3 Weeks In Finland

I've had a pretty good week this past week!

On Keskiviikko (Wednesday) I had my sorta first soccer practice!! Ahh, it felt so good to be back out there. I had practice with the women's team and a few of the girls who I will be playing with this year. I'm not as out of shape as I thought I was but I'm still way to out of shape for my liking. 

On Torstai (Thursday) I left school early, I missed gym so I don't think I really missed much haha. I left early to head to Helsinki!!! The 1420 rotex had scheduled us a meet up in Helsinki for the Night of Arts. I think it was sometype of cultural event, but I'm not sure. I had a lot of fun. We first went to a Hesinki Night Market they had one place selling bugs that you could eat. I didn't want to wait in line so I didn't go. I hung out with Charline and Emma and we got a bite to eat, while we were there.

Charline: From Belgium, Emma: From Canada, and Me

Charline and I payed 8 Euros for this, yes my wallet was crying

Oh Finland you make me laugh

After we left here at about 6:45 we rode the metro back to the center of Helsinki for the Night of Arts. We got our name written in Chinese, by the students who attend Helsinki University.

Charline and I

Mandarin

Then some people were playing African type music and we watched for a bit.

Then it was basically time to go. It was so good to see everyone (well almost everyone) in our district. I had a swell time. 

Lauantai (Saturday), I went to Kellar's for her welcoming party. She lives in Hyvinkää which isn't too far like 15 minutes. I had an hour in a half till the bus came that I could take to her house, so I explored the center for a bit and went into the mall which is great, I know I'll be back there soon haha. Once I was on the bus that would take me to her neighborhood, I started getting worried that I would get off at the wrong stop. Lucky I got off at the right stop, but then I couldn't find her street, it was horrible. I walked up and down for a good 30-40 minutes before I found unlocked wifi and was able to tell her I was lost. Thankfully, her host mom came and got me and it turns out I was around the corner from her house. Just my luck haha.  We made hats that looked like the Finnish flag a bit, then played some type of card game, sang karaoke and talked. A few of the others from out district was there so I talked to them and at around 9:30 my host mom came and picked me up. I had a lot of fun and it was really nice.

Now today (Sununtai) I have soccer practice with my team in an hour. 

I'm really enjoying Finland. Sometimes I remind myself that I need to take a breath and cherish that I'm here. It still feels a bit unreal that I am here. 

- Hailey