the brightest animals in the kingdom.  But oh, they’re pretty cute and have beautiful, fuzzy antlers. 

Just after seeing our first two reindeer, we had another animal encounter!  Ben said something and then pointed to the edge of the highway.  By the time I was able to get my eyes focused, I barely saw the beautiful russet brown fox dashing into the forest.  They’re quick critters, so I didn’t have a prayer of getting my camera out to capture him. 

Shortly after seeing the fox, we stopped to get a bite to eat.  From the outside of the place, I would have never guessed that the food was so tasty!  They had about ten to twelve dinners to choose from, more than enough to satisfy everyone.  (Perhaps not the vegans, but I’m sure they could just eat from the salad bar.)  J  After ordering, we hit said salad bar and began to nibble.  Before any one of the four of us had finished, our dinners appeared.  Not only were they prepared quickly, they were enough to feed an army.  Never before have I seen such an enormous heap of French fries.  WOW.  And the fries were in addition to a breast of chicken and a side of vegetables.  Goodness! 

Before heading back into the car, Bitti and I went off in search of the restroom.  (Or in Finland, the WC, pronounced Veh-Seh.)  While I was washing my hands, there was a younger Finnish woman trying to get the paper towel dispenser to agree with her.  It was to no avail.  I waved in front of mine, and was able to get a towel for her.  We laughed about how her dispenser didn’t work, and she then said, “thank you.”  At that exact moment, the dispenser provided yet another towel for her.  We laughed again.  J  It was nice to see that those cheesy, feel-good posters are sometimes correct, that all people do laugh in the same language.

We then hopped back into the car to finish up our nearly six-hour first leg.  When we’d arrived at the trailer, it was 23.30 or midnight.  The sky was still bright, enough to easily walk around or to read by.  The lights for the complex must be on a timer, because at this time, all of them came on.  I couldn’t help but laugh with Ben, Bitti, and Michael, saying that we’d be in a bad spot if not for those lights.  J

Yes, we’re on our way back to Helsingfors.  We’ll be in Helsingfors until about 13.00, when we’ll be waiting for our plane to Copenhagen.

But now….off again to pack so we’re not late for our train. 

…At least I think this is the third installment.  Oh well, that’s what the little “edit” button is for.  Here we go again, still due to a lack of brainpower…

As I’m not an expert on birds, I have no idea whatsoever what type of bird this is.  What I can tell you is that its beak is stunningly yellow, especially when it is against its black body. 

There are also these gorgeous, brightly colored green birds on the island, which seem to be very greedy eaters. 

This reminds me…on Midsummer’s day, we saw an eagle.  A huge, amazing eagle just soaring.  Just amazing.

There are many, many rocks in Finland.  If I knew even the slightest thing about geology, I could possibly tell you something about the makeup of each.  But sadly, I cannot.

What I can tell you is that I know a big rock when I see one.  I think this is considered a big rock.  Had to get the two-story house and the car in the frame for some perspective.

Although the rock may obstruct your kitchen window view, no one would mistake the description of, “yeah, we’re the ones with the enormous boulder in the front yard.”

This picture is taken on our way to the amethyst mine near Pyhä. 

Michael was a little annoyed with the “Finnish Air Force” at this point. 

(I think that name is very cute for something so terrible.)

sisäänajoväylällä.  That’s a good one in Finnish.  Two sets of doubles in a seventeen letter word.  Yikers.

When I typed this into a Finnish-English online translator, it came up with nothing.  This could be due to, from what I understand, the Finns like to cram what would be five or six English or Swedish words into one huge Finnish word. 

When I looked up the Swedish words, it came back with:  vid: wide, and infarten: entrance. 

My goodness!  We’ve just gotten home from a whirlwind, amazingly fun road trip!  It began by Michael, Bitti, and I going to the cabin for two and a half days.  We then came home, ran errands, and got ready for Michael’s Fammo’s 94th birthday party.  We then helped prepare for the party, enjoyed the party immensely, chatted with Fammo, and came home.  Once home, we packed feverishly, wolfed down our left-over kebabs, and were off on our road trip!

We left from Jakobstad headed toward Ruka, in the north-eastern (yet just below the arctic circle) part of Finland.  Ruka is a ski resort where Michael’s aunt and uncle have a camper where we stayed the night.  While we were there, some hilarious things occurred. 

First, we arrived at about 23.30 or 00.00.  (I’m getting a little used to using “military time.”)  You never would have known had you not looked at your watch, as it was bright as two in the afternoon.  Yet, as soon as midnight or so hit, the area lights came on.  I had to laugh and nudge Ben and Bitti, saying how thankful I was the lights came on, as I wouldn’t have been able to see anything otherwise. 

Secondly, I was formally introduced to the “Finnish Air Force.”  Yep, this means mosquitos.  Even though I doused myself in repellant, I was still bitten.  One of them got me on my left lower eye, just near my tear duct.  The swelling is finally going down, but goodness, that was one of the most annoying bites I’ve ever received.  Yuck.

Lastly, Ben, Michael, and I took a walk around the ski resort.  We were there just a few days ago, and there’s still snow.  SNOW!  We were told that it was “manufactured” snow, but who cares.  It was still snow!  CRAZY!

There’s so much more to tell, but I’m very sleepy.  Ugh.  I still need to talk about: how Bitti absolutely destroyed us as Canasta, how Ben and Bitti destroyed us at Pidro when we played against them, how we got to see the only poisonous snake in Finland (dead on the road, thankfully), how driving in Finland is very, very different, visiting an amazing church in Pedersöre, how reindeer will just suddenly appear on the highway, stopping at the “green zone” border crossing between Finland and Russia, walking 3.5 km to the amethyst mine near Pyhä where we got to dig for our own amethysts, staying the night in Rovaniemi where Michael and I were lucky enough to enjoy a “superior” room with our own bastu, meeting Santa Claus at his workshop on the Arctic Circle, crossing over into Sweden, how Sweden’s roads are much different than Finland’s, seeing an Ikea in Sweden (haha), driving through Kemi, where they build a new ice palace every year, and on and on and on.  So wonderful!