Day 8 - Nokia & Helsinki

Eight people awaited us at breakfast today, so I was able to have two croissants and two glasses of apple juice. Then, despite my heavy heart, we checked out and headed over to S’s house for the last time. A squirrel greeted us before immediately running away. At least my GoPro recording session yesterday was not a waste – yay!

We drank some tea (white tea with raspberry flavouring) and chatted, stretching out the minutes in a bid to make our final meeting last forever. Then we headed off for an early lunch at Pizza Koti. We bought a pizza burger (with free drinks!), but it tasted…odd. S and I had 2 pieces each. The Husband had 4!

A Moomin mug, naturally

Took S home. Made excuses to keep hanging around. Squirrels were seen. When S went to the bathroom, my eyes filled with tears and I hugged The Husband, saying, “I don’t want to go!”

But we had to. So I hugged S. We took one last photo. Then she waved us off as we set out for Helsinki airport.

On the way it snowed a bit, which was a little nerve-wracking but still manageable. We somehow stopped at the same service centre from our journey in the other direction. The Husband was unable to fill the tank completely lol. Then more driving…and more driving…

Finally, Helsinki airport appeared. Dropped our bags at the nearby hotel, hit the petrol station (we were served by a guy who filled the tank and told us where to take the rental car – when asked by the cashier if the guy should get an extra euro, The Husband said yes), then parked the car in a rental car company’s space. We found the desk, returned the key and took the covered walkway to the hotel (huzzah!).

The room is nice enough for one night and it’s still vaguely light at 9:30pm. We had dinner at the airport to save money – I ended up in Starbucks with couscous and yoghurt stuff, as well as a grande hot chocolate. Watched Blade on Netflix.

Day 7 - Nokia

After a late night (noisy neighbours, quietened only by intervention from reception), we were confronted with a packed breakfast room. Used to sharing this space with 2-4 other souls, we were now fighting almost 100 of them. Queues for juice and all the good food had been sourced by locusts in sports uniforms (and their parents). We escaped to a laundromat in the outskirts of Tampere. Now used to the cold, I only wore on jumper over my shirt.

Woefully unprepared to translate Finnish, we weren’t sure which machine was a dryer and which one wasn’t. We fed 6 euro into a washer only to cancel it and lose our money, panicked that it had started turning because that’s what a dryer does, right? 6 more euros restarted it. Then I discovered that we had free wifi and used that to translate signs, successfully locating the dryers. An elderly couple tried to help us, but they only knew Finnish. Nice people, though. They left when their rugs were washed, presumably to hang them up at home.

I chatted to my brother, Cazy, on my phone and then rang Mum. When I wasn’t conversing, I was reading a book or breaking a 50 euro note at the K-Market downstairs from the laundromat.

Our washing done, we left some euro poorer and discovered that, in our 90-minute absence, our room had already been cleaned! And all the crowds were checking out, including our irritating neighbours. Thank goodness!

We had lunch downstairs (using numbers instead of words to order), then raced off to see S and hopefully spot some squirrels. Alas, not many of those. So we played the Dresden Files game for ages, S and I reminisced about how we met on a Stargate fansite in 2005, and I set up the GoPro to catch squirrels (I don’t know if I caught any!). I was loathe to leave. I really enjoy my time with S. I only managed to drag myself away by deciding to see her tomorrow!

I did, in fact, capture a squirrel!

Back “home” via Hesberger (lol no way was I going back to Subway).

Day 6 - Nokia

This morning we went to breakfast a little later, on account of the buffet’s different weekend opening times. I sampled Karelian pasties, which I’ve never seen before but it seems they are a staple in Finland. They seem to be small, rye-crust boats filled in with mushed rice. Quite filling, if a little bland. Alright, really bland. Some lingonberry jam (tastes kind of like cranberry) managed to salvage it.

After posting my Mother’s Day cards (the hotel has its own Posti box, how handy!), we drove to meet S at 9:03am and fortified ourselves with a pot of odd-tasting Earl Grey tea. S directed us to a nearby lake that was about 80% frozen over. I was astounded (and more than a little deceived) by how solid it looked, even close to the shore.

I was cold but fascinated, especially when S stood on the ice. She is 47kg to my 63kg, so I wasn’t going to risk hopping down beside her. But I did put my foot on the lake, promptly slipping and falling onto the tiny pontoon. At least I didn’t fall in! The Husband remarked that I’d fallen the best possible way.

I'm walking on ... not sunshine!

The rocks near the shore were solid and very glacier scarred. Ice dotted the walkway back to where I had parked the car, wide enough for a vehicle. I think at this point S remarked that in Finnish there is no word for “please” – she was considered rude in Scotland when she kept forgetting to say it. Instead, “kiitos” (Finnish for “thank you”) is used more widely.

We left the car at S’s house and went for a leisurely walk on gravel paths that reminded me of the fire trails back home, except that the trees are quite different and wild blueberries grow everywhere later in the year.

S showed us shortcuts through the trees, sometimes up and over peculiarly straight and flat rocks. I imagined that they were the footpaths used by S’s ancestors. Can you imagine – because I did – standing there in the warming air, taking time to yourself centuries ago, simply enjoying the quiet, the promise of spring? I created this invisible spectre from the past and shared a peaceful moment with them.

We trekked over mud and bridge and returned to S’s house, happy and full of fresh air. I was only wearing my light jacket this time.

The three of us played the Dresden Files cooperative game (we have a copy at home and this was the first time S had used hers) for a bit, then sought lunch at the shops. We found a nice place that wasn’t too busy, starting with cheese soup and rye biscuits. Rye is A Thing here and S says that Finns get sad overseas when they can’t find it.

The food was great – the music was FANTASTIC. The speakers first gifted us with Adele, the entire 7-minute version of “Sweet Home Chicago” from The Blues Brothers film. The three of us, being fans, were very happy.

Back to S’s for several hours of the Dresden Files game. Outside, the weather kept changing. Every time I glanced out the window something new was to be found – snow, rain, snow, sun, rain, sun!!

Eventually, just before 5pm, The Husband and I went to the shops for dinner. Things went well until we sat down with our Subway items (30cm instead of footlongs, of course). My kaakao…I spilled it down my shirt, which was somewhat distressing for me. Luckily, we’re going to a laundromat tomorrow!

Day 5 - Nokia

We woke to what we thought was rain, then scoped out the breakfast buffet which was unstaffed – and somewhat underwhelming. When we ventured out (after discovering that the hotel’s laundry service was too expensive) at the appointed time to drive to S’s house, we encountered a wee problem.

It was SNOWING!! And there was snow on the car windshield AHHH!

Well, the snow wasn’t that heavy and melted when it struck most objects (including the ground). The Husband was able to easily wipe it off the windshield – but it was snoooow! So I drove very nervously to S’s house, where she gave me a fortifying cup of black vanilla tea.

Safely warm inside, we looked out at the snow-covered grass, trees and outdoor features. The snow soon turned to slush and the roads grew merely wet instead of slightly icy, so we set out to find Finnish sock wool for my mother-in-law.

S told us that in order to get Finnish wool we had to go to an everyday Target-esque shop, because knitting shops only stock imported material here! While there, The Husband and I bought other supplies (well, mostly chocolate).

Then onto another strip of shops! Not much to see, since Nokia is quite suburban, though I did get some stamps for the Mother’s Day cards I bought for my nannas and my mother. They are in Finnish and luckily S was able to tell me that “mummilla” means “grandmother”! My Mum is certainly not one of those.

Back at S’s place (no driving mishaps! I’m getting better at this European driving thing!), we went for a stroll in the nearby small forest that S says will be demolished to make way for houses. I was sad to hear this.

Right out of a storybook

Though it was cold, the ground wet and boggy, some frosting of snow remained and without a clear path, it was the most magical place. No leaves on the branches yet, but that sight pales beside the thought of there being no trees here at all. I felt like I was exploring some sacred grove, trespassing on a nymph’s home. Large chunks of weathered stone lay here, lay there. There was complete silence but for the birds (and the occasional passing car).

And then a group of school children walked past. They must have been in kindergarten – so small! They were excited and rugged up for the cold. One roamed off to the side of the path, nearly getting lost, and the others ran along, saying in Finnish (as translated by S), “We are running! We are running!”

Such happy children. It was lovely to see.

We happened upon a woodpecker afterwards. I thought it was making a loud cack-cack-cacking call, but it was in fact the sound of the bird pecking on a wooden power pole. The Husband was amused that the Finns had not used a metal pole to avoid this problem.

Woody Woodpecker's dapper cousin

I took a selfie with all three of us inside the frame (fear me, the selfie master!) and we then went in for tea. Once again, tea was had. Now in need of lunch, we drove to Hesburger (a bit like a local Macca’s chain, as S explained, and the reason McDonald’s never gained a foothold in Finland). The cheeseburger would have done the Golden Arches proud, though the chips were lacking the amount of salt I’m used to.

We drove to the nearest shopping centre (had to go via the motorway to reach it!) and browsed. Much the same as back home, but on a smaller scale. Australia has four times the population of Finland.

We dropped S off at her house despite her insistence that it wasn’t a long walk, but I have always preferred to make sure people get home safely.

The Husband and I were happy to return to the hotel. Now I am drinking tea to wash down the Finnish version of a Tunnock’s Teacake (they come in strawberry and mocha flavours!).

Buffet dinner tonight!

God I’ll miss being able to have tea with S. :(

Day 4 - Hämeenlinna & Nokia

The day started for me at 4am (another early night, unfortunately) and I lay there, bored, hot and cold, until The Husband woke at 6am. I rang Mum who was keen to hear about yesterday. Then breakfast was sought (Nutella toast for me this time!) and I fetched S from the train station (she had taken the same 9:33am train).

With the band back together, we visited the car rental place and I prepared to drive on the WRONG side of the road! I nervously listened (well, half listened) to the staff member as he explained the features in our Lexus(!!), but soon enough it was time to venture out of Helsinki.

Sitting in the front left seat of the car, I veered too far to the right and nearly left my lane (didn’t quite failed that badly, though!). I felt that I should be lining myself up with the right side of the lane.

Things improved on the motorway when I could hit 120kmph. Gaining confidence, I managed to overtake without any drama or incident. I actually started to enjoy myself – until it came time to park at Häme Castle, known locally as Hämeen linna (not to confused with the town’s name, Hämeenlinna).

But I parked that Lexus, despite some uncertainty over where I should and even if I could. It is weird to look over my left shoulder when reversing.

Moaty McMoatyFace

The castle was a mishmash of red brick (18^th century) and large grey stones (13^th century). It bore some damage from when it was turned into a prison (19^th century). So, a castle that has been adapted as needed.

The 9-euro entry fee included a small booklet which turned me into a tour guide, as I was explaining the use of each room. We began at the Crown Bakery which had more ovens than it had ever needed for the soldiers stationed in the castle. The blackened walls spoke of much use – though none of the fireplaces were lit, the room was a warm, welcome reprieve from the biting cold outside (an admittedly okay 8°C, but alas that wind).

The Cannon Tower wasn’t as insulated, but the small holes in the walls didn’t allow in too much wind. There were many coat racks for large jackets everywhere inside. I loved this place; it was like a giant brick cylinder (holes aside), overlooking the earthworks and protecting the castle on the south side.

We left the Bailey Yard, which had its own wall, and entered the keep. Inside there was a medieval courtyard, but it was filled with a weird wooden hut that some men were building. A bizarre statue was to be found in one of the nearby rooms, seemingly part of the display currently under construction.

Even S had no idea what was going on. Happily, the rest of the first floor was not so strange.

The Well Yard was an enclosed room (it had not started that way) and the small Chapel had windows set into the thick wall. Over one window there were blackened wooden panels, evidence of a past fire. The back wall of the Chapel had been turned into a doorway to create easier access to the neighbouring storeroom (previously entered via the ceiling!). I liked the cosy Great Hall, where people ate, then slept on tables or the floor, as was the custom centuries ago.

This rings a bell

The second floor yielded more interesting rooms, such as the Scribe’s Chamber (which were accessed by a steep staircase) and the interior latrine opposite it – all intact medieval work so we were not allowed to touch it. The King’s Hall had vaulted ceilings and looked very fancy – apparently it was a typical medieval banquet hall.

In the Hall of Knights, The Husband amused himself with a fake crossbow and the accompanying video game – I suspect it was a Wii or Wii-like device.

We weren’t able to go upstairs, so we walked around outside and looked down on the courtyard. It is unfortunate that in the Russian era (when the castle was converted to a prison) parts of the original building were damaged. There was an outcry from the Finns at the time. I don’t blame them! This kind of thing really gets my goat.

We departed after spending money in the gift shop and attempting to enter a little café hut in the carpark that looked open (people were inside), but the door was locked! When we left the carpark, I accidentally turned onto a footpath and drove along that, frantically looking for the road. Thankfully, the kerb was very low so we managed to escape.

Lunch was had at a service centre, where I nearly reversed into a ditch while parking. But wait, there’s more! I managed to drive onto the wrong side of the road while leaving, but no one was nearby to witness it – or be endangered by my hilariously bad driving.

Wow, I was on a roll. A bad one.

We drove to the hotel, though the GPS insisted on adding 20 minutes to the journey – all while butchering every single local place name, causing S to laugh multiple times.

The place we booked into is rather dated, but it has the distinction of being the only hotel in Nokia. The hotel had spas and water sliders, the kind of place I’d have loved as a kid!

Then it was time to take S home. Her father welcomed us then stayed mostly out of sight, watching television. His English is not as good as S’s and he did not like the idea of speaking through his daughter. Fair call.

Seeing S’s room and house was fun. So different to what I’d pictured! I ran outside with my DSLR and telescopic lens to capture a squirrel. He did not appreciate the audience and scampered away along the squirrel highway in the trees.

Squirrelled away in a tree

S, The Husband and I shared a pot of tea. At last, my sister and I were able to have tea together. Bucket list item crossed off!

We talked for ages, then it was time to go. Drove to the hotel, had some lapses in driving, didn’t stop for a woman on a pedestrian crossing, hit the kerb…maybe I was just tired!

The hotel restaurant had roasted reindeer, so I tried that. Flavour is different from beef, but not gamey. Quite nice.