Finnish experience

Sadly not only the Americans left the past week, but also whoever was left of my Erasmus friends. I don't like saying goodbye but it's one of those things you get used to if you have to do it often Luckaly it wasn't near as bad as when I had to leave America.
So because everyone left, the building where I live, Etappi, is pretty dead now. Other than 1 or 2 Chinese people and 2 French people, I'm the only foreigner left. There are some Finnish people living there, but not a whole lot. I reckon it'll become busier again mid July, when Pori jazz will start, because lots of people will need a room then. But, as I leave the 1st of July I won't be there then anymore.

For those who want some more information on Pori Jazz: http://www.porijazz.fi/en/frontpage

Yesterday we had a staff day, and we went to a cottage at the lake-side, surrounded by Finland’s most beautiful nature. Having/renting a cottage near the lake (or the sea I think) is actually really Finnish. Next weekend it's mid-summer, and most Finnish people will go to their cottage, enjoy their sauna's and jump in the lake afterwards.

I don't have a picture of the cottage itself, but picture something like this

When we got there we first had lunch. We had wraps and you could stuff 'm with whatever you wanted and it was really delicious! It had been such a long time since I ate that, so I was very happy. After we had a meeting, and once we were done with that we headed outside. A couple of us went canoeing but I just sat there and enjoyed the nature.
A little while later we went to the sauna. I had actually dreaded this moment somewhat. I enjoy the sauna, but this was going to be my first time with Finnish people only and I assumed we would all go naked (as we were girls only). Coming from a country where you cannot find a Dutch film without nudity in it you would think I wouldn't be so much of a prude about it, but I was honestly very nervous.
Turns out though that because the plan was to go swim in the lake after everyone went in bathing suit, so I stressed about nothing. The sauna was really nice, I think I'm getting used to it because I would've liked for it to be even hotter. When we were in the sauna for a little while we went to the lake.
Now this was a first for me. Not only had I never "dipped" myself in anything cold after the sauna, I had also never really swam in a lake. I assumed it was a cultural thing, but after talking to a friend I found out I was pretty much the only one who'd never swam in a lake before. I can't help but feel a little unease with it. There are fish there, and bugs, and I already leave the sea as soon as I see a fish. But, I got over myself and jumped in the lake. It was really cold, but really nice at the same time and I'm happy I did it.
Once we were done swimming and sauna-ing and all that good stuff, we went to sit by the fire and ate sweet buns. Janna and Annukka had actually made pulla-dough (my favorite!) and we wrapped it around a stick and roasted it. It was really a lot of fun and I'm very glad I went.

My time in Finland is drawing to an end! It's about that time where I try to fight the clock again and beat time. I don't really want to leave yet, but it is what it is. Now I'm going to try to make the very best of my last week and a half in Finland! My boyfriend is coming tomorrow and staying for mid-summer, so that is something to look forward to :)