I sneaked these pics with my phone while I was waiting for my train to Vaasa today. The white hats were still everywhere I went so it seems to be a mayday thing as well as a Vappu thing. The trip to Vaasa was long (four and a half hours), but I got to see some of Finland while I was at it. There are lots of lakes, lots of trees and scores of gorgeous wooden houses, all painted different colours. Love them!
Hans and Ingela were at the station to meet me, and have been so incredibly kind. They took me home and gave me a lovely meal and I met both their sons who are refreshingly open and uninhibited. Really nice boys, both of them. We sat and talked about everything and anything and I heard about their nightmare trip home from the UK, courtesy of the volcanic ash. Talk about intrepid! Now I am back at the hotel, a curious place where you check in with a door code, and everything is arranged remotely so you don't see any real people at all except other guests. Amazing. Still, it's all comfortable and once again, I have internet on tap. Tomorrow, Hans and Ingela are taking me on a tour, so I know it'll be another great day. Watch this space!
Yep, it's indeed also a May Day thing (well, it's still Vappu here), the hats. And also it's Labour Day. I actually went out to the city to see a bit of the leftfield Labour Day celebration (that's the moderate left, the socialists and communists have their own thing elsewhere). Was quite lovely, lots of people in the market, live music, stands with food and coffee. Then the Labour Day march came by, all red flags in the wind and stern, serious, old school socialist songs (some of them sounded like Soviet songs actually). It felt a bit surreal to be honest and the songs made me want to say "hey, how about smile a little? you CAN be a socialist and smile."
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the day in Vaasa with Hans and Ingela tomorrow!
enjoy your tour with Hans and Ingela tomorrow Val. x
ReplyDeleteHave a great time tomorrow, Val!
ReplyDeletexx
AM
Hope you're all having fun!
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ReplyDeleteThat's a strong image you paint with words Maria. My camera's itching to make the images
ReplyDeleteI've already had a sneak preview of Val's Sunday, and I'm looking forward to the rest.
I had to remove the first comment due to misspelling Maria's name. Shame.
Dear Val,
ReplyDeletewe loved having you and hope to see you again someday soon. You are welcome back any time, but be sure to bring Koos along next time!
xxo