I've come to the realization that when I walk around in Finland, I actually feel like I am living in a snow globe. I have never been around this much snow!! And it keeps going! Amazing. Everyone here laughs at me when I start to ramble on about the Finns ability to be warriors of the winter season. I can't get over it, though. After being here for 5 weeks, it has ceased to amaze me. When I boarded my plane bound for Finland, I was terrified of the snowy weather that lay ahead. And when I landed and saw the amount of snow surrounding the runway I thought that I was crazy to come here. Living here, though, I feel like I am in this magical Narnia of a place. The trees here are tall and beautiful and always dusted with a layer of snow. The air is cold and smells pure. The nights are orange. The connection to the natural world is so intense and it is intertwined into the lives of those who live here. I just love it.
For the last 5 weeks, I have spent time in some wonderful schools! I got to meet some awesome kiddos and take part in their wintery play. Playing outside in the winter always reminds me of that one scene in "A Christmas Story," when Ralphie's brother, Randy, is getting wrapped in clothes by his mother. When he is finallllly ready to go outside, he screams, "I can't put my arms down!" Well, I have to say, now that I have experience getting kids ready to go outside, that statement is not far off. But once these kids are outside, they are in their element! Seeing the way that the children here play just reaffirms my belief that children have an innate connection with the natural world. They are so observant, so aware, and it is beautiful to witness. And may I say, the coolest thing about snow is that it is basically like playing with giant blocks that can be molded into any shape that you want. I have seen some fantastic creations come from snow--snowmen of all shapes, foods, houses, and tunnels. I just love hanging out with kids...is it obvious?? :)
Ok, so I have to share probably one of the CRAZIEST things that I have done so far this year--winter swimming!! What is winter swimming? Winter swimming is swimming outside in the icy water. Sounds fun when you describe it, right? And despite how horrendously terrifying it sounds, it is surprisingly popular here. And not just because the water is warmer than the air outside (true but scary). People who swim everyday swear that it fights off illness and keeps them healthy. The woman that I stayed with for a week had done it before and talked about doing it while I was staying with her. It was one of those things that when I first heard it I thought, "no way!!" I mean, what sounds worse than swimming around in water in a frozen over lake? Well, I figured that I was in Finland, and if this was semi-normal, I was doing it! We made plans to go winter swimming one afternoon. We met up with a 70 year old woman who goes everyday! The lake was beautiful! It was completely frozen over, with the exception of a small chunk that was ice free via a circulation pump. The three of us walked out onto the dock in our bathing suits, water shoes, and gloves and headed towards the stairs. I got into the water and although I felt like my breath was taken away, it didn't stop me from screaming. It was such a strange feeling! So invigorating! I climbed out of the water after 20 seconds and felt my skin freezing. Then, I busted out laughing. And I mean really laughing! The three of us were hunched over with tears coming out of our eyes. We could not believe what we did! We ran into the locker trailer and continued to laugh. It was such a pure and blissfully happy moment. I can't even begin to describe how foreign your body feels after you get out of the water. You feel the cold under your skin, but with it, comes a rush of adrenaline. I loved it! I absolutely loved it. We went again the next morning. The whole experience was hilarious and I am so glad that I did it.
On Sunday I head to Italy! I'm excited to begin a new part of this journey! And although I have loved my "Winter Wonderland," the next time I come back will be in the summer :)
