Finland Day 6

We left Päivi and her lovely family this morning and headed for Pori environs. A few shots along the way, starting from Miles saying his byes to the Männistö dogs:



Vanhankaupungin ravintola in Kokkola... gorgeous food served in an old style building.















We (OK - I...) got our car stuck on the side of the road at this spot... but what wouldn't one do to have a little adventure when the opportunity arises?

Finland Day 5

Today I met up with a friend - one I was very close friends with when I was a teenager. We hadn't met face to face for over 20 years, but when we saw each other again today, it felt like I was a 16-year-old and we hadn't had all those years between us, really. Anyway, this all means that we did a trip to Hailuoto today; an island in the Gulf Of Bothnia near my original home town in Finland.

Here we are leaving the mainland Oulunsalo behind.















There are two ferries serving the line, and this is the other one...






All the lighthouses of Finland?



Reijo, Päivi, Essi and Pale waiting to be allowed to climb up Hailuoto Lighthouse.



The last hurdle after 110 steps up...



Our guide explaining the history of the lighthouse.



A shot taken by the shore while waiting for the ferry back.



Old industry meats new.

Finland Day 4

During the day we went for a drive to Oulu with Miles, including Nallikari (the main seaside beach in Oulu). Here are a few things we saw there:



























In the evening we went to see Eppu Normaali... for the first time in 25 years!! And they were great. Only took photos with my mobile, though.

Finland Day 3

The only photo today: lovely light over some Finnish pine trees somewhere along the journey from Elimäki to Kiiminki.

Finland Day 2

Today we did a little sightseeing tour of Porvoo with Sanna & Co.



First, the last boats' filling station before Porvoo harbour.



...and the filling station of humans next to it, complete with regulars' named drinking mugs.






The wonderful Mujunen family. We're enjoying every minute with them. :-)



Sauna shop with lots of sauna goodies. We bought a couple of adorable moose towels.



In the streets of Porvoo Old Town...






Inside Porvoo church.






We had some pulla at this café.






Olivia taking a picture of her dad.

Finland Day 1

We arrived in Finland and drove to Porvoo to see friends. The only photos I took today were of Loviisa during her riding lesson.



Loviisa was doing absolutely fantastically...



...until her casco (helmet) started slipping over her eyes...



Let's have a closer look. ;-)



The class played Simon Says on horse back, and Loviisa won. Here she is being congratulated for her win.



One last shot showing Loviisa's riding skills.