Finnish Happenings

One of the benefits of a looser fall schedule has been the opportunity to be a bit more mobile. I took advantage of this mobility a couple of weeks ago and spent ten days visiting Vaasa, Finland. Although there are many reasons to visit Vaasa, one of the best is Thanksgiving! I headed up early to spend some time with my good friend and the hostess and to help in the yummy preparations. There were no disappointments -- the company, the visit, the food, and the sunny weather were well-worth the twelve-hour train-boat-train trek!


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I got to see the tree lighting in the square, complete with a visit from Santa and fireworks.

From Finland Thanksgiving 2010

I could oggle more flavors of licorice than known the the rest of the world at the market (I sampled raspberry - delicious!).

From Finland Thanksgiving 2010

I also attended a small, cold and very wintery Christmas market of crafts.

From Finland Thanksgiving 2010

Although the visit prompted purchases of warmer winter boots and a coat, I reveled in the blue skies and sunshine of Finland's sunniest city!

From Finland Thanksgiving 2010