Sari's Hometown

Bowling in Kouvola

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   The small quiet and peaceful town of Kouvola where Sari grew up accommodates around 35,000 people if you include the outer parts of the region. Within the actual town of Kouvola little remains from the old buildings of the past due to the majority of it being cremated during the war. Hence the majority of the buildings were built within the century. Most of the people keep to themselves and seemed to be curious about my presence but I never felt uncomfortable at all during my stay.

  Sari's parents had us both over for dinner and sauna quite often. I already miss the incredible cooking of both her parents which at times included fresh baked Salmon with a lemon herb salt, Pork/Beef stew, Honey Roasted Chicken, Pork Shoulder Roast, all kinds of baked Pastries, Fish Pies, Steamed Potatoes, Salad with fresh Feta, and Rye /Wheat bread. The wood Sauna-which by far surpasses electric saunas-after each dinner was perfect for digestion, relaxation, and cleaning of the pores. I even did the traditional snowy nude roll in the snow. This helps close off the pores of the skin after all the heat from the sauna. And yes it's absolutely crazy to roll around in the freezing cold in the "full monty".

1st time Nordic Skiing in Kouvola=3 falls and many awkward moments of coordination.

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   Even with Sari's unexpected early start with work during my visit we were still able to fit in nordic skiing, club dancing, bike rides, walks, bowling with her sister Niina and boyfriend Joni and a short day visit to her beautiful families vacation cottage.

  I found the Finnish culture to be a nice change to the more faster paced lifestyle of the States. They are a very proud population due to surviving the past winter war attacks from both bordering Russian/Swedish sides of the country. A country that fought for it's Independence and finally gained their Independence in 1917 from the Soviet Union. The people are very direct, honest, warm, genuine and very forward thinking. The nature that surrounds them seems to be the core of the Finnish lifestyle as everyone old and young get out in the cold weather no matter what the conditions are like. The country is filled with forests and lakes (roughly around 187,888 lakes) with miles of rolling tree covered hill sides and meadows. The food is simple, fresh, and tasty with many dishes using rice and potatoes as the main ingredient.

Ferry crossing near Sari's family Cottage

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   Overall I found Finland to be a very pleasant experience and look forward to my next visit during the warm summer months. I look forward to spending more time with Sari's amazing family who treated me with the utmost level of hospitality. I look forward to fishing one of the finest countries in Northern Europe for Pike, Salmon, and Trout. But most importantly the continuation of a amazing friendship/relationship with Sari. Until................... .......