Hello, Deep North!

We were at Taivalkoski at about 8 pm. Our dear hosts accommodated us in the dormitory where we felt like home.
What was impressive that we couldn ´ t  expect to find winter again, although we had been friendly warned before! In Estonia we had already  forgotten about snow. And then to see those huge snow drifts everywhere! Well - a new experience again. And we are not afraid of cold - we had the same weather a month ago.

Unbelievable! Uskumatu!

Tuesday 13th May
We had a tour around the school and introductions this morning. We visited classes and looked around. Then we had a music lesson together with Finnish students. Anu taught us some Finnish songs and dances. Our pupils were also allowed to try playing some instruments. That was a very nice experience! The lesson was over too soon!

Listening to Tuula

Happy time with music

Dancing in Finnish way

Having fun by making music

After the delicious lunch at the school canteen we left school and walked to the Jalava shop where the owner told us kindly and in very good Estonian about the history of that very old shop - the oldest permanently working shop in Finland. This shop is always warm and cosy. It is nice to take time out and have coffee and snacks there, feeling the ancient athmosphere.

This photo is compulsory for all visitors from Estonia!

After having a rest and some snacks in the dormitory according to our timetable the Blue trail hike followed. We walked along the River Iijoki and reached the high bank where we spent time by birdwatching and baking sausages and pancakes. There was snow again, more than in the village! There was a strong north wind, wet shoes and smoke of the bonfire. But there was lots of laugh and fun and making friends. We must admit that Finnish people are more used to spend their time outside in spite of the weather. And we had not listened to their good advices to have proper footwear! But this is not important - we all had fun and we changed our wet shoes later. To be in Finland and not to walk in the wilderness is not a good idea.