Lapland- wednesday- snowmobile

Tuesday, 03.03 & Wednesday, 04.03

On Tuesday weren’t many happenings. We spent the day basically the same as the day before.

However, Wednesday was different. After the breakfast we got ready for the snowmobile ride. All the participants met in front of our cottage to go together to the snowmobile shop. Due to we were around 40 people it was a bit chaotic. After we got our clothes (helmet, gloves, overall and boots), we took of course some pictures. =)

The guides explained how to ride a snowmobile and how to slow it down. Rebecca, my German friend and I shared a snowmobile. She drove the way to the reindeer farm and I was the one who drove back. Unfortunately we couldn’t drive that fast since the two girls in front of us drove so slowly because they were scared. After the break in the reindeer farm, a hot chocolate and a doughnut we changed drivers and it was my turn.

I have to admit, it is amazing! I really loved it. The speed and the adrenalin kick were amazing!

Frozen, but still alive we came back to the cottage to have dinner and of course, a sauna.

Lapland-first day in levi

Monday, 02.03

After a very delicious breakfast (a lot of bread, cheese, jam, cornflakes, yoghurt and else), which was far too much, we decided to climb up the mountain and sledge down. We borrowed some sledges from our neighbours (without asking ^^) and went straight to the mountain. Fortunately there were stairs, which made the way up the hill quite easy. Twenty minutes after we reached the top of the hill. The view was breath taking. We tried to build a snowman, but the snow was too soft and dry. That is why we started with a snow fight. Out of breath and frozen we decided to sledge down.

I have to admit, I thought I was going to die. It was steeper then it seemed. To slow the sledge down was nearly impossible.

Fortunately everyone reached the end of the slope unhurt. As a reward we went back to the hotel and drank a hot chocolate followed by a hot sauna.

Of course in the evening was a big party in our cottage with all the participants, which means 60 people. It was much fun, but in my opinion too much alcohol was involved. Anyways, it was an amazing first day in Lapland, despite the fact that we didn’t see the Northern lights.

Lapland 28.2 - 7.3 _ Santa Claus village

Santa Claus Village

I did not realize before that I was on the north pole, or I should better say in the arctic circle. As soon as I became conscious about where I was, I felt like in a fairy-tale. While we were standing in line to take a picture with Santa, we talked nervously about what the whole week will be about.

Santa is a very friendly person. He really looks like the real one (of course I know that there is no real Santa), he spoke different languages, at least a few words and he told as to act well behaved for the next year. =)

But of course nothing is for free. The picture, which we took cost 40 Euros.

Bigger was the disappointment that we were not allowed to touch Santa’s reindeers without paying. A one kilometre ride cost 20 Euros, which is quite a lot. If I have it right in mind, no one of the group rode them.

After staying there for an hour and taking endless pictures we embarked again in the bus to drive to our final destination: the cottages in Levi!

Lapland 28.2 - 7.3 _ the journey

The journey

I was very curious about the whole trip. Because the way up to Lapland takes 12 hours by bus. When we met at 8 o clock at the cathedral, I was kind of nervous because I barely knew anyone. Luckily Francois and two other guys who I already knew participated as well.  After a short introduction of the ESN members we embarked the bus. I was going to sit 12 hours next to Tylor, a really nice guy from Canada. We first chatted a bit before everyone went mute and to a light sleep.

Unfortunately, a few guys were playing drinking games with beers. Due to the alcohol they started to lough lauder each time. At some point they had this amazing idea to perfom in the bus.

After a short dance session of Macarena, it went silent again in the bus. I wanted to sleep, but instead I really enjoyed the performance. The guys came approximately an hour later again up with another performance, in which I also participated.

The first short break took place around 1 am, the second around 5 am and the last one around 9.

When we arrived in front of the Santa Claus village I was so happy. Happy because we finally arrived and we were still alive.

food experience

Lunch

I have never had such a cheap and delicious salad! Not kidding. I usually eat salad and a piece of bread for lunch. All universities in Turku offer very cheap lunch. It is even possible to check out the weekly meal on the internet.

A normal portion, which means a large sized plate, 2 glasses and a small plate are available for 2.40 Euros. You can decide if you want two glasses of water, or one of water and one of either milk or juice.

The big plate is for warm dishes. Normally you have the choice between one to three meat dishes and one to two vegetarian. 

The salad buffet varies extremely from University to University. At Ruiskatu Campus they have for example just three choices while Educarium has about 6. Whatever, the salad is always fresh and good. The small plate is for salad, or if you want you can put it as well on the big plate.

Two weeks ago I didn’t know that if I take just a big plate full of salad without any main dishes, the meal costs only 1.60 Euro. What a bargain!

So whenever I can I am having lunch at one of the cafeterias =)