Another Christmas come and gone!

Well first and foremost, I hope you had a lovely holiday.  Whether you live in Finland or not, I hope you had a safe and warm holiday with close friends and family.

Every time Christmas comes around, I get a bit home sick...but this year I made up for it!  I had a birthday party for my son in November (I was very sad that family couldn't be here to celebrate my son's first birthday) and many great friends attended!  I hosted a cookie exchange and ended up having a lovely evening with some close friends, and then I hosted a dinner party for my knitting group I am a part of - again, a lovely time!
Also in the works, is having a dear friend (from a knitting group) come over for Christmas supper on Boxing Day.  Why wait??  Well, if you're not on my Facebook, I'll explain!

Christmas Eve is "the day" to open gifts in the evening, have a visit from Santa (usually a neighbour or a rental Santa), have the huge meal with family and Christmas Day is the day for Mass and visiting other family and friends.
By 12pm on Christmas Eve, everything is closed.  By 2pm, the buses do not run at all, nor do they run on Christmas Day!  In Halifax, the buses have a set schedule for Sundays and holidays (including Christmas), so the buses will be running as per normal.  I'm sure it's a volunteer basis for the drivers.
So the dilemma was that my friend Susanne, could not join us for Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve, because she wouldn't have a way back home and crashing at our place wasn't an option, because she has two dogs of her own that need walking.  So!  Boxing Day I will be very excited to prepare a large meal of stuffed roast pork fillet, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies and home made apple crisp!

Some traditional Finnish foods for Christmas include:

• Carrot, root or liver casserole - sold in a tin foil rectangle-shaped pan.  I have not had the liver one but the other ones are fabulous!
• Rossolin salad - a friend made some for me!  It contains chopped beets, carrots, onions (raw), apples and pickles.  A lovely side dish...I've already eaten a third of it but am saving it for Christmas dinner with Susanne.
• Ham - the hams here are quite huge, which I find hilarious because the ovens are quite small!
• Christmas Tart - it's in a shape of a star and has plum jam in the center and sometimes dusted with icing sugar.

I'll be visiting some more friends after Christmas and I'll take photos of their food!

Holiday Cheers to you and yours,

Dominique

Temperatures are wild

The big thing to do when living in Finland is to wear layers.  Think of Shrek and his ogres are like onions and have lots of layers theory.

Typical person living in Finland would wear this on a cold winter day (today is -29*C with wind chill and last night was -34*C with wind chill!):

Long underwear (along with regular underwear and bra if applicable), t-shirt, sweater, pants, snow pants, jacket, neck warmer (sometimes known as a collar here), hat, two layers of mittens, two layers of socks (one pair being knitted wool socks), winter boots, sometimes a scarf and a hood of their jacket.

I strongly recommend bringing with you good moisturizer - they have some pretty good stuff here, but Aveeno is my personal favourite and it is not sold here.  Also ensure that you have LOTS of lip balm or chap sticks!
Because the air is quite dry here, I've been licking my lips like crazy.
Lip licking + cold dry air =very painful lips!  I have found that I was very keen on putting lip balm on during the other seasons too!  (Yes they sell Blistex and some Lip Smacker flavours here).
For you mothers out there, nipple cream (lanolin) is an awesome moisturizer and can be worn by those allergic to wool because it is hypoallergenic.

For awhile it was about -20*C and the lakes were frozen over and that was all fine.  But then it warmed up briefly to -13*C for a few days...the lakes were still frozen solid!  But suddenly it just plummeted to -25 to -35 out of nowhere!

The Finns are reporting that last summer was the hottest it's ever been with the temperature once reaching 37.2*C!  An all time record in several decades....and we got to experience it!  Tim was in Greece at the time and it was only 34*C there.  HMMPH.
Since fall, the Finns have been reporting that this winter may be the coldest of winters ever....lovely.

Incredibly cold weather in some parts of Canada can mean power outages if the electrical lines break.  However, that does not seem to be the case here.  I may have mentioned this ages ago in earlier postings, but the electrical lines are under ground...Yes water pipes can burst due to the coldness, it happened to a friend nearby recently.  But in general, one can survive in Finland.

And yes, we have lots of snow but so far not too much ice!  I hate ice...it's so dangerous for everybody!
So another white Christmas it is!  The snow falls here like flurries in Nova Scotia.  That is typically their equivalent of a snow storm.  So you can still walk in it and not feel like you're getting "nowhere" thanks to white-out conditions.  Because as far as I know, they don't really have "white-out conditions".  Perhaps it is different for a driver of a vehicle.

Happy Holidays everybody, don't drink and drive and best of everything in the New Year!

A Christmas Treat

Typically around the holiday season there is a Christmas Tart that is star shaped with a dallop of plum jam in the center.  Those are really great and supposedly very easy to make, but I have yet to try.

As well, another popular treat (besides chocolate of course!) are ginger bread cookies.  Big deal right?  Well, for my knitting group the other night, I hosted a Christmas roast chicken dinner.  A guest brought a box of ginger bread cookies and a package of blue cheese.

You can scrape your jaw off the floor now, it's really not that bad of a combination!  It's like chocolate covered potato chips (you can buy these in PEI)!  The combination of sweet and salty was nice.

While visiting another friend for dinner over there, they had the same thing set out for dessert (along with chocolates and fresh fruits) but they also found a goat cheese made with cranberries mixed in.  Well, I typically hate cranberries but this was really lovely with the goat cheese and then spread onto a gingerbread cookie!

It's been over a year...

So now what shall I do to update this blog more?

I'll still post the little bits and pieces I learn about...but I was thinking of giving reviews of places (mostly restaurants and areas in Jyv�skyl�)....so keep an eye out!

A Newfie Joke for my Finnish friends...

Newfies are people from Newfoundland, Canada.  There are many hundreds of jokes about them, just like blonde jokes or insert another culture here jokes.
Please do not take offense if you are a Newf.  I DO have multiple friends that are from Newfoundland....

Anyhow, the purpose of me posting this in here, is to somewhat explain how Newfies speak.  They sort of have their own way of saying things (often known as Newfinese) and I cannot describe it to my Finnish friends, as I haven't been around a Newf in ages!
So here's a cute little joke I got in an e-mail a couple days ago...and hopefully this explains Newfinese to my Finnish friends.
The accent is something else...that I could never mimic!
Oh and my husband is part Newfie...somewhere in the history...last name Riggs is a very Newfie last name, as far as I know...and he went drinking with some Finns last year for Vappu and he said "It might be possible that a Finn can out-drink a Newfie!"

Lubricant
Murphy's' old lady  had been  pregnant for some time and now  the time had come. 

He brought her to the   doctor and the doctor began to deliver the  baby.

She had a little boy, and the  doctor looked over at Murphy and said. 'Hey,   Murph! You just had you a  son,!

'Ain't dat grand, !!' Murphy got  excited by this, but just then the doctor   spoke up and said, 'Hold on! We ain't   finished  yet, !'

The doctor  then delivered a little girl. 

He said,  'Hey, Murph! You got you a  daughter, !!!!  She is a pretty lil ting, too....'

Murphy  got kind of puzzled by this and then the doctor  said, 'Hold on, we  aint got done yet,  !'

The doctor then delivered another boy  and said,  Murph, you just had   yourself another boy, !'

Murphy  said to the doctor, 'Doc, what caused all of dem   babies,?' 

The doctor said, 'You  never know Murph, it was probably something that  happened during  conception.'  

Murphy said, 'Ah yeah, during  conception.'

When Murph and his wife went  home with their three  children, he sat  down with his wife and said, 

'Mama, you  remember dat night  that we ran out of  Vaseline and we had to use dat dere 3-in-1  Oil.'


She said, 'Yeah, I   remember dat night...'

Murph said,  'I'll tell you, ......it's a  f*c kin' good ting we didn't  use WD-40."

Card Making

I am expanding my horizons and going back to card-making.  I am going back to making cards and thoroughly enjoying it.  I used to scrapbook a lot in Canada and I miss it!  However, there does not seem to be a Scrapbook Club or Group I can meet up with in Jyv�skyl�....so maybe I can make the first!

Yes, it's time consuming and yes it CAN be expensive but does not have to be.

I'm thinking of teaching classes for holiday cards at the local community center and see about making a company for myself and teach card-making at people's homes.  Similar idea to having a pampering party with Mary Kay or a Candle Light Party.  But you get to do things during that time slot.

I also have plans to make card-making kits and go from there.  I am offering card kits in packages of 3, 5 or 10 cards with 99% of the materials supplied.  A glue stick, confetti, ribbon, cards, envelopes, patterned paper, small ink pad and rubber stamps too!


I am curious to know what YOU think of this?  Whether you live in Finland or Canada...or anywhere in the world really....what is your opinion and what would you want to be able to do in a course?  I do have lists of ideas written down but am curious what other people's opinions are.  Especially those that DO the craft or participate in courses to learn different crafts.


My aims and goals are to: educate, have fun, meet new people and help relieve some everyday stress.  Scrapbooking and card-making is not a matter of "just glue and paper and some glitter".  
It's a means of expressing yourself and keeping memories safe and alive.  There's a lot to it, but to quote my friend who tried out clear stamps the other day, "This is so relaxing."  She was trying out an acrylic block, a couple rubber stamps and coloring it in - and I am glad I was able to relieve some work and home stress (who couldn't use some stress-free time?) in less than 5 minutes!


I'm looking forward to hearing from you!!
Thanks everybody!

Tampere's Craft Exhibition

I got the chance to go to a super huge Craft Show in Tampere with my friend Anna and her mother.  We drove down (about 2 hours) to Tampere and paid our fees and walked around.  It was held in a sort of stadium and there were two separate halls for various kinds of vendors.
Unfortunately no photos were taken as there were signs at the entrance noting no photos to be taken.  Which is a shame (yet understandable, to protect artist's work) as there were SO many cool vendors there.

I didn't buy a lot, shockingly, and it was in partial thanks to the Sampo bank for having a system crash (yet again).  I did manage to remember to bring cash with me (however early during the morning of our trip, I stopped at the library to return DVDs in the drop-off slot and noticed the closest ATM was boarded up!) and was able to use my card at some vendors.
I picked up 3 hand-made glass figurines: a snake, an ox and a tiny tiger for my family, as these animals represent my husband, my son and my (respectively) Chinese zodiac symbols.  I'm sure a Feng Shui rep would think it's the "wrong animal" to have in the home - but ah well.  They were super cute, reasonably priced and lovely to look at.
I only picked up 1 ball of yarn, it's a sock yarn and psychedelic.  When you knit it, it looks like dyed blotches in a sort of pattern going up the length of the sock - very cool.  It's an item that I know has been ordered by Popelli (or will be) and hasn't been received and put on the shelf yet...sooooooo it was a must.
I went back to the glass vendor before we left and found a little green dragon for my son.  I told my husband that I want to get V�in� one little animal/creature a year (as this is a hobby that's going extinct and these were made in Russia I think) that really defines his character.  Unfortunately a monkey was not available.
Then there were so many scrap-booking stands....wow.  I settled on a "Stack of Boy Stuff" papers with lovely boy-related prints (super hero, cowboy, etc.) and some black ink.
I'm sure you're thinking, "Black ink? Why not get it back home?"  Ink in the art shops are ridiculously expensive...I recall last year, thinking of hand-printing V�in�'s hands onto cards with ink, and I was looking at a price of 14-16 Euros for a pad of ink.  So 50% off at the craft fair was definitely worth it.

I attempted to purchase (at a different stand) some really adorable English written, Christmas-related stamps (AND SUPER CHEAP!) but that's when the card got declined.  Stupid bank.  Anyway, maybe it was a sign I shouldn't get it?  I texted a friend who was selling there today and hopefully she was able to get away to pick them up for me...if not - I'll just be sad and go on the hunt for other affordable stamps.
I'm nervous about carving my own - but maybe I will have to give it a shot!

It's been getting colder in Finland....still have snow - so I do not worry about having a grey/brown/icky Christmas - so it seems!
Because of the darkness being so dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, there is a law that everybody must wear reflectors of some sort - to make themselves visible, so they do not get hit by vehicles.
I recall last year when the early darkness was settling in, I mistook a night reflector, for a price tag on the back of someone's coat...I was also pregnant and not thinking and it was day time - so I couldn't see the purpose of a "price tag" dangling from the back of his coat would do to anybody.
There are various shapes, characters, colors and levels of brightness that you can purchase.  Some of the fancier ones are 3-D when you un-fold them....you can knit or crochet yourself one (which I have done)...and you can hang them from anywhere.  We have one on the stroller and one on each of our jackets.
If I go walking with a dog at night, I have a Mountain Equipment Co-Op (Canadian hiking/outdoor equipment company, also known as MEC) bike light hanging from my coat and from the dog's harness- so people can see not only me, but my dog too!
Another common reflector is in the shape of a wrist bracelet and you attach it to the outside of your coat sleeve.  Most children's outdoor clothing comes with reflectors stitched onto the clothing - which is lovely, as I have a children's sized coat! :P
 

An Evening at the Pool...

My friend P�ivi and I decided we'd celebrate our boys' birthdays together quietly by having a trip to the local swimming pool and then a bite to eat after.  Which worked for me, as we were both too busy to attend each other's parties.  Her son Petrus, is a little over a year older than V�in� and his birthday is a few days prior - so it really worked out well.

We went to the pool on Pitk�katu and I was really amazed at the inside of it.  I've never been to Aalto Alavari (sp? It's the name of one of Finland's most famous architects and designers)'s swimming pool before and was impressed!  There was a huge wave pool with a large and tall slide, a small children's pool with warm water, a cold pool for lane swimming and another one with a small slide...oh and there was also a pool for diving in.

I think it was about 7 Euros and we went for almost two hours (we could've gone earlier of course but made it there for shortly after 4pm)  and we received a little card.  You take the card and swipe it to get into the pool area and I had brought a lock with me thinking I would need one - but I didn't.  Every lock has it's own key on a red rubber band (a thick one) and everybody just slipped it onto their ankle to keep hold of it.  How handy!
And everybody was parading around naked (in the shower rooms and change rooms)!  I had to remember that I was in Finland, because I recall in Halifax that not everybody is comfortable enough with their body to just strut their stuff between the changing room to the shower room (which was very large and spacious...) and then to the pool (WITH THEIR SUITS ON!)...Oh and you have to put your card into a slot inside the locker in order for the key to work....
One thing I really loved about the shower room is that there was a bathroom in there, a lot of cubby holes to put your things (even if they were wet as it was slotted so the water could drip straight down), lots of towel hooks and little/short showers for kids...including sturdy stools for the mom to sit with their child and help them shower before getting in the pool and after!  Obviously I did not take any photos in fear of getting in trouble and so I did not capture anybody in the background naked - sorry!
Also there was a staff member constantly hosing the floors down which was nice and regularly changing the garbage bags too!

So I got V�in� ready in his swimming diaper (I had already packed away his swim suit for the season-silly me) and was already wearing my bathing suit under my clothes, threw on a tank top and was ready to go.
My friend and everybody else took a shower (without bathing suit) before getting in the pool - I felt a little silly as in Halifax, I only rinsed prior to hopping in the pool and with my swim suit on.  So..............now I know.

After lots of swimming and bouncing around with our boys, we showered again and then there was a sauna in the shower room.  There were two saunas which was nice, and there were 3 levels to sit on.  I was a little nervous about bringing V�in� in there, not because he's a baby boy, but because of the warmth and heat.  So we sat on the bottom level and he seemed very content to sit there and play with his little plastic rings we brought with us.  Excellent!

So all in all - it was a lovely experience, despite the incredible amount of Speedos I saw on every aged man there.

(Oh yes and the key card you got at the beginning? You just put it in the machine to get out of the pool area and voil� - you've been swimming!)

17 versus 15

So in case you haven't heard of it - Canada has "The Young Offenders Act"...which pretty much states that if someone does something under the age of 17 and charges are not pressed against them (I am not 100% sure of the full definition - this is just the gist of it), then the crime they've committed will not reflect on their criminal record once they've turned 18.
For example, someone who is under 17 years of age beats up someone to the point that surgery was required to correct their body (i.e. cheek plate) - is protected in the sense that their name would not be released to the media and they do not go to jail.  The previous is an example of what happened to an old friend's father.
So if you're -17 and murder someone, rape someone (or multiple somebodies), etc. then you're criminal record free until you turn 18 is how I understand it *but might not be 100% correct if formal charges are laid*.
This works out in favour of the criminal every time unfortunately.  Sure, there's the guilt factor - but how many people who are guilty actually FEEL bad and remorse for what they've done?  Probably not many if they end up in jail after 18 years of age for a similar offence.
Personally, if you're old enough to get dressed, have a job, go to school and do not have an un-stable condition or mind-frame - yes you should be tried as an adult.  Age varies - not really sure what I believe in at this point because there are SO many factors...anyway - what scares me about this YOA is that their identity is protected...if a child was beaten and raped and left for dead pretty much - and I lived in the area - I would certainly want to know who was behind it.  Not so I could go after them - but to protect my family and friends...you would think it would be fair information to share...however - someone COULD turn over a new leaf ...

So how does this tie with Finland?  During our knitting group I hosted tonight, the topic of the 4-year-old girl who bumped into an elderly lady on her bicycle and she broke her hip and eventually died (but not sure if that was the cause of death) a month later - came up.  We discussed our opinions and what had happened via English and Finnish translators.  I then brought up the Youth Protection Act and the bits that I knew about it and I asked if they had anything similar...and they said the age is 15.

After the age of 15 - you are tried and charged as an adult committing the crime.  (I do not know if their name/identity is fully protected like in Canada - if anybody knows feel free to comment.)  Thanks!

Birthday Party Stuff

A lot of people are probably thinking, "Why bother having a birthday party for a baby's first birthday?  They're not going to remember - what's the point?"

I somewhat agree to this!  You're right, they're not going to remember, but you know who will?  The parents and friends/family who visited.  Since we do not have any family in Finland - we figured this would be an excellent way to see many of our friends, some whom we haven't seen in a few months and some whom are leaving the country for over 6 months...so it was definitely worth it.  And whatever new friendships were formed during this time - all the better.  As well, we were able to take lots of photos and videos and send it to our family back home - who I'm sure would've had a small party for V�in� if we lived in Canada.
Also, I think of a baby's/child's birthday party as a celebration for the parents too!  That's right - I looked at my husband and clinked my paper cup of apple juice to his coffee mug and said, "Congratulations - we're still parents and still alive."

My theory with birthday parties is this: "Presents are nice but your presence is better..." and for all those that came and brought gifts - we thank you!

V�in�'s first birthday party was pretty much a huge play date/pig-out fest.  The pigging out mostly done by the adults.  Seeing as we have a million puzzle pieces and all kinds of toys for kids of various ages - it made sense to just have it at our place, as I chickened out of asking the MM Playground to rent their indoor play-cottage (with full sized kitchen!).  At first we were not expecting many people because 6 November is a holiday (the day for the Swedes - everything's closed and the Finnish flag is raised) - so many people took advantage of visiting their families and so on.
We ended up having a total of 17 (big and small) people in our flat and we had to close off Tim's office room as it was the "clutter and hide everything we can't put away right now" room.  The balcony was home for the dogs temporarily during the party and when the children were present.  But nobody passed out from the heat - not that it was super hot and sweaty anyhow as I wasn't cooking food.

Mmmm food.  What did I make for the party?  Here's a photo:

For food on the huge table (1st photo) I made/served:

• A meat platter
• 4-cheese platter (Gouda, Swiss, Blue and Mild Cheddar)
• 2 bowls of candy
• 2 bowls of nuts
• Home-made guacamole
• Nacho dip (cream cheese, black beans, salsa, shredded cheese)
• Veggie platter
• Dip
• Assortment of crackers
• Juice, milk, coffee and tea
• Birthday cake was a home-made carrot cake and chocolate or lemon cup cake with cream cheese icing (also home-made!) and SPRINKLES!!!

Now in the second photo are treat bags.  Little bags of goodies for guests to take home.

THIS IS NOT COMMON IN FINLAND....although the shops sell the items for it - it's not a common thing.  It's slowly becoming popular - but very slowly from what I was told.

So I got little cellophane bags and each bag had a mini Play-Doh, a happy-faced slinky and a little puzzle.  The bigger kids or adults (friends who do not have kids but came anyway) also had a little lollipop in theirs.  Then I just tied it up with a piece of yarn...red for candy bags and blue for bags without candy.

I'm pleased with how everything turned out - as I've never hosted a "birthday party" before - just pot lucks at work...but this was definitely fun.

See you next year!  

If V�in� understands games - maybe I'll incorporate games then...too early to start planning...?

Santa on the Roof...or through the door?

I'll admit it first - I was always under the impression that Santa Claus wore a nice red suit with white trim, a handsome beard, a big belly, twinkling eyes, drove reindeer in a magical sleigh (Rudolph leading the way of course), was from the North Pole, ate cookies, drank so much milk he probably went into a lactose attack every city he visited and nobody ever saw him.  Oh and he lands on your roof quietly and leaves the presents behind for you to open on Christmas DAY morning.

Well here's the Finnish version (but in English):  Santa's NOT from the North Pole, but from Lapland which is in Northern Finland....he doesn't give gifts for you to open on Christmas Day morning - but visits the children on Christmas Eve and makes an appearance - so the kids DO get to see him.  He does drive reindeer but they are not "parked"  on your roof.

Not safe for kids to read below............





Usually someone (i.e. an Uncle or neighbour) dresses up as the big Jolly guy and does the rounds for the communities.  You can even HIRE a Santa Claus and request a "sober"  Santa...people put ads out there all the time apparently... "Sober and non-smoking Santa available for hire..."

So there you have it my Canadian friends....Finns disagree with the "Coca-Cola version of Santa" (as a Finnish friend once described it to me) - and believe he's from Finland....

Let the debating begin....now.

Mmmmmm smells like TAR

While visiting our friends (and V�in�'s honorary Finnish Godfather), Taneli, Jessica and Sulevi, we were discussing the difference between Finland and Canada, as we just got back recently.

Taneli brought up "Tar Ice Cream"...yes tar as in the oil (? I had no idea) and as in the stuff used to fill pot holes with.  After discussing the smell and taste of it (we did not try it but apparently it's in stores now) - Taneli told us that his shampoo is "Tar" scented.
WOW....I'm thinking "gross - who would want to smell like TAR?!" But once we smelled the bottle - it turns out that it's more of a smokey smell if anything.  As if you were at a camp fire...it wasn't too bad to smell after the initial shock.

I guess tar-related things is very popular in Finland and majority are men that use it...
Taneli's shampoo is in the men's section - sorry ladies.

November = many things

So I don't know EVERYTHING in Finland about November...but one major thing is that Vitamin D supplement sales go up through the roof.
Why?  Because there is pretty much no sunshine at all during November....I guess it's the way Finland is positioned for the month...away from the sun!  It's cloudy and gets dark by 5pm!
It's a very hard and difficult month for many people who rely on sunshine to get through the day and many end up going to brightly-lit places like bars for example...and end up getting super drunk - just so they can be happy for a bit.  I'm not saying everybody is depressed!  It's just quite common from what I hear.

The sales for UV lights in the home - like a light panel so you can get some Vitamin D - are a popular item to buy during this dull month also.

Father's Day is in November - the first Sunday actually...weird eh?
Father's Day last year was the day we got to bring V�in� home from the hospital....it'll be something I always remember!

For those that are in the military or part of a military family (or Veteran family) - they do not sell poppies here.  The red flower with a black center and a little bent pin...nope.  I'm not a history buff - but I don't think Finland was involved in any major wars - they were certainly affected by wars...poverty and such - but I don't think Finland has a big military like Canada or the USA does.

And of course - the month before Christmas - so everybody is scurrying around picking out Christmas gifts and candies and getting ready to send off packages...

BOO! and HO HO HO!

Another Halloween already?!  At this point last year I was pregnant, mad that I was pregnant (was technically due Nov. 9) but in great shape....since coming back from Canada I'm sure I gained about 5-10lbs...the Wii Fit Plus told me yesterday I only gained about 5lbs shockingly....I have done some walking before braving the Wii Board however....

Sorry folks - V�in� does not have a costume...he will not be a Prince Charming, a bumble bee, a horse, a puppy or a frog...or any other exotic animal you can find in the depths of Walmart or Winners right now.
WHY?  Because Halloween is not celebrated in Finland...there are the occasional costume parties among adults and some kids have a little party at their home as far as I know....but nothing like trick-or-treating...or haunted houses...so that means no huge candy/chocolate/chips sales tomorrow either.
Sigh.

I've discovered a new site called www.yarn.com and I'm in love.  There are nice free patterns and I am working up the nerve to start one while V�in� is still asleep....it's 10:25am and he went to bed by 1am....and then there's the Daylight Savings Time (YAY my favourite day when I gain an hour!) and he's still out.
But this is good that we woke up relatively early today.  Due to jet lag (I can fix it in myself easily but not the baby of course) - we've been going to bed around 2-4am...and getting up around 11am-12pm!

I feel a little more normal by waking up at 10am...maybe I should take advantage of this quietness and get some cleaning done!

Oh and on another note - I went downtown to have some "me" time...an hour of freedom as I call it...and went to the library and to the grocery store...and in the S Market downtown - there were Christmas decorations and Christmas candies/chocolates.....It obviously was set up awhile ago....but it's not even November 1st!  I suppose now is the time to buy that candy and get it ready to be shipped...

Back in Finland - now what?

So I'm back - guess who's back....na na na...
Anyway - now that my poor imitation of Eminem is complete - what happens now?

Well Tim is planning a trip to Istanbul (almost typed "Instant Bull" - darn jet lag I guess) for December and I am planning V�in�'s birthday party...good ol' Facebook.

I'm ferociously back into my knitting (and yes still using that Nintendo Ds Lite thing while nursing) when given time....as I have 3 hat requests to do and a Darth Vader by Christmas time...eek.
On top of my own hat I'd like to do...the crochet/knitting magazines I purchased from Canada's book shop, Chapters, is so very tempting - but I must finish my projects first...
This is partially why I do not use Ravelry all that much!!

I'm hoping in January to take a course in Finnish...it would make things a heck of a lot easier for listening and reading!

I managed to bring back some Kraft crunchy peanut butter and a 1/4 of it is gone already thanks to me making some cookies for my knitting group.  I didn't bake them long enough or let them cool enough - so they were quite crumbly...ah well.  It's an awesome recipe (the Kraft one of 3 ingredients: 1Cup PB, 1/2Cup sugar and 1 egg) - and quite satisfying for most!

I have to say - the one thing I was super looking forward to while going back to Canada was using a tub and having a proper bath.  And shockingly - I was so busy - I did not have a proper bath.  (I did shower!)
I did consume greasy foods beyond anything imaginable and definitely gained about 10 lbs (4.5 kg?)...I didn't do a lot of walking uphills or stairs while in Canada - just inside malls really....but wow it went straight to the tummy!
And it was freakin' delicious.  Every single carb/calorie.

The other thing I didn't realize I'd miss - (besides friends/family of course) was the regular use of a dryer.
Wow that clothes dryer is so handy when you want clothes dried in an hour or two! WOW!
We technically do have access to a drying room which I've mentioned before - but it's in the other building - and I don't want to leave V�in� home alone to hang laundry and collect it.

And the last big update - the stroller business.  Well I finally found one at the second hand shop I rarely go to (the one by the library and closest to me) for 80 Euros.   It was definitely brand new, very clean and the tag of information was still attached!
It comes with a front cover for the legs/lap, adjustable handles (so much better than just a cross bar - I can hang groceries and not fight with the knots later!), dark olive green and beige and overall - an easy to use stroller.  Oh and it came with a rain cover too - but no drinking tray.

So I have decided to make one!  I'm going to find a thick rope-like yarn (Drops Ice?) and maybe coat it in glue/water to stiffen it and strap it on there somehow....wish me luck!

The Most Important Document: Your Passport

Did you know that your child's first (Canadian) Passport is the most difficult thing to get?
Not only did we have to prove our marriage (legalize it ....in order to get a "father" listed on the birth certificate) - but because we are in another country, but both Canadian, we had to get a different application that simply says on a front page (that doesn't have any writing space on it - just the cover page) "CANADIAN PASSPORT FOR CHILDREN ABROAD".
The word "ABROAD" is key.  Although the application is identical to the regular Children under the age of 3 application, the Canadian Embassy cannot process it if you are applying for a Canadian Passport for a child outside of Canada.  SO!  FYI - in case you're in that position like we are.

Now that we have the common sense (but not many people know - we sure didn't) part out of the way....it's considered a temporary passport, as in, it expires in 2 years.
Apparently, in Finland, the children's passport is good for 5 years - regardless of age.  (This tidbit brought to you by the local police).  Why is that?  Because your eyes, ears and nose do not change shape (assuming you're not into super heavy/rough sports or a completely klutz) - so they can do a scan based on that - to determine if you are/are not that person.

Also, because the child is under two years of age, and nobody has known him (we'll use my son as an example) for at least 2 years  - there had to be a character reference check done on ME (Tim didn't do the paperwork - I did).
I listed the two people that have known me the longest and that were not related to me.
Good thing I did....I asked a neighbour from my childhood days of growing up in Dartmouth and my best friend's mother, whom I also consider V�in�'s "honorary Grammy".
In no particular order - here are some of the questions asked (in an email internet survey):

• How do you know the applicant?
• How long have you known the applicant?
• What is/are their favourite colors?
• Do they have any pets?
• What are their hobbies/activities they enjoy doing?
• What is their favourite tv shows?
• Fav. music?
• Fav. foods?

Do you get the idea?  They wanted to know everything about me character wise to see if they REALLY know me....I'm surprised there wasn't anything listed about criminal records (I don't have one - I'm just surprised)

Oh Canada! - Part 3....

Good-bye Canada and Hei! Suomi!
Firstly I apologize if there are a million typos in this - it's not due to jet lag or me being awake after a quick nap (1:13am)...I thought I'd cheat the airline security systems by putting my laptop into my checked-luggage wrapped in clothing.  This way I didn't have to haul it out at every freaking airport we stopped at...because we ended up leaving our stroller at my mother in-laws.
Why?!  Thanks to American Airlines (major middle finger here) the snack/2-cup/cell phone holder tray piece is completely snapped off and missing.  There's a major tear in the hood/roof of the stroller and it does not open or close fully/properly anymore.
I NEED that tray piece....as any busy parent knows -that piece of plastic is a life saver.  It saves me from having to stop repeatedly every two minutes to give my son snacks from the basket of his stroller in the bottom..it holds my phone/clock....it holds drinks...loose change...bus fare...the works!
My husband does not understand the importance of that piece of plastic because I'm with the baby 95% of the time - especially while he's at work.

Anyway - the last few days of our Canadian adventure were spent in Pictou County where my in-laws live.  We did not see my father in-law as was previously suggested due to some health concerns and whatnot - so hopefully they recognize and realize that we are not able to simply pack up a baby and travel back and forth between two cities.  V�in� did great overall with the travelling to the small city/town of Westville and it was handy for him to be somewhere small and not bouncing left/right/center every hour to see people like we were in the HRM.

Nor did we go on the hay ride :(.  It was raining and the baby and I were having a seriously needed nap.  Maybe next time!

It's funny being back and hearing so much Finnish after not hearing it for over a week.  It's truly interesting on how I finally got used to hearing English everywhere (and reading it too) - to barely hearing it on the train or at he airport.

Well I apparently took 366 photos/videos during our stay....time for bed.

Oh Canada Part 2

What have I been doing the last few days?  Good food and good friends!
Now I am presently in Westville (Pictou County) visiting the in-laws and I was nervous about V being around so many cats but he's doing just fine.  He doesn't get in their face and they respect him.
Tomorrow afternoon we're going on a hay ride which will be exciting!  I haven't been on one in ages (Hatfield Farms in my cadet days) and discovered I have asthma that way.  But now that I have two inhalers with me - I should be fine.
Taking many pictures with friends which is lovely as well.

I picked up three knitting/crochet magazines at Chapters and I nearly cried at the price ($34) - but it'll be worth it as there aren't any English knitting magazines back home in Finland.  So I am taking advantage!  Not sure if I'd get a subscription but it's definitely lovely to read in English and not guess at what I am trying to read.

Ate some Kentucky Yucky (Kentucky Fried Chicken) - just a pop corn chicken combo....and I'm aiming at a donair some time this weekend while in Westville.  YUM YUM.
I've gained a few kilos....so a walk around Walmart will be necessary.

OH Canada! - Part 1

I do not know how many parts this will have - but this will be a bit of a break about Learning about Finland and be about our adventure to and around Canada (Nova Scotia to be precise).
Please note that this first part is mostly a monster of a rant due to delayed flights and us sleeping in the airport overnight.

We left Helsinki in high spirits and discovered that the Finn Air representative did NOT do her job properly.  She checked our luggage (including stroller - can anybody say sore shoulders?!) all the way to New York and that was fine.  However there was no indication as to which one was the stroller (needed to know for future reference) and we are pretty sure she screwed up which luggage was to go straight to Halifax.  Then she put them all to NY if I remember correctly...

We were given a boarding pass each and was sent on our merry little ways to Paris.  Thankfully Paris is only a 3 hour flight and we were issued an infant seat belt for V�in� - which I thought would be a pain in the ass (but necessary of course!) for V�in� to wear, in the sense that it would be uncomfortable for him - but he didn't mind it once he was buckled to me and nursing.  He also received a plastic soft book and a bib.  Great!  I am ecstatic about the service!
The cheese and tomato sandwiches - that's another story.

We arrive in Paris and have about an hour and a half to get to the next gate to board for NY.  We quickly use the bathroom and change V�in�'s diaper while he's awake (as he slept the whole flight) - and went off to the check-in area because the Finn Air representative did not give us our boarding pass from Paris to NY.  Well we were told the gates are closed an hour prior to departure so we had no way to get in.  After being bounced around between different representatives - we found Finn Air and firmly chewed off their heads (minus screaming as V�in� was in a good and happy).
They offered us the next flight at 5:25pm that night (it was about 9am in Paris at the time) and we would connect in NY and while Tim stayed in NY for a conference, the baby and I would arrive in Halifax at 1:15pm.  I don't know why I didn't think of the time difference and stupidly assumed it would be a smooth connection - because it wasn't.
We were given 2 dinner vouchers worth 15 Euros each and the Service Manager advised me "he doesn't have to do this for us".  Well we were thankful, hungry (crappy sandwiches on the plane remember?) and wanted to get things straightened out quickly.
The luggage was re-routed for us and that was great.  So we re-checked it in and that was that.

Then we looked at our new e-ticket and discover that we arrive in NY around 6pm or so?  Oh and the baby and I do not leave until 10:25am.
We were never once offered a hotel by Finn Air and I think that's awful that they were perfectly fine with letting us stay overnight in the JFK airport...and figured a couple dinner vouchers would shut us up.
Tim and my parents suggested the baby and I get a hotel but it was pouring out in NY and I just wasn't up for putting V�in� at risk at catching another cold (or me) and was beyond frustrated and exhausted.
V�in� slept through the whole Paris-NY flight too - so he had 7.5 hours and was the happiest kid in the airport.  I was cranky but surviving.
And there was no guarantee I would be reimbursed for my hotel by Finn Air.
I could not check in until 3:30am....so Tim graciously stayed with us until check in time.

We went up to see American Airlines to see if they could do anything for us and they recommended we file a complaint with Finn Air - and what do you know?  Those reps won't be in until 2pm the next day.  We'll be in Canada by then we advised her and stormed off.

During check-in a Jamaican lady ahead of us decided to flirt with me and Tim and ask if we were "overweight" while lifting an eyebrow to our luggage.  I advised her definitely yes...she wanted us to take her luggage!  What an idiot!  Doesn't she listen to the intercom which they repeat every 30 minutes saying not to take stuff from strangers?!

We finally arrive and all is well.  We fully intend on filing the hugest complaint to both Finn Air and American Airlines (they just have crappy service and were not helpful at all)....oh and not to mention, AA does not provide infant seat belts.  We were advised "to just hold the kid"...well a 20 lb child will have no problem flying out of my arms and down the length of a plane should we have gotten into an accident.

We've been to Walmart, Michael's (art store), Chapters and other places to see friends and family....it's good to hear English all around and read it too!!!

So if you're thinking of flying American Airlines, especially with an infant - think again!  And if you go with Finn Air - double check that you have ALL boarding passes.  Thanks for reading this blog post/rant - have a nice day and pleasant journey.

(Said in a cheery flight attendant voice).

Travelling! and A to E...

I will be travelling to Canada tomorrow morning.
My flat is a disaster zone right now as I have my third load of laundry (blankets/towels etc. for our dog sitters) going....the dish washer going and my son screaming at me non-stop.
I'm un-believably tired (running on 5 hours of sleep but feels like less) and pissed off because I cannot remember what is packed in what.  However, I did make a list last night and am slowly checking things off.

My son is teething and that is also putting a damper on travelling...where did the "Super Happy Morning Kid" go?!

Some things you should know while travelling in Finland...

It is the law to wear your seat belt while in a taxi.  It is recommended and I believe the law also in Canada - but many people don't for some reason but do while driving their own vehicle or with family/friends.

If you go to the Emergency facilities of the hospital - you meet with a nurse who determines how serious your condition is.  You are ranked on your form you give to your doctor between A (super unbelievably serious/life threatening) to E (you have a long wait if there are other patients ahead of you).
It's a good system actually - I haven't heard of anybody dying in the waiting room while waiting for help.  Unlike some places in Canada (cough cough - Nova Scotia).

Sorry the kid's screaming - gotta jet.

2 versus 3 band...

So this is a complaint post about the cell phone reps (Gigantti anyway) of Jyv�skyl�.

I was on the hunt for a new phone (stupid me for not picking the one up I found online which turns out to be a 3-band and functional in Canada) as my son destroyed my other one.  Lesson #1 learned.
I went to DNA to see if they could give me the PUK code (some special code in order to unlock the phone and change the PIN etc.  That was fine - the guy lectured me for not bringing my Kela card with me (it has that special security number all Finnish citizens/residents have)...I guess my Canadian Passport and the fact I knew it off the top of my head wasn't good enough.  He finally did accept it as V�in� was giving him dirty looks and yelling at him....
Then the DNA rep tells me that their systems are down but was I interested in getting another phone (since my phone would not turn on)?  Of course I want another phone.  I specified I would like a cheap tri-band as these phones work in North America and throughout Europe.  We found one at 3 Euros per month provided I sign another 2 year contract.  Hmm okay - that's reasonable!  We'll be here in another 2 years - that's fine.
The fellow then complains he has to call back the call center of DNA (since their systems are down right?) - and proceeds to do so...but alas!  Because the SAME SYSTEMS ARE DOWN - they could not do a credit check on me - so I'd have to pay for the phone outright (over a hundred euros - whereas the 3E/month ended up less than 100...).  I declined and went elsewhere.

I followed my electronic senses to Gigantti and saw some really expensive phones and one for about 79E.  Not too bad of a price considering taxes are included, it's purple, has a camera etc.  Now I asked the fellow (this is where the rant will follow):  "WILL THIS WORK IN CANADA? IS IT DUAL OR TRI-BAND?"
He states he doesn't know and isn't sure - but that he is positive these other, and much more expensive, phones WILL work in North America.
Lesson #2 (after "do not let baby play with phone - not even for a little bit at a time"):  " Take that as a sign that the rep is lying."
Since my phone was completely a goner - I stupidly agreed to the phone (no contract - just buy it outright) - and get home to discover that oh - it won't work in North America.

So I hunt online on the University "kijiji" site and found a couple other options...but they're sold already.
So I'm in a dilemna...take it back (or re-sell it when I return from Canada) - which is doubtful because V�in� knicked it with the remote.....and get another????

Today is snowing a lot - so travelling downtown will be interesting as it's quite cold and slippery out.  Maybe it will be worth it to get the 3 band...then whenever we're in Canada - it'll work.

Another Turkey-less year...

I am a Canadian and hate turkey.  Please don't hate me!  I know I've said it before but maybe I have to remind you!
I am a ham-kind-of-girl when it comes to the "holiday big meals"...or sometimes I go all vegetarian if ham is not available.

Here in Finland - Thanksgiving is not celebrated.  Not sure how many people DO celebrate it - I imagine only those with North American ties...i.e. spouse or moved to Finland.

Also - I may have mentioned this before...but the ovens are really small!  So it would be difficult to roast a turkey big enough for your family average of 4 and inlaws etc.  They're not as wide as your average North American oven.  My cookie sheets back home would NOT fit in an oven here - let's put it that way.
Despite being pregnant last year and going through the crazy hormonal phase of not remembering anything or paying attention to anything (I'm sure the husband would say this is normal without the extra boost of hormones) - that was one of the first things I noticed and I was slightly devastated.  How was I going to bake cookies?!  Not that the husband eats many baked goods - but thankfully 1 cookie sheet and a slightly deeper baking pan is provided with most flats when you rent them.
Kind of like a toilet - you tend to leave it behind when you move out.

Back to the bird.  Yes turkeys are sold in Finland - it is possible to get a whole turkey (I'm pretty sure Taneli had one last year for Christmas....) but most people just purchase turkey breasts.  They're in general, smaller than a whole turkey and fit in the oven much more easily!

I will be travelling this week to Canada - so for those of you that are Finnish and checking out this blog - thanks!  I WILL try and take as many photos as possible of the "weird Canadian/North American things" as I can - so you can see what life's like in Canada.

Some random weird things right off the bat:

• We can buy milk in bags, plastic jugs or cartons
• We have skim milk...it's disgusting really.  Like white colored water...
• We add taxes on top of the price you see on the shelf...at the cash register.  If you're not good at math - you should learn math before moving to Canada/US.  Or just make sure you have enough money with you to pay for stuff.
• English and French are Canada's two official languages - so those are the only languages you'll see on products (i.e. shampoo)...you wouldn't see "IRL/GB"(Irish/Great Britain) written on it.  Just "ENG/FRE"...(English/French)  nor would you see "NOR/DSK/FI/" etc...you know - every EU language possible on an average bottle of shampoo - except English (sometimes).
• We don't weigh our own groceries and print labels to make things easier for the cashier.
• Nor do we pack our own groceries unless at a self-serve check-out...yes we have those machines!

A 15 minute night job...

Oh don't think dirty because of what the title could be suggesting!

Apparently there is the rare occasion in which you could get married at night in 15 minutes....by night I don't mean 7-9pm.  I mean from the wee hours of 12am-6am!
It doesn't have to be a big wedding either - it's more for those that want a very tiny wedding or for those that want to elope and get it done and over with.

Why do I know this?  While at Popelli, a lady came in yelling in Finnish "FINALLY we're getting married!" After some shock and some explanation (and translations for me) - we discovered that this lady has been with her boyfriend for ten years without any peep of marriage from him.  Then suddenly she has a week to get prepared to get married.

A Twitch

While hanging out with a friend, she commented that she felt weird.  Because of my "House M.D." obsession lately (borrowing Seasons 1-4 from a friend of a friend) - I instantly ran through in my mind various medical terms - despite the fact that obviously it wasn't too serious and I am not a doctor.
She said, "It's like there's a mouse in my eye."
I kid you not!  I was flabbergasted and said, "Well I don't know what that means?!  Does it hurt?"
Apparently a TWITCH is what she was referring to and although I couldn't see her twitching, she felt it (I know what this is like - happens often to me!) and apparently the Finnish term is "a mouse in my eye".

Squeak-squeak...?

Fluoride treatment anybody?

I will be the first to admit - going to the dentist is so-so.  It depends on what you're getting done.
Today I went to see my orthodontist who is also a dentist - and it was the "after getting braces removed and putting in the retainer" check up.  That was all fine and dandy and we discussed better cleaning habits as I am not the best at remembering to floss....ugh.  Anyway - that said and done, he offered to do a fluoride treatment.

I'm like "SURE!" Best to take some preventative measures towards cavities as I thought I had one - but turned out my gingivital measures (?) were my issue - not an actual cavity...so I must be doing something right.
Anyway - he gets his assistant to set up the fluoride treatment and it's more like a "leave-in conditioner."  He tells me I can eat after he spreads the fluoride on....BUT to not brush my teeth tonight.  I can brush my teeth tomorrow....it was a little sticky and kind of tasted like a sugary gum but not quite....
I am so disgusted.

In Canada - a fluoride treatment when I was a kid, consisted of picking your favourite flavour (mine was strawberry or banana....eventually mint) fluoride mousse and they stuffed your mouth with a top tray and bottom tray filled with this fluffy stuff and you had the suck-straw to help prevent gagging on the mousse.
I can't remember what they did when I got older - something not as long, messy or annoying...or as flavourful.
But I definitely recall brushing my teeth that night before bed time!!!!

Of course, didn't I completely forget (no I didn't brush yet it's only 9pm) - and EAT TWO CHOCOLATES?!?!?!

Night Bright!

(Copied from my Artsy Fartsy Blog)

Okay so the title was a bit of a play on "Lite Brite"...but with proper spelling.

Here in Finland, people are quite smart.  When it's officially autumn (aka it gets dark super early - so around late August/September) - you'll notice a few things.  

1. People dress in layers and from head to toe (hats, mitts etc.) - I stupidly and occasionally wear sandals still.  Drives Finns mad I think.

2.  Reflectors on their coats, prams, rain covers of the prams ("strollers" for you North American folks), pants etc.

Why reflectors?  So people are visible at night time!

I recently lost my rubber ducky one but have decided to finally make use of some reflecting thread I purchased at Poppeli and make my own.

Here is the 2nd attempt (with a pattern):

The blue is a beautiful Safran yarn and  the white/silver you're seeing is like a reflective fishing line.  I used a pattern from a book and size 4mm hook as 1.5 was too small for my poor eye sight.  First attempt is proudly dangling from my coat and is just a large circle about the size of my palm...and dangling so people can see that I am moving.

Did you know?....In Finland if you have to pull over on a highway, you have to put a red triangle reflecting sign about 100 meters behind you?  This way people know in advance: "Oh someone's fixing their car or taking a leak on the side of the road - best not to pull over."  Well you get what I mean.

In Canada - we just use our 4-way blinkers....but in Finland it's strongly recommended (not officially a law)to use the red triangle sign (same as on the 4-way blinkers button) and I'm sure it saves lives.  Just like these reflectors do too.

The first time I saw someone with one (rectangle shaped and pinned on their back) - I thought it was a price tag they forgot to remove or that the jacket was stolen.  Then I could not figure out for the life of me why it was SO SHINY!  I blame the pregnancy for that blonde moment...

"Automated Gas Machines"

In case you're reading this and you've never been to Canada before...when you're paying for your gas, you have a couple of options.
You can pay in person at the cash inside (assuming that you are fueling up at a gas station with an indoors area like a convenience store) or you can sometimes pay at the pump.  Now in Canada (at least in NS), you pay at the pump by pre-authorizing your credit card a certain amount (FYI it won't show up on your credit bill right away - but will be deducted from your available balance...oh the banking memories!) OR by choosing how much to debit your bank account.  If you choose $50 and only end up spending $36.45 - that is all that gets deducted from your account.

Anyway, here in Finland - you can pay at the pump at the "Automated Gas Machines" and you pay at the end of the dispensers (but not actually AT the gas pumps where you choose which kind you want...you know what I mean!) ...you can use credit cards or your Visa Electron ("debit") OR cash!

I had gone to Prisma with a friend to get some important things, as I realized our trip to Canada is coming up in 3 weeks!  And she had to fill up her car and I noticed she took cash but there wasn't a gas attendant/indoors area for her to pay....then she explained it to me and I was incredibly surprised.

I think I out-shocked her by telling her about milk in a bag.

Knitting Night = Success!

Tonight I went bravely to a knitting group night with a lady named Susanne.  I had no idea what to expect in terms of levels of handicraft or in terms of conversation.

Finns are generally quiet people and can not talk for long stretches at a time.  This is a little "strange" for me as I talk A LOT.  I'm a Canadian, a "Maritimer" and overall a sociable person.  My nerves were getting to me - to the point of a nauseous tummy but I figured that cheesy garlic bread and joining in a conversation when asked would help ease the flow of me speaking to Finns.
It worked.

My understanding is that there are many people in this knitting group but only a small handful actually attend.  The knitting group rotates homes each week for about 3 hours of chit chat and handicrafts.  Let me tell you, as a new mom - it was WONDERFUL to knit and not have a dog or baby tug on my yarn, step on me, puke on me, scream/hit at me...and in general - a few moments of silence was a nice touch too.

I was asked what were some major differences about Canada compared to living in Finland - since I've been here a year...and I learned a lot too.
Everybody spoke English or at least understood a good deal of it - so I wasn't too shy to speak or didn't feel the need to slow down.

The big thing (previously mentioned) that everybody noticed was that I knit quite slowly (I'm not very fast at knitting anyway - especially on double pointed needles!) - and HOW I knit.  Because I carry my working yarn in my right hand - it made all the world of a difference to them. 

Next week I plan on bringing home-made guacamole with nacho chips....or pita bread - whichever...and bringing some amigurumi books.  I unfortunately did not have any books with me or photos on my camera.  So!  Next week will be something for me to look forward to.

What did I do at the knitting group in terms of handicrafts?  I worked on my friend's sock- I'm in the "boring phase" of knitting in the round the length of the foot.  It's a self-striping purple color - I LOVE IT! SO pretty!
And I made myself a large, beautiful blue reflector.  I crocheted with Safran and the reflector stuff (like fishing line)....turned out great.  Looks like a coaster I guess...but this should help cars see me!

The difference between 18 and 21

What IS the difference between 18 and 21 years of age?
Well, in Finland - you can gamble on the machines in the super market and Hesburger as long as you're at least 15.  You have to be at least 18 to get in the small casino downtown...and to play Bingo (I think).

In terms of 18 and 21?
At aged 18 you're still in high school (they graduate at 19 typically) - and are not able to purchase alcohol above 20% until you are 21 years old.

Here in Finland, you can buy ciders (coolers in North American language) and beer in the grocery stores.  No problem. Yes they'll probably ID you if you look like a kid - but surprisingly enough - I have not been ID'd when purchasing alcohol here.  Anything stronger than beer or coolers are sold at the Alko, an alcohol store which is not open on Sundays...but grocery stores are.

I was only ID'd to buy a burger at Grilli 21 that one time...

Paviljonski & FLASH!

Today I went to the Paviljonski with some friends to check out the once-a-year farmer's market/handicraft market that's held outdoors.
Yes Pailjonski is like Pavillion (or at least I am assuming so)....last year I had gone inside for the handicraft fair and it was sooooooo crowded and I was quite cranky pushing the pram around. ANYWAY - this was held outdoors which made things MUCH easier.

There were many stands with knitted hats and gloves and some jewellery stands...but the one food item I saw a lot of was fried fish.  Finns do love seafood - as it's usually found in their own waters...very resourceful.
My friend Jessica suggested eating some fresh, fire smoked salmon with potatoes and onions....it was great! Unfortunately there won't be any photos as the husband is in London and has my camera.

So the second part of the subject heading is "FLASH!"  Well, after cruising around the market and picking up a slice of smoked ham (delicious beyond words) and some danishes (more like poulla - very thick/heavy baked goods)...I went downtown with a friend named Matti.
We walked around and chatted about Canada vs. Finland and as we were walking to Ekolo (organic/health food shop...and also has bulk snack foods beside it) - I saw an older man ...let's say 40's or more...quite tall....stand in front of a young girl and an elderly man resting on a bench and yell something quite loud in Finnish.
I instantly thought "Oh he's deaf...or drunk...or angry about something..."
I asked Matti what was being yelled as there was some discussion going on....turns out the man standing was flashing the people sitting on the bench.  And I don't mean the upper part of his chest either.
I instantly had a flashback to my high school graduation in which a fellow by the name of Daniel, dropped his certificate while accepting it from our principal and then mooning the Graduating class of 2004.
I did not see anything because I was sneaking out - as I was hungry.  Shame - I know.

The "Really don't want to ask but I'm curious" questions about Finland

Completely random and I'm sure some of you who read this are wondering...My answers will be based on my personal opinion and experiences - mostly from Jyv�skyl� - unless I read something otherwise.

1. Are drugs common in Finland?
1. Apparently in bigger cities - yes, drugs are common and a bit of an issue as there are some drugs that are stronger than heroine coming out.  I forget what they are called - but police are getting concerned in Helsinki (Finland's capital) because of un-known substances being shifted around. *Helsinki Times
2. Are there prostitutes in Finland?
1. I have no idea.  I haven't seen any in Jyv�skyl�.  There are a couple strip bars in town - the windows are covered very well and they don't open late at night.  HA- I guess that's where the business teams go for lunch meetings.  Bad joke for some - sorry.
1. Unlike Dartmouth, NS - where you saw a hooker/sex worker/prostitute fairly regularly in the North End area, no I haven't seen them.  I also don't go out late at night - not out of fear of the dark or safety - but because V�in� wakes up occasionally before I get to bed.
3. What is rent like and what is typically included?
1. Rent typically includes heat.  Electricity and water are separate fees.  Electricity for us was under 65 euros for 6 months - and I cooked about 3x a day everyday!  You can also pick out what kind of electricity you'd prefer to use (i.e. water or wind etc.)
2. Depends on who you rent from.  Personally our rent is on a fully-furnished flat, not directly downtown (about 30-40 minute walk away), sauna fees included and water too.  Our internet is free as the building is registered with the Elisa cable company - our modem fee was all we had to pay.
3. Water is charged PER person (including the baby) - as in a flat fee per person that is.
4. Is there a gay population in Finland?
1. There is some - but we don't see a lot of homosexual/lesbians here.  Maybe we walk by them and have no idea - because they're not as open as Haligonians.  We do NOT have a gay bar in Jyv�skyl� as far as I know.
5. Is gay marriage legal?
1. I believe "same gender partnership" is legal but not an official marriage.  I heard through a friend that she is leaving her church (you actually have to "check out" or be fined) because they are banning same-sex marriages.  Not entirely sure.
6. Are there many stay-at-home parents?
1. Yes it's really common because Kela benefits pays quite well for Finnish citizens and it's cheaper than going to day care.  Day care is not as ridiculously expensive as Canada - but still quite pricey.  And they have private day care too for an extra fee of course.  If you are a student or working - the commune is responsible to help you find a spot.
7. Is there a lot of stealing in Finland?
1. I haven't witnessed anything (while I have in Canada several times) - however if you do not lock your bike - say bye bye.  Bike theft is one of the top things that occur in Finland.
2. Yes there are cameras in the grocery stores and in the malls but I think its pretty common to steal small things any country really.
3. I do not steal - it's just a general statement!
8. What do you hate about Finland?
1. Not a lot really.  I dislike how some Finns (NOT ALL) can be so distant towards not just a foreigner but fellow locals.  In example - I was getting off the bus with the stroller and my son was facing out and the front wheels caught underneath the bus.  His face was a couple of inches shy of smashing into the pavement - had it not been for the stranger I was already talking to on the bus.  The other people behind me trying to get off were very upset because I was slowing down their day - none of them checked or asked if V�in� was alright.  They really can keep to themselves when it suits them.
9. Was it easy to enter the country?
1. Yes.  We did not have our resident permits yet - and had to take our passports to the local Police to get the permits applied.  
2. It was easier to enter Finland (no questions asked) with 2 large dogs - than it was to leave our own country (and the US section of the Halifax airport).
10. Are there a lot of smokers in Finland?
1. Smoking is quite common but thankfully there is NO smoking indoors.  Bus stops are common locations along with anywhere on the street.
2. (In NS - they are putting a ban on smoking within so many meters of the opening of a shop or hospital etc.  As well they're trying to ban people from smoking with a child, deemed under 16, in a vehicle.)  These laws are not in effect in Finland needless to say.
11. What laws are different?
1. I'm not a lawyer or a professional - but just observing the basics here's what I noticed:
1. If you're deemed guilty by the court - you can be stuck with your lawyer/court fees and the innocent party as well.
2. You can talk on a cell phone while driving (not supposed to - but there's no law against it).
3. You do not need to wear a bicycle helmet (on side walk or road) - it is recommended but no ticket will be issued.  (In NS a friend was charged $250 I think....at least $75 I remember).
4. Every Man's Land is a part of the law in which you can go onto anybody's property.  With the exception of work places/factories for example that have signs clearly stating not to enter or trespass.  In example you could go through someone's yard to get to a trail, pick berries or even camp out if you had to!  With respect to the other party - you must not harass them, damage or violate their property or steal (like from their vegetable garden).
5. No right turns on red!

Helsinki

Aside from a 10 month old with two teeth coming in quite fast - Helsinki is an amazing city and I'm glad I went.  Despite the cold weather and rain - it's very lovely and easy to walk around in.
I went into an indoor farmer's market and they sold many meats, vegetables and seafood.  One stand had "BEAR SALAMI - 15 EUROS/PIECE".....

There was so much to see and to do in Helsinki...and considering I've been in Jyv�skyl� since day one of moving here (385 days prior to the trip to Helsinki) - I was in awe of everything and truly felt like I was in New York.
There was a Louis Vuitton shop, a Guess store, Ben & Jerry's ice-cream store and various boutiques.

Then there was Stockmann.  Stockmann is a department store...when really it should be labelled a "mall".
It is 8 floors - and not small floors.  The kind of floors that require a  MAP to get around.
On the 8th floor is the food court....it's more like a walk-around restaurant.  There's tv screens listing what each station can cook and the cost.  The menu is listed in Finnish/Swedish and in English.
The 5th floor had children's toys and pet supplies.  I didn't see any pet supplies - but I didn't get a real chance to walk around as I was watching the clock constantly so I did not miss my train.  However, I did manage to change my son's diaper before we left and he was able to stretch out a bit as there was a medium-sized play-room - complete with a white shaggy rug!  It was so much fun and he made a little friend, named Elsa.  She kept trying to hug him and V�in� (like a real little man) crawled to his mama.
I didn't go to all the floors as the elevators were hard to catch!  There were about 4-6 of them but people that are able to take the escalator - took the elevator instead.  Can't really blame them as it is a bit faster, however, those that need the elevator (cough cough - people with babies and seniors) - are often left in the dust.

I found English books!  WAHOO! My goodness they were ridiculously expensive, but I found 3 that I had really wanted for V�in�'s collection of books.  So it was worth it.  The Stockmann book store was separate from the department store (just across the street from it) and also was several floors.  FYI the 3rd floor has hobby books and the bottom has novels and kids books.

Helsinki also has trams on top of buses too.  The trams are free for people with a pram/stroller, which is nice because they're very quick and on time.  They have a great system that you use your travel card to pay - you just select where you are going to and it deducts from your travel card.  OR you can send a text message to a certain number and your travel fee is listed on your cell phone bill.  I think this is great because I hate withdrawing 20 Euros for a bit of change to board the bus.  I'm not sure how much it costs per trip - it depends where you are going.

The train ride back was just as tiring as on the way to Helsinki because of these darn teeth.  However, there was much more space.  On the way we lucked out and got a business class seat.  If I didn't have the pram folded up beside me - it would've been great.  Apparently business class seats get free wireless internet on the train.
On the way back however - I had purchased my ticket in person, and the lady got me a spacious seat...no seats in front of me - just a big area for a wheel chair and a stroller.  GREAT!  So I didn't even have to fold it up!
There was a police officer on the train the whole time walking back and forth like he was on the hunt.  Well I was nervous, V�in� was in amazement and I had texted my husband informing him of the cop.  His response was simple: "Don't be worried unless he's looking for you."
Well - if there IS a killer on the train - what good will that do?!  I wonder if it's because it was a late night train (arriving in Jyv�skyl� around 11:30pm) - that's why he was there?  No idea.  I'm glad he was though because a drunk/beefy/big/bald guy was talking to V�in� when we first boarded - and that was fine - he wasn't too drunk at that point....and my brave little 10-month old stared him down and terrified him (I'm serious)....but later on he came on our wagon and asked around for smokes.
Just to be safe - I'd rather have the cop sitting in my wagon.  That and I was praying for patience during the last 1 hour-1hour/half of the ride....that's when the screaming didn't stop.

I'm hoping to go back again in the spring for a day trip with a girlfriend here...aka no children and no husbands.

Some more random things about Finland

Some other things I forgot to mention in the first posting (or you may have forgotten over the last year).  I also apologize if some these are repeated from the last post:

1. Yes we have a McDonald's and a Subway.  We also have a Hesburger which originates from Turku (bigger city - no relation to Turkey) and it's more popular.  We have 2 Hesburgers close to each other and only 1 Subway and 1 McDonald's.
2. Taxes are included in the prices of everything - which is handy.
3. Kela is the health and social benefits program here.  If you are pregnant and having the baby in Finland (or with a Finnish connection i.e. parents of the child) - you qualify for a maternity box.  The maternity box contains a lot of clothing, some cloth diapers, nursing pads, information, a winter suit...the list goes on.  And most people use the box as a make-shift crib until they settle in their new home or pick a crib for their baby.  I did not qualify for this as I had to be here for the 4 month pre-natal check up.
4. Bus passes are quite expensive and they have a scanner - so you just press your pass onto the scanner and it beeps.  Similar system in Hong Kong in case you're wondering...
5. They do not have student bus passes.
6. Some things you can find (like in North America) - although usually only sold in the big stores and quite expensive:
1. Kraft Mac and Cheese
2. Jiff Peanut butter
3. Newman's salad dressing
4. Lucky Charms
5. Pringles (this is found at all shops) in various flavours: Original, Wasabi, Grill etc.
6. Heineken
7. Pepsi, Coke, 7 UP, Sprite, Fanta (orange pop)
7. Things I have not been able to find:
1. REAL maple syrup...there's stuff here that says its real - but it's kind of watery.  DO NOT buy the Pirkka (store brand - K Market) stuff...it's so watery.
2. Not even "fake maple syrup" like Aunt Jemima
3. Crunchy peanut butter
4. Sushi in a restaurant in Jyv�skyl� (it is possible it's sold at some Mongolian restaurant - I have yet to eat there).  There's some sushi in the S Market downtown beneath Sokos...but it's so-so.
5. The blue floss keys...for those with braces - you know what I mean.  The blue loops that you tie your floss onto so you can floss your teeth a little faster and easier.
6. Old Spice antiperspirant for the husband...he's been using "Rexona" which seems to be a standard brand here.  However, it gives my husband rashes...and he's normally not allergic to anything!
7. Intuition razor blades.  Thankfully I don't use my razor THAT much that I can't wait until I go home.  They have lots of disposable razors and electric ones.
8. George Foreman grill....I miss mine.  Enough said.  ** I found one at the used store!!!
9. There is NO Tim Hortons, Star Bucks, Second Cup or Pete's Frootique here.  Sorry folks.
8. In the Chinese restaurants here - you will NOT find:
1. Egg rolls
2. Spring Rolls
3. Wonton Soup
4. Pot Stickers/pan-fried dumplings
5. Dim Sum
9. Whenever you order a stir-fry that says "vegetables" - be prepared for 1/2 your platter to be filled with onions.  Finns seem to love onions - a lot.
10. You do not tip when eating out.
11. Internet comes free in some buildings (cable internet) - so you just have to pay for your modem.  It's reasonably fast....
12. If you have a permanent job - your employer may pay up to 3 months of full salary while you're on maternity leave then it dwindles down to 60% the remaining 9 months (if not lower - depends on your employer).  In NS - it's 60% throughout the whole 12 months of your maternity leave.  60% is the minimum required and some employers (i.e. military) will pay more than that.
13. If you're used to having your clothes washed then dried in a tumble dryer - you probably won't have any luck here.  Dryers are very rare here - because they are somewhat useless with the air being so dry here - clothes dry very quickly!  On hot summer days, I was able to hang a load of laundry outside off my balcony - and it would be dry in two hours maximum!
14. Cloth diapers are very common here.  Some people do use disposables (we use them at night and whenever we go out) - but for the most part cloth is in!  
15. As long as it's not colder than -10*C...parents often put their children in their pram/stroller and onto the balcony or outside in the yard and let them nap outside.  The cooler air soothes the baby (while bundled up) and they often get a longer nap than inside!
16. I've recently been to the Indian restaurant downtown (it's the only one here in Jyv�skyl� by the train station) - and their food is delightful.  Mango lassi drinks are amazing and V�in� enjoys them a lot.
17. Domestic violence is very common here in Finland.  But it's very "hush hush"- so people don't discuss it.  It is ILLEGAL to harm or hit a child (of any age).  Most common situations for domestic violence is alcohol.  The female is drunk and says things and then the male says things back while being drunk...you get my drift.  
18. Beauty products/health - I'm not the queen of fashion (who is when you're an average-everyday mom?) - but for those that are die-hard must-have its....here's a brief list of what I've seen sold downtown:
1. MAX Factor make up
2. Revlon
3. Garnier
4. Lumene (I personally love their body butter/moisturizer - not greasy at all and smells lovely)
5. Colgate tooth paste and mouth wash *** NO CREST***
6. Pepsodent seems to be the norm for dental products
7. Freeman (Barefoot, facial products, body lotions etc.) - I LOVE their Revitalizing Foot balm: lemon/sage...not greasy and not thick!
8. MAC (I think)
9.  :( No Noxzema
10. Clearasil
19. They do sell Nike, Addidas, Reebok, New Balance sneakers
20. Columbia is not as big of a brand here from what I've seen...

Things You May or May Not Know about Finland...

Of course - in no particular order.....some questions are from my FB friends which will be noted with a "(FB)" listed after the question.  Most are things I've been asked in the past or thought of myself....
(RR) = Rogers Rep - I actually had a lengthy conversation with one about Finland as I was changing my address
(F/F) = Family/friends
(FB) = Facebook

1. What are Finnish people like? (RR)
1. In general they keep to themselves and are very out-going and fit.  They do enjoy drinking (it's an actual "problem" in Finland) and going to saunas and having parties.  
2. Our friends are awesome (and I'm not just saying that) and have been very supportive as we've been trying to register our marriage (finally it's done) ,get our security deposit back from the previous landlord (still working on that), have a baby (not a new one - just referring to V�in�), meet other English-speaking people, helped us clean and move- just awesome people really!!!!  We couldn't ask for better friends in a new-to-us country!  HUGE THANKS!
2. Are there English labels on things you buy? (FB)
1. Yes and no.  For example a bottle of shampoo may have an English label on the front but if you look on the back - it's in Finnish, Danish, Norweigan and/or German.  Sometimes they say "GB" (Great Britain - because they are the only country in the world that speak English) or "IR" - for Ireland.  SO if you don't know how to wash your hair or cook basic things - you may want to pick up a dictionary, or read it in English before visiting. :-)
3. What's the currency you use there?  Is it American dollars? (FB)
1. No - it's not American currency here.  I'm in Europe - and Finland IS part of the European Union -so we use Euros.
4. Do they have Canadian beer? (FB)
1. No we haven't seen Canadian beer.  I'm also the worst person to ask as I don't drink beer.  However we have seen Heineken (I know - not Canadian). And maybe the odd Budweiser...is that Canadian?  Ugh.
5. Are cell phones much cheaper than North America? (RR)
1. Yes.  Where do I start?!  Monthly access fee = 6 Euro Cents (depends on your plan - these figures are based on mine)....1 minute or text message = 6 Euro Cents (it's cheaper to callers of the same company)....4 E. cents/minute to call Canada....if the phone bill has not reached 10 Euros per month - then it's delayed until it does (with a maximum of 2 months delay) and then you pay whatever is on your bill.  It's to save paper....and you ARE NOT CHARGED INTEREST.  So one of my bills (including a 20 minute phone call to Canada) over a span of 3 months was under 15 Euros.  The most I've ever paid was 32 Euros - and that was because I was doing an excessive amount of texting - trying to plan things while Tim was away.
6. Is it safe? (F/F)
1. Incredibly safe.  We live in a university town of about 80,000 and the most that happens are drunken brawls and stolen bikes and some graffiti.  We are able to walk ANY time of the day without a single worry.  It's a nice feeling....really nice.
7. What kind of food do Finns eat? (F/F)
1. Lots of stews, fish, berries, reindeer, other game meat - really Finns are very resourceful.  Because you can go almost anywhere you want (unless it specifies to not enter) - you can find lots of berries in the woods etc.  They're not the type to waste things which is passed down from their parents and older relatives as Finns have experienced a war in the 50's...things were rationed and very tight back then.
2. Lots of baked goods...both savoury and sweet!
3. Chocolate - it's insane how much they can eat.
4. Coffee - it's very Finnish.
8. How do you say where you are living? (F/F)
1. Jyv�skyl� = YOU-vask-you-la  (emphasis on the first syllable) 
9. How do you say V�in�'s name? (F/F)
1. VII-neu (like neuf (9) in French without the F)
10. What languages are spoken in Finland?
1. Finnish is the primary language and Swedish in the secondary language.  English is common in younger people or people in university.
11. What kind of music do they have there? (FB)
1. They're big on heavy metal/screaming music as I call it.  
12. What kind of clothes do they wear?
1. Depends on what crowd you're with.  I'm in the average kind of person crowd.  But there is a huge heavy metal/gothic atmosphere in Finland - so you will see many men with long hair, dyed black, buzzed, mohawk, and wearing chains, platform boots etc.  There's barely any "thug" stylists here and some girls do dress quite skimpy....
13. What's a sauna?
1. A sauna is very common in Finland as there are NO BATH TUBS here....maybe in the hotel but I doubt it.  A sauna is a room in a flat or a house or separate from the home - and it's steamy.  Like 80-100*C steamy.....and yes you go in NAKED.  Completely naked with your family or the males go together and then the females (or vice verca).  It's relaxing but a bit sweaty.  The crazy people/Finns go in the winter and then jump into a frozen lake (with a hole cut out) then they roll into the snow...and then GO BACK IN.  I have yet to do this.  I don't know if I would.
2. If you go in a sauna - you do sit on a towel - for those of you that are concerned about germs etc.
3. Do not wear glasses while in the sauna.  It is pointless.  You won't be able to see (especially if there are many people in the sauna with you) and they might melt.  Mine are plastic frames - hence why I know about the melting.
4. Do not wear pure gold jewellery - it WILL MELT and BURN your skin and leave marks.  This is from personal experience if you haven't figured it out yet.
14. What do Finns like to do? (FB)
1. We see many people run or walk....very fit people.
2. They like to go to the sauna.
3. Drink...Tim's been out with a group of Finnish guys who love to drink and have a good time - and he said "I think they can out-drink a Newf...my glass was never empty!"
4. Go to the cottage (usually passed down through the family).
5. Spend time with their family.  And I don't say this as a "filler" but because it's true.  Tim and I both found in North America - people do not spend that much time with their families.  But here in Finland it is encouraged by the amount of holidays they have and the amount of playgrounds there are.  There are 2 small ones within steps of our back/front doors...and 2 larger ones within 7-10 minutes from our door.
6. Text or talk on the phone.   Finns are labelled as "quiet people" in general - however because house phones are rare like dinosaurs - everybody has a cell phone!
7. Lots of sports - like running, walking, skiing, skating...everything!  LOTS of biking too.
15. What's the health care like?
1. Wonderful so far! I have yet to book an appointment with a doctor for personal reasons (other than pregnancy-related while pregnant with V�in�) - but I'm sure it would be fine.
2. Children health care is awesome.  The nurses are wonderful with V�in� and so polite and eager to help us out with ANY question we may have.
3. We had to take V�in� to the emergency on a Friday night for an abscess and they were FAST and efficient with diagnosing him and getting him comfortable.
4. In terms of the PHARMACY - you wait for your prescription when you place it.  Your cashier/pharmacist retrieves your medication immediately and you don't sit back down or have to find something to do for 20-30 minutes.  The pharmacists are very knowledgeable and if they don't speak English - they get someone for you that can.  
16. What was giving birth like in Finland? (FB)
1. As I have never given birth before - I'd have to say this was also great (aside from the pain).  
2. Yes they have epidurals, PCB (perennial cervical block) and aqua blisters for pain relief.  Not all hospitals have a water-birth option.
3. The mid-wives do the delivery, the doctor provides the anesthetic and comes in only if there are any complications.
4. After giving birth the baby is put at your breast immediately for scent and to encourage breast-feeding.  It's really popular here and encouraged strongly.  Then he or she is cleaned up and you get a shower and go to your room.  Prior to labour I thought this was gross as V�in� would be covered in "gunk" - however, I now realize it's created a stronger bond between us and he immediately latched on and grabbed Tim's finger too.  A moment I'll cherish forever.
5. A HUGE meal is given to you and your spouse/partner after you finish labour.  I couldn't eat it all - but it was great.  Fresh giant grapes, sandwich materials, yogurt, milk, juice and lots of water.  I kind of wish I had the energy to make myself a lunch like that EVERY DAY! :P
17. How long of a flight is it? (F/F)
1. We flew to New York (1.5 hours from Halifax) and then 7 hours from NY to Helsinki.  Then we took a train from Helsinki to Jyv�skyl� - which was about 3 hours long.
18. Will you learn Finnish?
1. I would LOVE to!  Finns are fairly quiet and keep to themselves - but I would love to have a complete Finnish conversation some time with strangers that stop and want to know stuff about V�in� or Canada.  
2. A little boy stopped my friend today and asked her why I wasn't talking in Finnish...I was so sad I couldn't respond!
3. Yes Tim has taken a course in basic Finnish and really enjoyed it.  I'm hoping to take one as well - once V�in� is a bit older and not so dependent on me.
19. What's the school system like?
1. Amazing.  They learn English in grade 3!  They learn a new language every 2 years I think? I can't remember the specifics but some languages they can learn are: English, French, Chinese, Estonian, Russian, German, Swedish....I think that's all of them?
2. The UK is considering switching their education system to that of Finland.
3. They go from the age of 7 until the age of 19.
4. They rank top in math and maybe science too (or one of the top) in all the world.
5. They call their teachers by their first name so there is a more relaxed atmosphere.
6. They don't wear their shoes inside - so there is a relaxed atmosphere.
20. Is it hard to make friends there?
1. I thought it would be because of the language barrier.  But it is going pretty well.  We often meet friends through other friends.
2. There is also a multi-cultural gathering once a month at the local play ground too which helps.
21. What is it hard to bring the dogs into Finland? (FB)
1. Nope.  We were limited to 2 animals per person and there was no quarantine involved as they were travelling with us.  
2. Both dogs had to be up-to-date on their shots and have the microchip installed.
22. What are your favourite things about Finland? (FB)
1. I love the clear air (this summer was un-usually humid we've been told - but even still it wasn't as bad as NS)...I rarely use an inhaler these days!
2. I love the safety and the feeling of security.
3. The food is great and there's always something going on downtown on nice days - like street performers...always somebody different!
4. We had a white Christmas last year - that was a first for us in a very long time!
5. The fact that EVERYTHING has the taxes included in the prices!!  No need to do extra math :P.
23. What's the most unusual thing to happen to you? (FB)
1. I've had random Finnish drunks come up and talk to me in broad day light and a guy have a drunk conversation with V�in�.  His response was yelling at him and giving him dirty looks - then eventually laughing...
2. A Jehovah Witness put a "business card" in my pram while I was shopping for yarn....the pram was outside where I could see it and V�in� was in my arms...
3. It took forever to register our marriage....
4. I'm sure there will be more things - I usually keep to myself. LOL
24. Will V�in� have automatic Finnish Citizenship because he was born in Finland?  Can he have dual citizenship? (FB)
1. No for automatic Finnish. We have to apply for a Finnish Citizenship for him because the Canadian one is automatic as Tim and I are both Canadians.  If V�in� did not have automatic Canadian Citizenship - then yes - he'd have auto-Finnish Citizenship from our understanding.  
2. We are pretty sure he can have dual citizenship if we apply for the Finnish one.
25. Will you guys apply for Finnish Citizenship? (FB)
1. Possibly!
26. What are the prices like?
1. Lots of things here are very good quality and can be pricey.
2. I shop at the 2nd Hand Stores a lot - for clothing, DVDS,  knick-knacks around the home etc.
3. Food is about the same.
27. What are some experiences you've had in Finland that's different than Canada?
1. You weigh your own veggies/fruits in the grocery store and print a price sticker.
2. You bag your own groceries and have to bring your own bags (or pay for plastic or biodegradable ones).
3. Taxes are included in the prices of everything - restaurants, groceries, etc.
4. You can pick where you sit and pay for that seat at the movie theater.
5. The vet bill is much cheaper (excluding conversion of currencies) - but the fancy dog food (vet) is more expensive.
6. In Helsinki (and some other bigger cities), a caregiver and their child in a stroller/pram get on the buses for free.  In Jyv�skyl� - it's 3 Euros (recently went up 10 cents).  The transfer is good for exactly 1 hour (they print the time on them too).
7. Swam in a lake with fish in it...
8. In the summer (not so much now) - the sun stays up pretty much 24 hours a day.
9. In November it's quite dark and dreary....
10. Various holidays!!  Some for poets....some for political things....some for Religious things...Mother's Day - everything was closed....
28. What's the banking system like? (FB)
1. You get issued a Visa Electron card (CHIP card) and you either sign or put your pin and you can use this card online on some sites.  
2. You get issued a PIN# - if you forget it - they mail you a new one.  You cannot change it at the bank.
3. To do internet banking you sign in with your user ID# and your 4-digit password (different than your PIN).  Then you have a key card and whatever number populates on the screen - you find it on your key card and put the corresponding code beside it online.  You can only use a key card # once then you need to be issued another.
29. What do you miss about Canada?
1. Family/friends/my cats!
2. Being able to speak in English and read all labels.
3. Walmart....
4. Dollarama
30. Do they use the same plugs as we do? (FB)
1. Nope!  We have to find plug converters and they do NOT sell them here because electricians can do it for a fee....

**Anything else? feel free to send me a message!