Finnish Hospitality

Annti Pasila picked us up from our hostel then we picked up the fifth Cal Poly student Chase Horton from the airport and headed back to downtown Helsinki for a small tour let by Antti.  We got to see a more historic part of Helsinki than we had the night before.  Monuments and government buildings reflect of Finland's past connections with Sweden and Russia before their independence in 1917.  There was a farmer's market held near the harbor where a variety of fresh produce was being sold and a police convention was being held near the city hall. Many people were also exploring the city and it was awesome to have Antti interpreting what was going on around us, pointing out interest points and things to do when we return to stay longer in Helsinki. All the Cal Poly students are eager to return before we leave the country.

Antti then drove us to his farm in Kouvola where the barley was just a couple weeks away from being ready to harvest.  He introduced us to his lovely wife and daughters who made us feel very much at home. Their three adorable dogs enjoyed much attention from their new American friends. Mrs. Pasila fed us traditional Finnish meals in great abundance during our stay and encouraged us to enjoy their sauna, a very popular Finnish activity for health purposes and comfort during the cold winters. Antti answered our questions about the university and it was nice to experience some family life in the countryside.  I went on a run around the sprawling neighboring fields and through the trees which I can safely say was the best run I've ever been on in my entire life.  When I was returning, a luminous double rainbow just behind the house sealed my love for Finland and made me feel incredibly grateful for this opportunity and simply to be alive!