step 2: get on train, find bed, turns out to be top bunk (making it difficult to get in and out without disturbing others), switch phone to gsm mode, wondering if i should just go to sleep?
step 3: found bar after walking through almost the length of the whole train (or at least that's what it felt like). Had a cider and a nice chat with a fellow musician and phd wannabe. Now another drink or to bed?
Is this an old folk's train? Nothing against them....but where are the young-ish people? I know i'm not that young, just asking for someone below, say, 50 to chat with?
step 4: back to "room", old lady in first bunk gently snoring, cute girl in second bunk reading, me in top bunk jaikuing. Train currently stopped at Seinäjoki station
step 7: walk 1.4km from train station to hotel, good morning exercise, unless i can find a bus. I knew i forgot to bring something - thermal pants...now my legs are going to freeze!
step 8: thanks to gps and a good sense of direction, i reached scandic in 15 minutes, helping a lost chinese couple on the way. Checked in early and managed to get the room already! Having stayed at scandic tampere many weeks, this almost feel home
Some snow came last night in Central Finland, too. Not much but at least it's making view bit lighter. I try to relax middle of super energic people...
Haha yesterday i watched some tv postcard from Finland and they showed Lordis restaurant in some town far up north...there was like tons of horor stuff there...the Fredi Kruger's knife glove too:)
I love the real time update but pls can you include photos? :)
step 9a: took 50 minutes to get everyone paid and suited up, and it's supposed to be a 2 hr excursion. So what, we see the cute huskies for only 20 minutes? :(
@cybette: Actually busses can be quite late here during winter due to road conditions and below-freezing weather doing damage to brakes etc. Not too fun to wait for a bus in the freeze. Did that a lot when I was a kid and had to travel more than 25 kilometers from the countryside to school (lower and upper secondary schools = grades 7 to 12).
OMG, driving a snowmobile, through the snow, over bumpy terrain, winding through trees, past vast stretches of nothingness....is so much fun! Too bad i couldn't take pictures (probably too dark anyway)
Everyone else went two to a snowmobile, taking turns to drive...i went the whole journey by myself, and i want more :) definitely worth every cent for this one
Oh cybette, seems that you have great x-mas... I like to be in north, well someone have to working trough holidays :( Its so unfear cause you have SNOW there.... and here isnt any :( Well, when you will meet santa ?
@jakes2 lol i will blush too. No barrel bath in scandic, only jacuzzi and at extra cost (part of a private sauna area) - think i'll skip that and just go for regular sauna
when i stepped into the sauna and saw a pair of boobs staring back at me, it occurred to me that this is the first time i'm in a sauna with women! i'm not used to seeing naked women!
<rant>i like occasional chats in saunas, everyone's relaxed and guards are down and sometimes you learn something interesting about your companions. but these two women speaking spanish will not STFU. there wasn't a single second of silence as far as i can recall... and about 1/3 of the time, they were both talking at the same time! not a very relaxing sauna for me today...</rant>
step 14: sipping tea in hotel room and chatting with my sister online (cheers for free wlan access). was planning to go for dinner but restaurants fully booked, so have to wait until later. hope they still have reindeer left
step 16: ordered a reindeer steak and a glass of Villa Vistarenni Chianti. Let's see if it's rudolf or.... Dinner was delayed further by phone call from a coworker and we chatted for quite a while...i think he likes me :)
Don't know if it's because i'm hungry, or it's xmas eve...but the reindeer steak is exceptionally good. Tender and juicy, must be rudolf's offsprings ;) to me reindeer taste like beef-lite with a dash of deer. The chianti goes really well with it too
This trip is a gift to myself, and i'm enjoying every minute of it. It's weird, i thought i'd feel lonely, but i'm really at peace for the first time in a very long time. Don't get me wrong, i still want adventures and excitement, and ...
goodness knows i've had a lot this year. It's time to give myself a little pat on the back, take a small break, and jump back on the roller coaster of life in 2008!
step 19: it's 3am, i'm pooped. thanks to every single one of you who's made my christmas special. tomorrow i'll tell santa that ya'll have been wonderful boys and girls :)
drink his blood and bring back a liter to tampere, i'm convinced it holds magical powers such as the secrets to quantum mechanics. how else does he visit 6+ billion people in 48 hours?! he controls the atoms and doesn't share his secrets, he must due.
So many kids on bus, gonna have to fight them for santa's lap (and blood?!), should have drank more coffee for energy, these little bastards are so energetic
step 27: another round of snowmobiling, it was fun, but i wish we can go more freely instead of "follow the leader", but i guess that's not for everyone. If i'm in rovaniemi/lapland again, i'm going for a private snowmobile session
step 28: made stomach happy, nothing too fancy or traditional, just some meat and vegetable stew, fish something or other, potatoes, tomato soup, and more coffee
Hmm, i planned to go to lordi's rocktaurant for drinks / a bite to eat but turns out they are closed today! Pirita, jarko, any other suggestions? Some place between scandic and the rautatieasema will be best
Carol, thank you for sharing your x-mas trip with us. It has been warming my mind here at work. I only can dream how nice time you have had there in middle of snow and Im really jealous, you have met SANTA....
@kapu actually, it feels like you guys have been on the trip with me, sharing your comments and ideas! So thanks to all of you too. Don't worry, santa is here waiting for your visit ;)
step 33: found my room, it's a 2 person cabin, but the train has started moving and i'm the only one here. Alright! Now to look for bar car (is that what it's called?)
step 36: i thought i saw the clock at 3.33, and then i blinked & it said 5.33 & the train has stopped moving. Jumped up, got dressed & hopped off the train before my trip ends up in helsinki. Half ran to the keskustori & got on this bus with 2 min to spare
@jkniiv: not exactly, i was just thinking i'd be home around 6:30, not realizing that bus journeys at this time of the day are shorter. there were only 2 passengers on the bus so it barely made any stops except perhaps at a couple of lights
epilogue (after wolfing down a bowl of noodles upon reaching home):
thanks to all of you who have "traveled" along with me on this trip - whether with your funny comments, wonderful suggestions, or just patiently listening (reading) - you have indeed made it even more special.
thanks to the hardworking guides at Lapin Safarit as well as hotel and service establishments who have to work over the holidays so that the rest of us can have fun.
thanks to myself for not backing out of the trip at the last minute, when things didn't quite fall into place, activities not confirmed, and even lacking a place to stay for the night.
just one little regret - that i did not get to see the revontulet (northern lights). but i know i'll be back soon, hopefully even further north.
btw, this is officially my first white christmas in my 32 years of existence! it wouldn't have happened if i stayed in tampere... i would have to wait another year. so glad i made the trip!
@cybette: Nice! Yeah, I'm used to (and prefer) having white Christmases, so I'm glad we went to my parents' in Iowa for this year, since there wasn't any snow around here (I'm back home in the Chicago area already). Perhaps one of these times I'll visit somewhere warm for Christmas, like Australia, just to have the experience. :)
@jezlyn It is really wierd spending Crimbo in the Southern hemisphere. Hot and sweaty Santa's, beaches and BBQ's. Even after 6 years we haven't really gotten used to it and pine for cold, snowy (well English soggy dampness) at this time of year.
The biggies are i) doing Chirstmas shopping in the evenings after work and it being light and ii) tossing up the whole "it's too hot for a roast turkey" thing.
having lived 14+ years in singapore, i have had enough of warm, or rather HOT, christmases! pity those poor guys who have to dress up as santa in hot and humid singapore. when i moved to dallas, i was glad to have cold christmases at last, but it never snowed on that day while i was living there.
@barneyc: Well, I spent a couple Christmases in the Philippines when I was younger, so I guess I have experienced tropical Christmases. At the time, even though I knew about snowy Christmases, I was happy to take part in the Filipino traditions for Christmas -- fireworks (smoky and loud!), hot chocolate, midnight celebrations after going to church, etc. They were different and new, so it was fun to experience as a kid. :)
@pirita: My family moved there for a few years when I was around 6 (my parents are Filipino, I was born in the US, in Iowa). I went to school there for 3rd and 4th grade, but then we moved back to the US. I learned a lot about Filipino culture while we were there. Unfortunately I haven't been back there since. It's quite a long flight there, and expensive!
@jezlyn, I think I told this before but anyway, I spent summer 2002 in Manila doing an internship at the Embassy of Finland. I also went to Cebu, Kidapawan and Davao in Mindanao, Apo Island, Boracay etc...I absolutely loved the country and the people!
@pirita: I vaguely remember something about your time in the Philippines. I'm glad to hear you had a great time! :) I would like to go back someday, especially now that I'm grown up and can appreciate the visit more.
@cybette: so... you have to live another 32 years in white-christmas-land - just to compensate lack of snow for 32 years? and, probably you know that nordic people have aplenty words for snow, in every another condition? and... no more rude jokes from donteatyellowsnow pool ;)
I just love that classic bit where he says "I'm not stuck in here with all of you.... you're stuck in here with me!!" brilliant writing by Moore once again. Oh I sound like such a nerd right now hehe :)
Who could play Rorschach and do him justice though? A film would be interesting but I can't help thinking they would really screw it up. I dunno maybe not
218 comments so far
step 0: frantic last minute packing (nothing new here)
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 1: hopped on bus heading towards train station.
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
At rautatieasema, 40 minutes ahead of time, but better early than late, since late (for train) = never ...
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
How many steps do you have left? :)
1 year, 11 months ago by lemonad
Lol, i don't know, i'm just planning to record every step of the way, whether it be mundane or exciting!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 2: get in the train? or is it have drink at the station enjoying the feeling being on a trip again?
1 year, 11 months ago by TheBlueNile
Old man on bench with a bloody eye (not bloodshot, but
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
bloody, as in blood dripping...) and he's just chatting with a couple other old bums like nothing's amiss
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
@thebluenile train's not here yet, stores closed, no drinks :P
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
No bars open? Well, you can satisfy your thirst at the bar car in the train. If you are thirsty that is..:)
1 year, 11 months ago by TheBlueNile
step 2: get on train, find bed, turns out to be top bunk (making it difficult to get in and out without disturbing others), switch phone to gsm mode, wondering if i should just go to sleep?
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Hmmm need to find bar, but old lady in bottom bunk already sleeping...
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
@cybette: your need for alcohol out weighs her need to sleep. :-)
1 year, 11 months ago by CaffeineJunky
@cybette have a great adventure!
1 year, 11 months ago by silversurfer
@cybette you have your priorities straight! have fun!
1 year, 11 months ago by chibbigirl
Try the dual mode, you might supprised. In Roi we get 3G too
1 year, 11 months ago by jakeS2
Hah, like people in trains care, just mess around as much you like..
1 year, 11 months ago by jakeS2
So, what did you order?..:-)
1 year, 11 months ago by TheBlueNile
Hope you have a great trip! Now, go satisfy your thirst ;)
1 year, 11 months ago by angelmartinez
step 3: found bar after walking through almost the length of the whole train (or at least that's what it felt like). Had a cider and a nice chat with a fellow musician and phd wannabe. Now another drink or to bed?
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
follow your heart :-)
1 year, 11 months ago by silversurfer
Drink? The atmosphere in rest car gets better the later it gets...
1 year, 11 months ago by jakeS2
@jakes2 will switch to dual mode in Roi. Too much 2G-3G handovers along the way, a battery killer.
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Drink and keep chatting with that guy!
1 year, 11 months ago by chibbigirl
Crappy modem/technology ;)
1 year, 11 months ago by jakeS2
not closing time yet
1 year, 11 months ago by silversurfer
@chibbigirl he wanted to go to bed! I must have bored him to sleep :P
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
He did have his toothbrush and toothpaste along with him though, so he was probably planning to sleep soon. Oh well....next!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
he showed you his toothbrush? gross
1 year, 11 months ago by silversurfer
Is this an old folk's train? Nothing against them....but where are the young-ish people? I know i'm not that young, just asking for someone below, say, 50 to chat with?
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Hahhah, pensioner xpress! ;)
1 year, 11 months ago by jakeS2
@cybette roll with it, you may have more fun when you get there...
1 year, 11 months ago by silversurfer
step 4: back to "room", old lady in first bunk gently snoring, cute girl in second bunk reading, me in top bunk jaikuing. Train currently stopped at Seinäjoki station
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Welcome to Lapland girl!
1 year, 11 months ago by pirita
You could have a go with the cute girl?
1 year, 11 months ago by TheBlueNile
I guess i'll wait for pirita ;)
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Lol...I'm still faraway...
1 year, 11 months ago by pirita
No no, start already with the cute girl..:-)
1 year, 11 months ago by TheBlueNile
step 5: time for beauty sleep. Need to conserve energy for the next 2 days anyway. Good night all, see you in rovaniemi!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
journey will in dream land :)
1 year, 11 months ago by geovoltoss
Pirita, you must take C to lapinkaste and upload the pics to flickr.. They still do it, right?
1 year, 11 months ago by jakeS2
Good night!
1 year, 11 months ago by TheBlueNile
Jake, pirit is in Inari, much much further north...
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
@cybette: Nice that you're keeping us posted about your "exploits", haha. Ok, I need to get to sleep, too. Wish you a safe trip!
1 year, 11 months ago by jkniiv
step 6: trying to wake up. Sleep was ok, not the best. First time on an overnight train, love the rocking of train in motion
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 7: walk 1.4km from train station to hotel, good morning exercise, unless i can find a bus. I knew i forgot to bring something - thermal pants...now my legs are going to freeze!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
btw, it's not snowing, but there's snow on the ground, crossing my fingers that it'll stay
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Try an extra pair of big logalers
1 year, 11 months ago by barneyc
T9 failure should have said knickers although logalers sounds more interesting
1 year, 11 months ago by barneyc
step 8: thanks to gps and a good sense of direction, i reached scandic in 15 minutes, helping a lost chinese couple on the way. Checked in early and managed to get the room already! Having stayed at scandic tampere many weeks, this almost feel home
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
logalers...lol, i'll see if i can find some of those around
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
whee with my hilton honor's card i got a 14€ voucher... Dinner is taken care of!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Some snow came last night in Central Finland, too. Not much but at least it's making view bit lighter. I try to relax middle of super energic people...
1 year, 11 months ago by map
step 9: on my way to visit a local husky musher's camp!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
this is so fun to read!
1 year, 11 months ago by constantine
Bus to pick me up is 15 min late...so not finnish :P
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
There's a Lordi's Rocktaurant right across the hotel, wonder if they'll have some live music there tonight?
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Haha yesterday i watched some tv postcard from Finland and they showed Lordis restaurant in some town far up north...there was like tons of horor stuff there...the Fredi Kruger's knife glove too:) I love the real time update but pls can you include photos? :)
1 year, 11 months ago by Nokian
@nokian i'm using my panasonic fz20, no direct upload, i'll probably do that tonight :)
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 9a: took 50 minutes to get everyone paid and suited up, and it's supposed to be a 2 hr excursion. So what, we see the cute huskies for only 20 minutes? :(
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
@cybette: Actually busses can be quite late here during winter due to road conditions and below-freezing weather doing damage to brakes etc. Not too fun to wait for a bus in the freeze. Did that a lot when I was a kid and had to travel more than 25 kilometers from the countryside to school (lower and upper secondary schools = grades 7 to 12).
1 year, 11 months ago by jkniiv
@cybette: 2 h - 2 x 50 min = 20 min? 50 minutes to get de-suited, too? lol
1 year, 11 months ago by jkniiv
... and money paid back? Probably not...
1 year, 11 months ago by map
Maybe, but the live place is 'tivoli'..
1 year, 11 months ago by jakeS2
step 10: experienced a sleigh ride with the huskies, drank hot berry juice while hearing about the live of a husky
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
@jkniiv there's also time taken to and from the camp! It was a nice expereience, but probably a little overpriced
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 11: going for a snowmobile safari, it's 2 in the afternoon and already getting dark!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
I love the way most finns shake hands, both men and women - firm and strong
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
OMG, driving a snowmobile, through the snow, over bumpy terrain, winding through trees, past vast stretches of nothingness....is so much fun! Too bad i couldn't take pictures (probably too dark anyway)
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Everyone else went two to a snowmobile, taking turns to drive...i went the whole journey by myself, and i want more :) definitely worth every cent for this one
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
We went faster and bumpier towards the end, if only i didn't have the urge to pee, i'd have enjoyed it so much more :P (still was great fun though)
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Hmmm some guy is hurt, strained his leg or something, his face twisted with pain.
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 12: heading back to base to desuit and then back to hotel
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Snowmobiles are one of the things I miss most from Lapland..
1 year, 11 months ago by jakeS2
And it reminded me how much i miss driving :(
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Oh cybette, seems that you have great x-mas... I like to be in north, well someone have to working trough holidays :( Its so unfear cause you have SNOW there.... and here isnt any :( Well, when you will meet santa ?
1 year, 11 months ago by Kapu
Santa will blush when C sits on his lap ;)
1 year, 11 months ago by jakeS2
@kapu working through the hols? That sucks... Hyvää joulua nonetheless, i will have some fun on your behalf :) i'm meeting santa tomorrow!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
I am jolly and can put on a red suit LOL
1 year, 11 months ago by geovoltoss
@jakes2 lol i will blush too. No barrel bath in scandic, only jacuzzi and at extra cost (part of a private sauna area) - think i'll skip that and just go for regular sauna
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
@geovoltoss but you are so far away
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 13: sauna
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
just my luck too LOL
1 year, 11 months ago by geovoltoss
Höh. No need to go to Scanic in Roi.. That thing was highlight of such events.. With the right company, of course.
1 year, 11 months ago by jakeS2
Ah ok i thought it was something they had in scandic, the way you mentioned it. Anyway, sauna's calling!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Sleepy after sauna, forgot which step it is already
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
when i stepped into the sauna and saw a pair of boobs staring back at me, it occurred to me that this is the first time i'm in a sauna with women! i'm not used to seeing naked women!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
<rant>i like occasional chats in saunas, everyone's relaxed and guards are down and sometimes you learn something interesting about your companions. but these two women speaking spanish will not STFU. there wasn't a single second of silence as far as i can recall... and about 1/3 of the time, they were both talking at the same time! not a very relaxing sauna for me today...</rant>
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 14: sipping tea in hotel room and chatting with my sister online (cheers for free wlan access). was planning to go for dinner but restaurants fully booked, so have to wait until later. hope they still have reindeer left
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Reindeers are busy tonight!
1 year, 11 months ago by map
lol @map of course.... but maybe there are some retired reindeers? :P
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 15: uploaded a couple of pics for now, and also a video. going to take a short nap. sauna and tea calming me down tooooo much
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Ahh! Your gonna eat rudolph! Or his ancestor... Lol... ;-)
1 year, 11 months ago by shika
I've enjoyed every food item I've tried in Finland EXCEPT reindeer. Ack. Sorry!
@cybette, sounds like a wonderful adventure so far!
1 year, 11 months ago by Texrat
I think the reindeer are busy hiding!
1 year, 11 months ago by chibbigirl
I am jealous as hell of your northerly excursion. Have more fun and try to remain conscious crimbo day ;o)
1 year, 11 months ago by barneyc
step 16: ordered a reindeer steak and a glass of Villa Vistarenni Chianti. Let's see if it's rudolf or.... Dinner was delayed further by phone call from a coworker and we chatted for quite a while...i think he likes me :)
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
@cybette how exotic
1 year, 11 months ago by silversurfer
Don't know if it's because i'm hungry, or it's xmas eve...but the reindeer steak is exceptionally good. Tender and juicy, must be rudolf's offsprings ;) to me reindeer taste like beef-lite with a dash of deer. The chianti goes really well with it too
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
My third reindeer meal in finland and by far the best. First two were in helsinki, nov04 and feb06
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
how long you staying up north?
1 year, 11 months ago by constantine
@constantine just 2 days, leaving tomorrow night and back in tampere early wed morning, back to work on thurs
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
one hour and 10 minutes until xmas in Finland, stalking the chimney for Santa?
1 year, 11 months ago by constantine
We got our presents already..:)
1 year, 11 months ago by TheBlueNile
In Finland Santa comes from door at Xmas eve evening, not from chimeny at night. We have open presents few hours ago.
1 year, 11 months ago by map
This trip is a gift to myself, and i'm enjoying every minute of it. It's weird, i thought i'd feel lonely, but i'm really at peace for the first time in a very long time. Don't get me wrong, i still want adventures and excitement, and ...
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
goodness knows i've had a lot this year. It's time to give myself a little pat on the back, take a small break, and jump back on the roller coaster of life in 2008!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 17: in hotel lounge, reindeer in stomach, drink in hand, feeling content
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Honey, it seems you have found something of Xmas spirit up there! Hugs and good night!
1 year, 11 months ago by map
Thanks minna, cheers!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
@cybette reindeer carnivore :-)
1 year, 11 months ago by silversurfer
step 18: lying in bed with my trusted companions, hands full with texting, chatting and jaikuing. Party on!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
texts from asia are starting to come in! they either don't have sense of time zones, or they know me well enough to know i'm still awake :P
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 19: it's 3am, i'm pooped. thanks to every single one of you who's made my christmas special. tomorrow i'll tell santa that ya'll have been wonderful boys and girls :)
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
@cybette take care and have a good one :)
1 year, 11 months ago by geovoltoss
step 20: trying to move my lazy ass out of bed. Help. Left eye refuses to open
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Don't you like ever sleep?
1 year, 11 months ago by jakeS2
Depends... I usually sleep little on weekdays (and on trips) and make it up on the weekends
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 21: left eye now open, downloading top gear for train ride back tonight, listening to tarja's My Winter Storm, jumping into the shower
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
701MB! this might take a while... <3 heated bathroom floors in scandic
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 22: enjoying nice buffet breakfast with fresh strong coffee. No mustamakkara at this scandic though
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 23: checked out of hotel after some last minute franctic packing (hmmm sounds familiar), and now for santa claus safari!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
you're not going to shoot santa are you?!
1 year, 11 months ago by constantine
If i can shoot him, then he must be real!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
drink his blood and bring back a liter to tampere, i'm convinced it holds magical powers such as the secrets to quantum mechanics. how else does he visit 6+ billion people in 48 hours?! he controls the atoms and doesn't share his secrets, he must due.
1 year, 11 months ago by constantine
Huh!
1 year, 11 months ago by jakeS2
03:30 in the states, my clock is 110% messed up, don't worry about me :-)
1 year, 11 months ago by constantine
So many kids on bus, gonna have to fight them for santa's lap (and blood?!), should have drank more coffee for energy, these little bastards are so energetic
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 23a: only 40 minutes to get everyone suited up today...heading towards napapiiri!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
LOL I laughed when I read about hunting Santa; it's what went through my mind when I read about you eating reindeer and when you mentioned a Pantr
1 year, 11 months ago by Philhellene
Pantr should read Santa safari.
1 year, 11 months ago by Philhellene
step 24: hunting santa comes later, i've just had lapinkaste! Got my reindeer marks too!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Yeaaahh! That's my girl!
1 year, 11 months ago by jakeS2
step 25: reindeer sleigh ride
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 26: private time with santa...or was it an illusion?
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
no comment LOL
1 year, 11 months ago by geovoltoss
This thread is the best! Did you get your lapinkaste from a dirty man wearing a fake Saami/Lappish costume? :(
1 year, 11 months ago by pirita
What happened in that room is between santa and me only ;)
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
ummmmmm ;) lol
1 year, 11 months ago by geovoltoss
@pirita he wasn't dirty but i guess the costume looked kinda fake. Will upload pics later and you can confirm for me!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 27: another round of snowmobiling, it was fun, but i wish we can go more freely instead of "follow the leader", but i guess that's not for everyone. If i'm in rovaniemi/lapland again, i'm going for a private snowmobile session
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Nothing beats freeriding with good snowmobile!
1 year, 11 months ago by jakeS2
You should come here...three snowmobiles outside the house free to use anytime!
1 year, 11 months ago by pirita
i want to be #3!
1 year, 11 months ago by constantine
@pirita one of these days i'll make it up to Inari
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 28: made stomach happy, nothing too fancy or traditional, just some meat and vegetable stew, fish something or other, potatoes, tomato soup, and more coffee
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Lol Stefan. Maybe one of these days
1 year, 11 months ago by pirita
step 29: santa's village, joulupukin pääposti, kymmenen postikortit sent
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
IT'S SNOWING!!!!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Hmm, i planned to go to lordi's rocktaurant for drinks / a bite to eat but turns out they are closed today! Pirita, jarko, any other suggestions? Some place between scandic and the rautatieasema will be best
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Its like I am reading a tale of epic porportions! glad you are having fun!
1 year, 11 months ago by chibbigirl
Carol, thank you for sharing your x-mas trip with us. It has been warming my mind here at work. I only can dream how nice time you have had there in middle of snow and Im really jealous, you have met SANTA....
1 year, 11 months ago by Kapu
@cybette: What is your train schedule for tonight?
1 year, 11 months ago by map
@kapu actually, it feels like you guys have been on the trip with me, sharing your comments and ideas! So thanks to all of you too. Don't worry, santa is here waiting for your visit ;)
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
@map train leaves Roi around 21, reach Tampere before 6am i think... Forgot to check the bus schedule but i think i have a night bus home from station
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 30: walked around the neighbourhood, ended up in oluthuone (beer room) - can't go too wrong with a name like that, eh?
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Have a safe trip home! Note, Sun schedules for buses.
1 year, 11 months ago by map
Thanks for the reminder minna!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 31: my sister called and we talked for about half an hour, now my christmas is complete :)
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 32: retrieved luggage from hotel, walking towards train station, almost there. Bye rovaniemi, thanks for an unforgettable christmas
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
priceless
1 year, 11 months ago by silversurfer
agreed @siliversurfer
1 year, 11 months ago by geovoltoss
step 33: found my room, it's a 2 person cabin, but the train has started moving and i'm the only one here. Alright! Now to look for bar car (is that what it's called?)
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Oh forgot, the person might come up on another station along the way. Silly me.
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
I think it's called restaurant car. (But don't test food if you don't need to.)
1 year, 11 months ago by map
Haha ok, i asked the conductor about "baari" and he gave me a questioning look like "are you an alcoholic?"
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
someone asked me that and i said "no I am not a alcoholic, just a heavy drinker" LOL
1 year, 11 months ago by geovoltoss
step 34: in "restaurant car" having a gin long drink
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
I could go for a good cognac right now
1 year, 11 months ago by geovoltoss
it is 'lonkku' ;)
1 year, 11 months ago by jakeS2
"maybe i'll see you back here in spring". Maybe...
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Ah ok, adding that to my drink vocabulary of olut, siideri, ja viini
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Nobody is particularly talkative tonight (actually neither am i)
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
I still here will talk about anything
1 year, 11 months ago by geovoltoss
As are i
1 year, 11 months ago by edythemighty
Lol i meant on the train, but thanks guys :-)
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 35: zzz listening to scar symmetry (plus someone complaining i jaiku too much ;-))
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Thank you for making report from your trip to Rollo (as locals call the Rovaniemi). It was fun to read. ,)
1 year, 11 months ago by triks
Silent night.. christmas night.. could it be the reason?
1 year, 11 months ago by jakeS2
Rollo roxx! Alhough I had to relocate in 1999..
1 year, 11 months ago by jakeS2
@carol, you walked to the train station? Brave!
1 year, 11 months ago by pirita
(can i speak now?) @triks i'm glad i was able to entertain some of you :-) @pirita brave? Why? Is it dangerous to walk alone in Rollo?
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
it's dangerous to walk anywhere down the street
1 year, 11 months ago by geovoltoss
But finland is a relatively safe place...
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
sadly to say it's not here
1 year, 11 months ago by geovoltoss
step 35a: switched to diablo, not quite sleep inducing music either, but in a strange mood. Maybe lauri tähkä later
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
almost like coming along with you cybette :)
1 year, 11 months ago by geovoltoss
That's the idea!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
What an entertaining thread! Thanks Carol for reporting about your trip. I'm sure Santa won't forget your visit at his workshop ever. :)
1 year, 11 months ago by jkniiv
step 36: i thought i saw the clock at 3.33, and then i blinked & it said 5.33 & the train has stopped moving. Jumped up, got dressed & hopped off the train before my trip ends up in helsinki. Half ran to the keskustori & got on this bus with 2 min to spare
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
Tampere, wet tampere... where's the snow?
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
step 37: bus hauled ass and got here in record time, i'm home 10 min ahead of schedule
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
@cybette: lol You had a schedule for your last etage?
1 year, 11 months ago by jkniiv
@jkniiv: not exactly, i was just thinking i'd be home around 6:30, not realizing that bus journeys at this time of the day are shorter. there were only 2 passengers on the bus so it barely made any stops except perhaps at a couple of lights
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
epilogue (after wolfing down a bowl of noodles upon reaching home):
thanks to all of you who have "traveled" along with me on this trip - whether with your funny comments, wonderful suggestions, or just patiently listening (reading) - you have indeed made it even more special.
thanks to the hardworking guides at Lapin Safarit as well as hotel and service establishments who have to work over the holidays so that the rest of us can have fun.
thanks to myself for not backing out of the trip at the last minute, when things didn't quite fall into place, activities not confirmed, and even lacking a place to stay for the night.
just one little regret - that i did not get to see the revontulet (northern lights). but i know i'll be back soon, hopefully even further north.
Merry Christmas 2007 everyone.
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
btw, this is officially my first white christmas in my 32 years of existence! it wouldn't have happened if i stayed in tampere... i would have to wait another year. so glad i made the trip!
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
@cybette: Nice! Yeah, I'm used to (and prefer) having white Christmases, so I'm glad we went to my parents' in Iowa for this year, since there wasn't any snow around here (I'm back home in the Chicago area already). Perhaps one of these times I'll visit somewhere warm for Christmas, like Australia, just to have the experience. :)
1 year, 11 months ago by jezlyn
@jezlyn It is really wierd spending Crimbo in the Southern hemisphere. Hot and sweaty Santa's, beaches and BBQ's. Even after 6 years we haven't really gotten used to it and pine for cold, snowy (well English soggy dampness) at this time of year.
The biggies are i) doing Chirstmas shopping in the evenings after work and it being light and ii) tossing up the whole "it's too hot for a roast turkey" thing.
1 year, 11 months ago by barneyc
@cybette: brave because it is a long walk!
1 year, 11 months ago by pirita
@pirita ah ok, it wasn't that bad, i just had a small rolling luggage with me. hmm i wonder if they rent snowmobiles to drive around rovaniemi :P
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
having lived 14+ years in singapore, i have had enough of warm, or rather HOT, christmases! pity those poor guys who have to dress up as santa in hot and humid singapore. when i moved to dallas, i was glad to have cold christmases at last, but it never snowed on that day while i was living there.
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
@barneyc: Well, I spent a couple Christmases in the Philippines when I was younger, so I guess I have experienced tropical Christmases. At the time, even though I knew about snowy Christmases, I was happy to take part in the Filipino traditions for Christmas -- fireworks (smoky and loud!), hot chocolate, midnight celebrations after going to church, etc. They were different and new, so it was fun to experience as a kid. :)
1 year, 11 months ago by jezlyn
@jezlyn, why were you in the Philippines?
1 year, 11 months ago by pirita
@pirita: My family moved there for a few years when I was around 6 (my parents are Filipino, I was born in the US, in Iowa). I went to school there for 3rd and 4th grade, but then we moved back to the US. I learned a lot about Filipino culture while we were there. Unfortunately I haven't been back there since. It's quite a long flight there, and expensive!
1 year, 11 months ago by jezlyn
@jezlyn, I think I told this before but anyway, I spent summer 2002 in Manila doing an internship at the Embassy of Finland. I also went to Cebu, Kidapawan and Davao in Mindanao, Apo Island, Boracay etc...I absolutely loved the country and the people!
1 year, 11 months ago by pirita
@pirita: I vaguely remember something about your time in the Philippines. I'm glad to hear you had a great time! :) I would like to go back someday, especially now that I'm grown up and can appreciate the visit more.
1 year, 11 months ago by jezlyn
@cybette: so... you have to live another 32 years in white-christmas-land - just to compensate lack of snow for 32 years? and, probably you know that nordic people have aplenty words for snow, in every another condition? and... no more rude jokes from donteatyellowsnow pool ;)
1 year, 11 months ago by silpol
@silpol: haha, not sure about another 32 years, maybe by then i'll be off to another planet where the weather conditions are totally different ;)
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
@cybette don't even start about Mars...
1 year, 11 months ago by silversurfer
@silversurfer i think i'll start with jupiter. might as well go for the biggest (at least in the solar system)
1 year, 11 months ago by cybette
@cybette an excellent time to re-read The Watchmen (Alan Moore) Dr. Manhattan, Mars, etc
1 year, 11 months ago by silversurfer
It's always a good time to re-read the Watchmen, absolute classic. Rorschach rules ;)
1 year, 11 months ago by dantheman
The Rorschach mask/hat/trenchcoat would be my ultimate costume btw...
1 year, 11 months ago by silversurfer
and gloves, sorry, forgot the gloves
1 year, 11 months ago by silversurfer
I just love that classic bit where he says "I'm not stuck in here with all of you.... you're stuck in here with me!!" brilliant writing by Moore once again. Oh I sound like such a nerd right now hehe :)
1 year, 11 months ago by dantheman
Seriously I wish Warner Bros would stop debating the Watchmen movie and just do it (make a trilogy, whatever)
1 year, 11 months ago by silversurfer
Who could play Rorschach and do him justice though? A film would be interesting but I can't help thinking they would really screw it up. I dunno maybe not
1 year, 11 months ago by dantheman
well it's understood they duly screwed up the The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, but I'll take whatever they come with...
1 year, 11 months ago by silversurfer