Monday, October 31, 2011

Hockey and biking


Took during my Sunday bike ride
 

Hi, all: I can't believe it, but the weather back home is colder than it is here in Finland. While we have enjoyed temperatures in the 40s and near 50 (which is actually very nice for this time of year), back in N.C., the weather has already dipped into the 30s!
The Rauma ice hockey arena

Figure skaters performed during time-outs
I will say that the wind here can make it seem colder than it is, and it can whip up at any time. I went bike riding Sunday, and by the harbor, the wind was pretty strong. I biked for an hour, and I really enjoyed it. It makes me more sympathetic to riders back home who don't have all the nice bike paths that we have here in Finland. I was also surprised at how many people were out walking, jogging and biking, when the temperature was 44 degrees. And most of those out and about were older people (even older than me -- ha, ha!). I know what you're thinking -- Pam, who is always cold, out bike riding in 44-degree weather?? Yes, it's true. The longer you're out in it, the more you get used to it. I actually like temps in the 40s now. Or, as we say in Europe, temps from 7 to 9 -- degrees Centigrade.

We went to our first hockey match this weekend with some friends. It was the big rivalry -- Rauma versus Pori. I'm happy to report that Rauma won 4-1. Hockey still isn't my favorite sport, but it was fairly entertaining. The best part was the figure skaters who performed during the time-outs. The arena was very nice and of course, was packed with local fans. 

Tom tried out the sauna this weekend, but I still haven't had any interest in sitting for 30 minutes in extreme heat and humidity. I know it's supposed to be good for your skin and all, but so far, the only time I've been in the sauna is to hang laundry. Yes, the sauna is multi-purpose.

I'm excited because we finally are going to Helsinki this coming weekend. The only time we have spent there is at the airport. We are staying at the Radisson Blu, near the town's only casino, so we will report back to Tom's poker buddies if we get brave enough to play.


Remind you of a certain movie?



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