Finnish traditions

Part of the Finnish traditional celebrations is Laskiainen, it is described as a mid-winter sliding festival. Students participate in slide a competition and another part of the event is to decorate the slide car and make the most original design. The event was fun and at the end everyone goes to the top and slides. We were using slope sliders; first we were a bit shy and doing it one by one, but after a while people were sliding 4 or even more in the same car, turning, doing wherever you can do to slide and have fun. Snow was all over me, but I had so much fun. After that we went home to have sauna and prepare for the student party at night.

I should explain that sauna is part of the Finnish culture. All houses, apartment complexes and cottages have sauna. There is no sense to build a house if it doesn´t have sauna. Everywhere you go you will have a chance to use the sauna, and it´s nice because after a cold day, you warm up and relax. There are different types of sauna and a completely different culture around that. Tools, products, and designs have been developed around this tradition.

Close to Oulu, about 100 km, is the snowcastle of Kemi  "Lumi Linna". It is the biggest snow fort in the world. The castle is rebuilt every winter and it has a Chapel, Hotel and Restaurant. The ice-sculpting and illuminations are amazing, we went for day trip and enjoyed it so much. The theme of the year was comics, so the sculptures were about that. It´s also possible to reserve a room at the hotel or have ceremonies at the Church.

Just to visit the castle is a great experience, without doubt its worth to visit, the architecture & sculptures are remarkable. 

Now, I´m preparing for the next trip organized by Erasmus Association, we are going to Russia for 4 days. From Helsinki, we are going to take the ferry to Saint Petersburg. It´s time to visit the neighbor countries .