I have to pick up some slack

Regrettably, not many posts lately. It's not that somehow I've been ridiculously busy (though I always am), or at least so much so to prevent me from blogging. Rather, I've simply lacked the will power/interest. 

And it's becoming more difficult to think only in English. Which is a good thing (almost typed "on hyvä") to me here, to makes it difficult to communicate back home. Perhaps I'll transition into Finnish eventually, eh? 

Finland presently looks like this. And is constantly between 30 and 40 F. And ridiculously windy- fun weather for all to enjoy. 

One of my coolest experiences so far

Granted, I've only been here in Finland for about two months, but on Saturday night, I had one of the coolest experiences I think possible: I met a former Prime Minister.

The only recently former Prime Minister of Finland, Matti Vanhanen. He lives in Lepsämä as well, and is a rather personable individual. What I found surprising is that he now takes part in organizing events in and around Lepsämä, but not necessarily running them. Didn't seem to have a giant ego complex either- my point is that he is not your typical politician, as U.S. politicians are reclusive and inclined to grandstanding, even post-office.

 This is a trend that holds for the mainstream Finnish politicians, as my host mother further related a story about running into Tarja Hallonen, at the time, the president, at a public swimming hall. Refreshing that there is no "exclusive" congressional gym.

Oh yes, pictures, and excuse my facial expressions, as speaking Finnish can be exhausting. Only gets worse when this week I add French and German to the mix. Enjoy:

It's Cold

The weather, in Fahrenheit. Woke up and it was like this. Grey, with the constant threat of rain, ridiculously cold. You don't think it will be as cold, as I've played football back in EA with only a sweatshirt and shorts in the same weather. Yet when you try to bike uphill, into a gust, and you only add jeans and a windbreaker to the equation- it's bloody cold. 

Meanwhile, I had two "concerts" in school, for my music class. The first was in front of the student body, playing random rock music. Wasn't bad, wasn't spectacular. The second was this morning as part of my exam for my Finnish Music class. So I grouped together with four other guys to play "Bourbon Street" by The Hurriganes, a Finnish band from the seventies. It's written in English, though rather nonsensically. Nevertheless, as the only native English speaker in the group, I stepped up, and did my best Jim Morrison impression. With a little dance during the refrain/chorus, like a 50's jive. It went over rather well, and certainly my antics were a positive bonus. You can practically get away with anything as an exchange student. 

Regrettably, I don't have a recording or picture. 

Helsinki, part 5

Less scenic parts of Helsinki. Just to clarify that as much as I love Finland, the streets are not paved with gold. 

Football

No, not American football, mutta jalkapallo! 

I started "football training" today- 8AM Wednesdays and Fridays. Se on hyvä! I was surprised that my skill level wasn't too far below that of the other kids (still rather below), but that being said, I am really looking forward to the exercise and the skill building that this opportunity puts forth. 

Welcome Party

Monday night, I officially had a welcome to Finland party. I met all of my host families, or at least representatives of the family (some members couldn't attend). I enjoyed meeting them, and am looking forward to the rest of my year here. 

In other news, the first jakso is over soon- I picked out my classes for next jakso: 

Music Tech

Soccer Training

Gym 

German 

French 

History or maybe English

When I take a look at my schedule I'll know for certain. 

I found a way to keep playing soccer here, and I also think I've found a way for hockey too. But the best part of soccer is that it's a legitimate class!

More in regards to the previous post

Mun lounas tanaan. Guess what that means. Meatballs with sausage and potatoes. Very good tasting. 

Helsingissa, Take 4

Cruelty to Foreigners

As previously stated, somehow I ended up taking acting/theater classes. Thus, it should of no surprise that we read through a play the other day. 

Sure enough, the play was in Finnish. Sure enough, they gave me a speaking part. Apparently, there was a joke in the play that the character I portrayed didn't understand Finnish. Talk about cruel irony. I was told I had good pronunciation however- despite the fact I had no idea what I was saying. 

Of course, the title is a jest- I'm not actually complaining. How could I complain, I had more a of speaking role than some of the other kids, and they speak the language. 

The Finnish Woods

This is in my "backyard". 

That's me. That mound? An anthill. Talk about freaky. About 3 feet tall. 

Finnish Fish

Salmiakki flavored fish candies. Take that, Sweden! 

Jääkieko peli jäähallissa

Tonight, I went to the local ice rink (jäähalli) to watch a hockey game (jääkieko), with my friends Albert and Antton. I had a great time. Finnish hockey is much cleaner than American hockey: no fights, rarely a penalty. A lot of scoring though: the home team (in orange) won 13-4. Some pictures: 

I took some videos, including a goal, but alas, no videos on Blogger. Oh well. Contact me if you want to see them, though I'm not sure if I'll be able to send them all, as one is a bit lengthy. 

Afterwords, I rode my bike home. In the dark. With mist. Let me put it in perspective:

When I go to school, and I'm full of energy, it takes me 15 minutes to travel the 6km. After school, when I'm tired, 30 minutes. Tonight, when I was filled with adrenaline and irrational fear- same route, 10 minutes at the most. I wouldn't doubt 7 minutes. I pedaled so fast that my shoe fell off at one point, I wish I were kidding. Oh well, lesson learned. The sun goes down by ten apparently. I'll call for a ride next time.

More shoddy photography of pseudo-Finnish food

Today, I bought a hot dog from a hot dog stand. Except, the way he sold them was two hot dogs on top of each other, with the condiment in between. 2,50€. Decent, not great, not bad. Slightly more than two dogs at Ted's. 

Finnish Doughnuts

So I bought Finnish doughnuts today, from a German grocery chain in Klaukkala. According to my friend, Albert, who was with me, they are fresh baked every day. Sure beat out Tim Horton's, but not quite DiCamillo's. 

Also, had the Finnish generic Coke soda. Again, not the best, but good enough. Though I'm not really a fan of Colas. 

How Finns get to school:

Finnish Dancing

No, not traditional, far from it. 

The dancing to which I am referring to was the breakdancing lessons that were my last sport/gym class. This guy in my class planned out the lesson, and it was intense. Of course he could spin on his head and do the coffee grinder, etc.; no other person could even do the basics. 

An interesting anecdote. 

I will admit this

A realization: a good number of the posts have nothing to do with Finland. Still, the focus of this blog is of course on Finland. 

Something humorous: I watched a NOVA program with my host family, detailing how to grow one's brain. Apparently juggling grows your brain in areas that apply to juggling. So my host sister Kaisla acquired some juggling balls and has since been trying, albeit unsuccessfully, to juggle. I picked them up, and (unsurprisingly, thanks to the torture of Waldorf) was able to juggle all three for a short while. Shocking, apparently. Americans are enigmatic folk. 

My First Club Meeting

Well, I had my first Rotary club meeting in Klaukkala. I showed up late by an error in transportation I created with my host family (minor, no worries, and no issues). I was quite nervous, and I at first thought the meeting did not go well. When I first entered the room, almost all of the members were wearing blazers- I was wearing jeans and a polo shirt. However, when the meeting ended, I realized almost all of the members were wearing jeans as well- I asked if I was out of dress code, and was told that I was fine. I was relieved. 

Furthermore, what little Finnish I know came in handy, when introducing myself I used as much Finnish as I could, which shocked everyone. Apparently most lack such a grasp at one month in. Interesting really, because I think my Finnish is awful. Jari and Tarja bought me a learn Finnish book, which I am quite thankful for as I cannot attend the beginners class in Klaukkala: it is the same night as orchestra practice.