So, later a few greetings from my back rooms in Bremen. The settling was faster than expected and my captured on Christmas day cold I am sometimes come to the completeness, upload all the missing photos. So it is now a Riga album, and the first and second Lapland galleries I have filled with some photos of Andi. In addition, a few pictures at the Jyväskylän Winterimpressionen have been added, and here and there, I've added something.
That was it now but really ... comes a happy new year!
So then, this is my last post for the time being is to be direct from Finland. As written, starting Sunday afternoon I'm back to be found in the home, just in time for Christmas. Then I will of course: Merry Christmas and a happy new year! Thank all our loyal readers for your interest. I hope that my posts at least a little what could give of my everyday life here. I for one had a great time with lots of great people and insane impressions (oh yeah, was the study also ok;)). Still looking for a travel destination: Finland is more than worth it.
Before an hour and Daniela is again left for Austria, now I'm all alone in this big house - but would have my old new roommate for now just sitting in the plane for them to change it which, at least for the last night in Jyväskylä. On Sunday we fly back to the Bremen airport and my semester is over.
the last night we spent here, among other things, to exchange photos of our trips. I do have soo many self made, but there are however a few unique pieces. A few of them, especially as an addendum to Inaribären, I will of course divulged.
Andi has somehow managed to photograph the Northern Lights. So one can at least hint about what has since played in the sky. The images are unprocessed. To complete
again because of the much-heralded Lapland, and I'm still overwhelmed. The long trip - twelve hours by train and five hours by car - have more than paid off for this magnificent landscape. Compared to the first trip in October we had of course been much more darkness. But even though (or rather say, because) the sun at midday on or has been destroyed, and the vieeel slower than it is in the southern intrinsically safe realms is accustomed, the days were actually mainly from solar to sub-programs, and from morning to afternoon at half past nine to three. Luckily it was cloudy rare. The whole thing then Lapland in a snowy landscape: endless expanses and small mountains, forests, semi-frozen lakes - just fantastic. After the previous long abstinence sun here in Jyväskylä was the sun, or what we have understood from her, so impressive. Especially on the five-hour return trip, we have seen the whole "routine" and are driven by a stunning backdrop to the next. It is therefore forgiven me also that, most of the over 100 pictures this time of sky, landscape and street - but I could not just leave and had to try to capture impressions. If you take the photos and the videos this time reflect, look at rest, which can perhaps understand to some extent.
What typical winter Lapland associations are there? Cold, snow, desert, Husky sleigh, Santa, northern lights, reindeer. The first: it was cold not at all, unfortunately, the mercury fell below the 0 ° C limit rarely easy. This is what one is not yet December 400km north of the Arctic Circle! As it was in Jyväskylä and probably in Germany even colder. Too bad, -20 ° C, but they do sometimes. Well, accordingly, it was also difficult with the snow, at least was concerned, what snow. Compared to Southern and Central Finland was up there at least still old. Who is then transformed by light rain and the temperature in mirror-smooth, frosting-like white paint, which was considered very pretty. Glassy but only off the streets. These were all evacuated very beautiful and diversified as driving was no problem.
wilderness? Yes, and how. But just the epitome of Finnish recovery. Our rather small hut stood alone 40km west of Ivalo, close to the Russian border, right on Lake Inari . It was really quiet. The Mökki course, was how to present it to a dark red, cozy log cabin. With sauna. Relaxation.
we come to Husky sled. We had been concerned that our Husky trip would fall into the water, but it was still all good. However, shortened because of the warm climate. An hour on the carriage was already an impressive experience. After that it was still a little leadership on the Husky Farm and lunch at the camp fire in a wooden hut. Of course, very touristy, but somehow belongs to us, after all tourists.
Speaking of tourists now, of course, was the Christmas Village and again on our way and we have the full dose of Christmas spirit picked up. Even if we were not personally at Christmas - what with 25 € per person is a bit exaggerated. On an excursion to the Finnish Lapland Santa Village belongs to the Arctic Circle but easy to - this was probably also thought all the other tourists who were carted there by coach. Nevertheless, the Christmas spirit:
But we come again to what more pleasant. The most impressive for me were probably the auroras we've really got to face. Even on two evenings in a row. At first we thought the moon would illuminate a cloud somehow greenish, But as the moving and then suddenly the whole sky was full of green lights, but then we were sure it could be not only the moon. On the second evening we could even see violet aurorae. What my camera unfortunately could not capture images of (Andis for now), but remains at least in my memory. So a mad spectacle witnessed is not every day and everywhere. Since then Lapland had me completely enchanted - simply madness.
Lapland The program was then completed with reindeer, we have encountered on our way back three times on the road. Fortunately, in time and seen nothing happened. But that, without the But somehow what was missing.
I think that I first reported from all experiences and impressions. And after the second visit up there I can say this will not be my last - I will meeehr. Prefer one to really crisp temperatures and beautiful blue sky (January to March), Midsummer's Day in June, the summer in July or August, in all colors bright autumn September ... The next holiday will take about a year:)
But about half of this year here in Finland is coming really close, only a few days and I'm back at home. Today I was the last time in the sauna. In the residence is spreading the spirit of optimism out, at least among those who are actually still there. Also my rent is less, Nadine has already left for the Netherlands. Daniela I still not received until Friday, and then there's already so FLOST to pick me up. By Saturday, we will still be in Jyväskylä, then we spend another night in Tampere, on Sunday morning before heading home. Until then, there is still a little time to let it all happen mentally a little revue to spend the last evening with great people, a few souvenirs to buy the home and to look forward to that event.
where I get so first a cold shock when I get off the plane in Bremen. So I had my not necessarily presented: Jyväskylä +4 ° C, Bremen -2 ° C. But perhaps changes in the next few days so a bit of it;)
Haaaaaaa! I have just sent my last essay and completed the last course in Korppi, the uniportally, as does Mark, so there under "Studies" now says "Your current studies: (No courses) . Yay!
Now I need first vacation from all the stress here, and as mentioned already soo many times it's all finally starting again tomorrow in the far north. How to order the winter is now, at least in terms of temperature, returned, the snow can still coming. How it will look like in Lapland, we can surprise us again. is
So tomorrow night going to high first with the night train to Rovaniemi, where we arrive in the morning, our car hire to make even a small (this time also in time more appropriate) trip in the Christmas village before then continuing to the Inari See. Depending on the weather and Elch-/Rentieraufkommen we are at some point in the afternoon or early evening, hopefully in our rented Mökki the lake near Ivalo. In addition to a husky sleigh ride is not much more planned, but probably have to scrap much sleep to be made up. And not to forget the sauna. Maybe we'll get him some day a Aurora to face. Enough darkness is still there - on Sunday are in Ivalo for example, between sunrise and sunset only 50 minutes. There is anyway not so much going on with walks in the woods. On Tuesday night we step on the way back to Jyväskylä. Then it is reported.
It's still too warm. While walking you sweat normal. +1 ° C and this nasty drizzle, which would probably much rather have snow. But tomorrow it will get colder again, and hopefully snow, so the weekend husky sleigh ride is not the literal water falls ...
But that is the only thing that can find me at the moment that so often mentioned essays of interest and interested, yesterday I became the first well aware that I am in less than two weeks long since'm at home, and Christmas was also something else. This makes it not so true when you day and night sitting in the room. But I'm good at the time, and it has already paid off - at least quantitatively first! Whether quality remains first, at least until the award of marks to be seen. 've
Two essays I wrote during the last week, and I am very surprised by what lurks a potential in a human head when he was only strained times (of course played by the time pressure - once again - a crucial role;)). And that's where I have actually no real experience in academic writing. If for my written statements may be generally referred to as academic: D also remains open for now. What I learned, however, determined, and also get some interesting lines of thought; who therefore have always wanted want to talk about the narrative structure in "A Short Film About Love" or (m) a definition of art can be as trusting contact me;) via the Digital Rights Management , subject of my first essays, is still a little bit in my head. Only one is left, where it will go some way to the role of media in identity development - more accurate is anybody's guess (and hopefully soon in my word processing program). Or is now under way.
Also have again been found (just because of that aforementioned time pressure) that counts is what you do and not what we merely think. True to Erich Kaestner: "There is no good unless you do it." ;)
Yes, that is the Rigabär is yes then the next turn and already overdue. Unfortunately, I let myself just from all the universities rather Achen stress and come to hardly do anything else, neither the pre-Christmas period can still enjoy the last few weeks right here. I hope that this will change next weekend, because by then everything has to be done, because we want to break again to Lapland and since then I will accept no more with unfinished assignments, but have completely finished with the university. So a few days work. However, it also seems to once again be the case that under time pressure Everything works better, at least I'm the first of three essays already written, so missing only two. If that is not motivation times.
What to say about Riga ... After we all three have asked for our travel time, why we really need to leave, although we do have really no time and no clear head for holidays, was the desire for a city tour somehow equal to zero. Me have my worries about the essay in Art and Visual Culture prosecuted or night, at least, gives when Nicis statements faith;)
Riga was at least for us first of a lot of sleep, we were sorely needed (here at home sleep it does not stay away because the bad conscience makes one upset by the bill when you sleep, rather than what to do for the university) and also from disgusting gray rainy weather. But what could one expect beginning of December. A city tour with sunshine is just beautiful. Therefore, there is also the first time next photos in the album, if I ever get out to fish for a few useful can:)
could After the first mulled wine at the Christmas market, but then I finally relax a bit. We have seen a lot, so probably, what should be seen in the old town there so ... The Bremen Town Musicians I liked best, haha. The Old Town in itself is really nice, there is somehow more lives than in Tallinn, where I felt like a giant museum. In Riga's old town, there are at every corner cozy cafes and restaurants - which incidentally also did well again to eat more or less reasonable prices that even we could afford. And thanks bisexual Latvian prices we have in a long time and again indulged myself in a bit of culture, we were at the movies, and even in the National Opera, the premiere of the Nutcracker, who would have thought! The performance was, we say, interesting ... What we got offered would probably be hailed not anywhere in the National Opera as high. But as the Anyway.
It has again noted the strong eastern influences. Of course, not so much tourism in the city, but instead even more around it. Latvia made me feel a bit like the western Russia. Although modern and cosmopolitan at first sight, on the other hand, however, again very ... Russian is probably the best word:)
I think, that was all important, what is there to report from Riga so, at least for now. Here in Jyväskylä, the beautiful white winter has set in place again for a short time, and autumn is here again. All the snow has melted at temperatures above freezing (Ungewöhnlich!). It rains a lot and is all mushy. Hopefully it will soon be getting colder, that I sometimes say I could not very well thought possible. But the former Finnish dry cold was really enjoyable than this.
A word about the darkness, the sun is currently at half past nine, and at a quarter to three. But mostly she hides behind the clouds anyway, so you will notice the most, it's a little light gray sky views. Since I have to write so much anyway, and hang at home, I also remember much of it anyway.
is now geschlaaafen but first ... until the sun rises, or even an hour or longer.
The Pulla is baked (even several times), once it was original and once Korvapuusti Pulla (Engl. slaps) that were even better. Who the recipe will, simply contact me;)
The first essay is finally checked off, tomorrow I need my previously acquired Finnish art in the final examination to demonstrate and on Friday we will fly for the weekend to Riga - before the final sprint begins. Two weeks, three essays, but also I get out somehow. Must stop, you know. There
a small report, it also ma l again it's really nice crisp cold:
Catching of snow in recent days course times are finite. Today seemed even the sun - that's something special that it must be mentioned. So the snow landscape looks nicer but a lot. We are still every day with the bike on the road, which is also not a problem if you are warm and attracts careful when driving a bit. The air and the snow is so dry that you can drive better on the latter than on wet roads. The ducks seem to also feel quite comfortable yet. It really is beautiful here.
The second course (after Suomi 1) is over, Russian, fortunately, was the final exam today, more for entertainment than intended for evaluation. Morning, then first in Suomi 2, a small presentation, in Finnish, mind you, next week, nor the consideration and then (and in between) then have time for more important things. All are currently in the universities rather Tress, also does not work the semester system so well and all the work piling up at the end.
keep me from today for 30 days in Jyväskylä for three and a half essays, two trips, a few lectures, sauna, Finnish winter, and slowly creeping Pullabacken anticipation mixed at home with a funny feeling that this great time here, with so many great people slowly coming to an end.
However, 30 days, too, finally almost 1 / 5 of my time Finland, then, to make there's a lot:)
Already the weekend again - this is the last but not long ago. From Monday to Wednesday I was in any case visit Eli and Maike, it also snowed fairly orderly, and we had two beautiful days and on Tuesday evening, a fine double birthday party with Matt. A few party pictures are online .
many great gifts I have received , with other news too good and what I believe a total of three Advent, a Moomin box for coffee and, and, and ...
Otherwise, really not so much to say, it's snowing always a little bit, and because of the snow on an average 3 ° C are also remains are the by now fairly short day at least, not quite as dark (these days the sun is here an hour earlier than in Bremerhaven).
early as mid-November, the time goes really fast. I have left a little over a month here. When I think of what I create in all of the time nor the university has to me is very different. So get stuck in;)
thus gave much snow as it previously announced but not, it was more gray than white. Today, once again came down a few flakes, but for the long stay beds, it is probably too warm. After all, snow at this time I've never seen:)
This weekend is quiet and the time I need finally to my essay (it's preceded by finally!). In addition, on Monday is yes again the next visit at the door and then is enough action already announced, including Party on Tuesday, of course.
Ok, so my report is still Russia, are photos it already. That's now been a week since I've pushed me long before that - but at beautiful things just always remembered to prefer;) Okay, it was not so bad now. Actually, even interesting and impressive. But as always from the front - sometimes see s if I get together all ...
On Thursday morning at 6 clock it started, by bus to St. Petersburg . All naturally equipped with passport and visa, without the That `s nothing on the Russian border. There, even then it was also unexpectedly sc hnell it were controlled only about four or five times the passports and visas of various Russian customs officials, but a baggage check was fortunately spared us and we had to wait long for not actually . On the "other side" then we expected a completely different World: through the steady rain and muddy roads of broken Russian driving style, which is actually the exact opposite to the Finnish: hectic, chaotic and without regard to losses. Fortunately we had a Russian driver, who was familiar with it. So it went a bit by the Russian Pampa, until we at some point in the afternoon by St. Petersburg's suburbs with the Sowietbauten drove. Not pretty, especially in the rain. And that there gleamed and shone on every corner like in Las Vegas, it did not look necessarily better. We felt like in a science fiction movie. According to the suburbs, then came the turn of the Rush Hour in St. Petersburg, it was said, at least an hour through the slow traffic torment, until we finally reached our hotel around 16 clock. This was at least fairly central. And huge, with its determined kilometers (ungelogen!) programs it did not get the name of Hotel Moscow, probably for no reason. went Well, after checking in and a small break, then again go to the "original Russian" dinner. If we mean by "original Russian" tiny and cold portions, and a painful, tourist entertainment folklore show, it was perfect. Vodka of course there was, after all, one could then still take the show somehow. And after the few shots of vodka I could sleep in the super plush hotel bed.
the next morning for an interesting breakfast (with salads, sausages, omelettes and cakes) we went to old Touristenbusgruppentradition (ätz!) go to Pushkin to the first attraction, the Catherine Palace (a detailed description of all sites I will spare everyone involved had better, I know not even what was actually was). It was actually quite impressive, just a huge palace with lots of gold and splendor. And - taddaa - the Amber Room . The latter was then compared to everything else not so spectacular. Well, followed then by bus back to town. Brief photo shoot at the famous Church of the Resurrection and then we had run until the evening. After the annoying bus ride was also necessary, and we explored the city on foot, despite the icy cold. bought first to find out about a souvenir bazaar and one or the other mandatory matryoshka , and then it went off. I could really enjoy (bring any valuables, just not go anywhere alone, watch out for pickpockets, ...) but not the walk, on the one hand because of the stories that had been hammered into us before the trip and secondly because of the stressful Russian big city mentality. Again, all hectic, fast, full of mad, bad air and unfriendly people. Once again the exact opposite to Finland:) Well, but we have the best of it and made the afternoon, just so moved to regain our way to the hotel. Fortunately, it successfully. And so we had the typical Russian Taxi (easy in any car can be, whether taxi enter or not, and there get where you want) saves. After a festive meal at McD (luckily right next to the hotel) there was still an evening cruise on the Neva, with Schampanskaya and tidy cold wind in their noses. And vodka was also on board.
The next day began for me a bit more relaxed, because it's all not was as dangerous as you have heard before. After breakfast we were again typical tourist umhergekarrt by bus, three hours on a city tour along all the sights. Including the Aurora and a few other important places where I can not remember what it was all. Well. In the afternoon we have our "free time" spent in Hermitage and us two hours of acute devoted to sensory overload . Over 60,000 exhibits no wonder that the time was too short. But at least we have - albeit fast - seen a few Picassos and Monets. After that then the "rest" a little walk through the streets before we are with the deepest metro in the world went back to the hotel. That was quite an experience, on the escalator down one could see a pretty long time no end. In the evening we then conducted a pizza and a walk to heart.
So then the days were around, and Sunday morning it was already back home. After breakfast we have the men Dostoevsky and Tchaikovsky on the Tichwinder cemetery opposite our hotel even paid a visit. Then a little pass the time, your legs and photos shot at one of the many bridges, and then it was already on the bus and the direction of Finland. But first a little stop for shopping in Vyborg to stock up again properly with vodka and other cheap things. On the Russian border with Finland or rather said it was also unexpectedly large bag again no control or the like, so that we soon were on Finnish soil and in the evening and again in Jyväskylä are reached.
That was very nice to finally be able to breathe clean air:) And since the Russia trip, I realized how much I've fallen already in the Finnish tap water. Apart from the fact that here in Finland is drinkable and actually even really tastes good - if you can not even clean the tap water in a Russian hotel, the teeth, is highly appreciated, only what you have at home.
St. Petersburg itself was quite beautiful as a city is dependent, with lots of interesting buildings, and send less to send back streets. But the fact that the city early on major international Influences has enjoyed, we search a little bit the typical Russian image. I have also noticed once again how little big city guy I am. 4.6 million inhabitants have a city then it will be very hectic, there are some 84 349 people in my Jyväskylä be much more sympathetic. Which are not as unfriendly. And in comparison to Russian one the strange Finnish language comes before surprisingly familiar:)
My crazy great Russian language gave me the way, do not so much, except for the fact that I am at every sign and every inscription in Cyrillic letters took me some time and with the brain and the tongue have twisted, until I read it (and usually do not understand) could. Exhausting!
An interesting and thought-giving stressful trip to the land of my ancestors. Who knows when I get there so quickly. The extreme contrast between rich and poor was the first terrifying and depressing then. It does not take long to think about why people are so unfriendly.
what more pleasant to: Maike and Eli come tomorrow!
line is the first real snow - and this time not to close! This is the weather forecast for the following days:
Accordingly I also expected the following image this morning from the balcony:
That will be fun this afternoon if I need a bike to campus. In a pinch you can always get off and push yet.
So to Eli and Maike: Please wear SnowFEST:)
a more or less detailed report from St. Petersburg (I survived it) there soon. can photos look you already, they have been reduced from about 600 to 190 pieces. More on that later, however, the university is now first turn, which is currently more important.
On Friday it was ready - I was able to welcome the first visit:) Over the weekend are six more were represented in the small German Jyväskylä. I did my best to prepare a properly Finnish time. We have even made it a national park. Unfortunately the weather has not played as I wanted to, just without the sun's all just half as good. But I hope you still liked it. Photographic evidence there is of course, more to follow soon in album.
Otherwise, sits with the first essay a little slow in the neck, and the right thoughts to have emerged yet either. The last managed week I was sick but actually, I have yet except a little reading for the essay nothing. In this current weather, you can remain hardly healthy. So gray, as it is. Have been so long not seen the sun, while it actually takes a little while, until the days are radically shorter.
Be that as it may, Thursday it's first to St. Petersburg. Then sometime Riga's turn, and that's not enough, our last trip is already in the planning: we want again to Lapland! A couple of days with snow in December at Lake Inari . Also, if still pending before a couple of essays - so you can dream ever ... of Reindeer and our Mökki at -15 ° C frozen lake.
To bridge until then, there are some new Lapland Photos of Nici in album , maybe I also Andi's soon abgeluchst times;)
Actually, there is nothing new, since the last weekend's all a bit calmer and everyone starts to slow times in order to get things for the university to the series (half of the semester is already ru m). With "everyone" I mean me, because finally I have some time to scrape together my few credits that I Bremen can take credit. It will be probably three or four essays, all I can write, and learn a uch Finnish and Russian, not on their own.
Last week, the lecture "Art and Visual Cult acid" started, yet it came to photography and the concept of art, I am curious to what is soon to come however and if I this partially lifted comments can follow. And can write an essay about it afterwards too, of course.
Well, at least it is now get stuck in first for the university, there's always known what to do. The next Week I will probably also use it primarily, although (or because?) Here is a week fall break. Accordingly, looked even the weekend, was out of a movie night on Friday and some card games on Saturday night and not much else going on. Mulled wine - or rather told Glögi - we had beforehand. And to us completely frühvorweihnachtlich send in join, we will soon bake Pulla , which is here throughout the year to eat and in my opinion, with the best Finnish invention ever, but the scent of cinnamon and the other spices is it anyway soon baking Christmas mood already on. Here is a picture of the holy Pulla. This is, however, purchased
Otherwise: the weather-resistant, cold (between 0 ° and +6 ° C), but usually a bit cloudy, actually quite nice. But maybe I should put on my cap often times when I'm out, I would now probably no neck pain ...
What a weekend! I would say this has been the best trip I have made here. Finland pure! Santa, snow, reindeer - But let's turn to ...
Thursday morning we went to drive away, the bus left at 6 clock of Jyväskylä from Rovaniemi. Since I have the night before finally tested the sauna (now I have the title of my blog well deserved), the night was short but very relaxed, so I have survived of eight hours well. Halfway it started to snow suddenly - here the proof! In Rovaniemi us but then beautiful sunshine, expected at about 0 ° C.
Upon arrival there was first a tour of the Department of Digital Media at the University of Lapland . The madness of such an equipment, we can only dream of Bremen. Would prefer to remain right there:) But then we drove on to our accommodation before the opening of the photo exhibition was on the program. In between, even a quick burger in northern McD plastered the world. In the evening, still with the group for a beer on the road have been before us our cuddly soft (warmen!) beds in the Guest House expected.
On Friday, we are three (Andi, Nici and myself) then gone off alone, without the group, which is also on the same day already gone back home. First up to the Christmas village, where we will be first against the biting cold with hats and gloves are armed. Moreover, even a trip to Santa's Post Office. We were but also served with Christmas stuff in October. So just a few photos at the Arctic Circle made before we moved back to Rovaniemi. On the way we passed a reindeer park, gabs since then, the next attraction - just reindeer. However, fenced off, which is not quite as authentic;) So: first over the fence, in which case Nici first loss (aufgeschrabbte Finge were reported r) (Nici Quote: "i ben verlezdd"):
After the reindeer park adventure we have any "comfortable" climbed the ski jump (or at least I the hill) to give us time to gain a little Rovaniemi hat. After a bit strolled through the city before it was to eat something warm.
short term, we have then made a plan change, as we have from our Oulu deleted program and instead wanted to spend yet another night in Rovaniemi. The best decision we could take. Saturday was the weather bomb - in the morning while -5 ° C, but sun and clear blue sky. Get out into nature. We rented a car and are in the driven about 130km north of Rovaniemi (ie in the Arctic ) located Pyhä-Luosto National Park. But the outward journey has already provided one highlight after another. The view was impressive all the time, and not to forget the reindeer that were in our Empfangskommitee entrance to the park. In the park itself, we are rumgewandert a bit until the sun went down. The ascent proved more difficult than expected, so we have unfortunately not quite manage on the mountain, but we still had a really great views of the surrounding Lapland. On the way back there was still a great sunset to see what the day could not have ended better. Well, however, the auroras have been lacking - but you can not have everything;)
There then has snowed in the night from Saturday to Sunday, but not much. On Sunday morning we went to the Arktikum, the Arctic Museum in Rovaniemi. Very comprehensive and interesting. But too much to tell about it actually not. In the afternoon of 17 clock we went back to Jyvaskyla, another eight hours of driving, but who was definitely worth it.
Have my 550 photos from the weekend have a lot viewable reduced hopefully soon come to that from Nici and Andi. In addition, there're also some videos - I want to do more in the future.
But now enough of the Finnish whole last week has been left, like Russian, now will first rangeklotzt so I can receive in two weeks my visit with a clear conscience. Also has not yet announced a second visit, Eli and Maike come, even on my birthday, I am particularly happy:)
The first snow of Jyväskylä is announced for Friday:
cold And will be here either. Then it is probably more of a white instead of colorful Rovaniemi. Until then, a few rain-soaked gray days, but now here we are already used to.
The weather display to the right does not necessarily ... At least I think it's more of the 3 ° C instead of 11 ° C display;)
you I really do not torture each time with such a long posting, so there are now only a short interim report. Just come back from grilling feel me like a smoked salmon, but at the right (Canadian?) Barbeque belongs to the well. Just as many ash everywhere. A few photos to consider it too.
The weekend was again almost only long film evenings or nights, as there is not much more to report. This time we have Mel Gibson, Tarantino, Shrek and Moritz Bleibtreu seen, overall a pretty good mix.
Next time it will most likely tell you what to Lapland. On Wednesday there are way, snow and announced a few (negative) degrees, who would have thought it:)
So then, this is my last post for the time being is to be direct from Finland. As written, starting Sunday afternoon I'm back to be found in the home, just in time for Christmas. Then I will of course: Merry Christmas and a happy new year! Thank all our loyal readers for your interest. I hope that my posts at least a little what could give of my everyday life here. I for one had a great time with lots of great people and insane impressions (oh yeah, was the study also ok;)). Still looking for a travel destination: Finland is more than worth it. 
again because of the much-heralded Lapland, and I'm still overwhelmed. The long trip - twelve hours by train and five hours by car - have more than paid off for this magnificent landscape. Compared to the first trip in October we had of course been much more darkness. But even though (or rather say, because) the sun at midday on or has been destroyed, and the vieeel slower than it is in the southern intrinsically safe realms is accustomed, the days were actually mainly from solar to sub-programs, and from morning to afternoon at half past nine to three. Luckily it was cloudy rare. The whole thing then Lapland in a snowy landscape: endless expanses and small mountains, forests, semi-frozen lakes - just fantastic. After the previous long abstinence sun here in Jyväskylä was the sun, or what we have understood from her, so impressive. Especially on the five-hour return trip, we have seen the whole "routine" and are driven by a stunning backdrop to the next. It is therefore forgiven me also that, most of the over 100 pictures this time of sky, landscape and street - but I could not just leave and had to try to capture impressions. If you take the photos and the videos this time reflect, look at rest, which can perhaps understand to some extent. 
we come to Husky sled. We had been concerned that our Husky trip would fall into the water, but it was still all good. However, shortened because of the warm climate. An hour on the carriage was already an impressive experience. After that it was still a little leadership on the Husky Farm and lunch at the camp fire in a wooden hut. Of course, very touristy, but somehow belongs to us, after all tourists. 
Yes, that is the Rigabär is yes then the next turn and already overdue. Unfortunately, I let myself just from all the universities rather Achen stress and come to hardly do anything else, neither the pre-Christmas period can still enjoy the last few weeks right here. I hope that this will change next weekend, because by then everything has to be done, because we want to break again to Lapland and since then I will accept no more with unfinished assignments, but have completely finished with the university. So a few days work. However, it also seems to once again be the case that under time pressure Everything works better, at least I'm the first of three essays already written, so missing only two. If that is not motivation times. 
could After the first mulled wine at the Christmas market, but then I finally relax a bit. We have seen a lot, so probably, what should be seen in the old town there so ... The Bremen Town Musicians I liked best, haha. The Old Town in itself is really nice, there is somehow more lives than in Tallinn, where I felt like a giant museum. In Riga's old town, there are at every corner cozy cafes and restaurants - which incidentally also did well again to eat more or less reasonable prices that even we could afford. And thanks bisexual Latvian prices we have in a long time and again indulged myself in a bit of culture, we were at the movies, and even in the National Opera, the premiere of the Nutcracker, who would have thought! The performance was, we say, interesting ... What we got offered would probably be hailed not anywhere in the National Opera as high. But as the Anyway. 
The Pulla is baked (even several times), once it was original and once Korvapuusti Pulla (Engl. slaps) that were even better. Who the recipe will, simply contact me;) 
Already the weekend again - this is the last but not long ago. From Monday to Wednesday I was in any case visit Eli and Maike, it also snowed fairly orderly, and we had two beautiful days and on Tuesday evening, a fine double birthday party with Matt. A few party pictures are online . 
many great gifts I have received , with other news too good and what I believe a total of three Advent, a Moomin box for coffee and, and, and ... 
equipped with passport and visa, without the That `s nothing on the Russian border. There, even then it was also unexpectedly sc hnell it were controlled only about four or five times the passports and visas of various Russian customs officials, but a baggage check was fortunately spared us and we had to wait long for not actually . On the "other side" then we expected a completely different World: through the steady rain and muddy roads of broken Russian driving style, which is actually the exact opposite to the Finnish: hectic, chaotic and without regard to losses. Fortunately we had a Russian driver, who was familiar with it. So it went a bit by the Russian Pampa, until we at some point in the afternoon by St. Petersburg's suburbs with the Sowietbauten drove. Not pretty, especially in the rain. And that there gleamed and shone on every corner like in Las Vegas, it did not look necessarily better. We felt like in a science fiction movie. According to the suburbs, then came the turn of the Rush Hour in St. Petersburg, it was said, at least an hour through the slow traffic torment, until we finally reached our hotel around 16 clock. This was at least fairly central. And huge, with its determined kilometers (ungelogen!) programs it did not get the name of Hotel Moscow, probably for no reason. went Well, after checking in and a small break, then again go to the "original Russian" dinner. If we mean by "original Russian" tiny and cold portions, and a painful, tourist entertainment folklore show, it was perfect. Vodka of course there was, after all, one could then still take the show somehow. And after the few shots of vodka I could sleep in the super plush hotel bed. 
the next morning for an interesting breakfast (with salads, sausages, omelettes and cakes) we went to old Touristenbusgruppentradition (ätz!) go to Pushkin to the first attraction, the Catherine Palace (a detailed description of all sites I will spare everyone involved had better, I know not even what was actually was). It was actually quite impressive, just a huge palace with lots of gold and splendor. And - taddaa - the Amber Room . The latter was then compared to everything else not so spectacular. Well, followed then by bus back to town. Brief photo shoot at the famous Church of the Resurrection and then we had run until the evening. After the annoying bus ride was also necessary, and we explored the city on foot, despite the icy cold. bought first to find out about a souvenir bazaar and one or the other mandatory matryoshka , and then it went off. I could really enjoy (bring any valuables, just not go anywhere alone, watch out for pickpockets, ...) but not the walk, on the one hand because of the stories that had been hammered into us before the trip and secondly because of the stressful Russian big city mentality. Again, all hectic, fast, full of mad, bad air and unfriendly people. Once again the exact opposite to Finland:) Well, but we have the best of it and made the afternoon, just so moved to regain our way to the hotel. Fortunately, it successfully. And so we had the typical Russian Taxi (easy in any car can be, whether taxi enter or not, and there get where you want) saves. After a festive meal at McD (luckily right next to the hotel) there was still an evening cruise on the Neva, with Schampanskaya and tidy cold wind in their noses. And vodka was also on board. 
was as dangerous as you have heard before. After breakfast we were again typical tourist umhergekarrt by bus, three hours on a city tour along all the sights. Including the Aurora and a few other important places where I can not remember what it was all. Well. In the afternoon we have our "free time" spent in Hermitage and us two hours of acute devoted to sensory overload . Over 60,000 exhibits no wonder that the time was too short. But at least we have - albeit fast - seen a few Picassos and Monets. After that then the "rest" a little walk through the streets before we are with the deepest metro in the world went back to the hotel. That was quite an experience, on the escalator down one could see a pretty long time no end. In the evening we then conducted a pizza and a walk to heart. 
On Friday, we are three (Andi, Nici and myself) then gone off alone, without the group, which is also on the same day already gone back home. First up to the Christmas village, where we will be first against the biting cold with hats and gloves are armed. Moreover, even a trip to Santa's Post Office. We were but also served with Christmas stuff in October. So just a few photos at the Arctic Circle made before we moved back to Rovaniemi. On the way we passed a reindeer park, gabs since then, the next attraction - just reindeer. However, fenced off, which is not quite as authentic;) So: first over the fence, in which case Nici first loss (aufgeschrabbte Finge were reported r) (Nici Quote: "i ben verlezdd"): 
short term, we have then made a plan change, as we have from our Oulu deleted program and instead wanted to spend yet another night in Rovaniemi. The best decision we could take. Saturday was the weather bomb - in the morning while -5 ° C, but sun and clear blue sky. Get out into nature. We rented a car and are in the driven about 130km north of Rovaniemi (ie in the Arctic ) located Pyhä-Luosto National Park. But the outward journey has already provided one highlight after another. The view was impressive all the time, and not to forget the reindeer that were in our Empfangskommitee entrance to the park. In the park itself, we are rumgewandert a bit until the sun went down. The ascent proved more difficult than expected, so we have unfortunately not quite manage on the mountain, but we still had a really great views of the surrounding Lapland. On the way back there was still a great sunset to see what the day could not have ended better. Well, however, the auroras have been lacking - but you can not have everything;) 
