IFYE Program Newsletter

As you can see, there are many ways to greet someone in Finland. There are Terve, Heipa, Moi, Paiva, and many others. Terpa is a slang word that many teens use. It is a combination of the words Terve and Heipa.

I had the chance to spend 2 weeks of vacation however I chose. After spending 3 months in Finland and a week at 4-H camp, it was no problem finding something to do or a place to stay. I first stayed a few extra days with the family to spend some time with the daughter, who was an IFYE to the USA, and another IFYE here in Finland who also came and stayed for a few days. It was a small but nice reunion.

I then headed on a historical tour. There is actually not much actual Finnish history. Finland was first a part of Sweden, then it later became a part of Russia. It was not until 1917 that Finland declared its independence. This makes Finland even more interesting because both Sweden and Russia had much influence on the country. Some of these appear as architecture and others as lifestyles.

I first headed to Turku. This town is one of the oldest in Finland. It has many sites/sights including a castle and a 700-year-old church. The castle has been restored to look as it did throughout different time periods. In some rooms you could feel the history. When you are in the cold and dark dungeon you could begin to feel what the prisoners must have gone through, the torture and starvation. It was as if the walls were impenetrable by time, and that it was still the 1400's in the castle.

Then as you made your way to the ballroom, you could hear a faint tune being played. This was enough to get the imagination stirring. I could see how it was many years ago. The king was in his seat with others of high nobility sitting nearby. The dance floor was filled with people and the talking and carrying on was so loud one could barely hear the music. It took nearly an entire day to go through the castle, without taking time to look closely or read about many of the fine historical articles.

I also took the time to explore the city. The river that runs through the city was lined with large ships. Aboard these ships you could get a tasty snack or a meal, and if you choose, some of the ships were dinner cruises. On warm, sunny afternoons, the ships are quite crowded with local people talking of local sports teams and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Here in Turku, as in Helsinki, there is a large Swedish-speaking population. This means that all the street signs are in both languages and at almost any shop they speak both languages. Then it occurred to me: If you are working at most places in one of these cities, you also have to speak English because of all the tourists. Could you imagine having to speak three languages just to work at McDonald's?

Next, I was in Helsinki and visited with friends and was able to visit the fortress island of Suomenlinna.

This is an old fortification that is now used for housing. About 800 people live there on the island within the fortress. There are many shops and restaurants, all of which seem invisible except for the small sign that they can hang on their doors. They want the fortress to look as close to what it did many years ago. So they can change the inside but the outside has to stay untouched. Also in Helsinki are many art museums, on old

By the end of my vacation I was in need of a rest. I headed to my next family in the eastern half of Finland. There is Pertti, the father, who works on the farm. Seija, the mother, works as a bookkeeper for the church. Then there are the children. The two oldest are boys Sami (12), Vesa (9), and Anni (4). Here on the farm there is very little work to do and, with the rain having been falling for about 2 weeks, there is not much one can do except meet new people and see the local places of interest. Everyday Father and I begin about nine o'clock and return home at three. I have visited farms, vacation resorts, artisans, and butchers, and have done many things.

In the evenings I have been busy with the children. They love to play and so I have been trying to keep things interesting. We have done science experiments, played games and made drawings. Even Pertti and Seija sit down and join in these evening activities. The children have been quite interested in these things and as we do them we are all learning many new words. I learn the Finnish words and they learn the English words.

On Friday evenings we go to the local gym to play floorball. This is hockey without ice. You are just playing with shoes on, but it is harder than it seems. About halfway through a game I thought that I was having a heart attack.

Here in this small part of Finland there is also a local delicacy. It is called Kalakukko, which translates to "fish rooster." I guess this is a good example of things that do not mean the same when you translate them directly. Mother made two of them here at the house. First, rye dough is made and rolled out. Then in the center a large mound of small fish and pork is placed. The dough is then pulled up and over the top and pinched together to form one big loaf of bread. It is then placed into the oven for about 8 hours. When it comes out it is ready to eat. We had it for breakfast and it was very good. I know most of you are thinking that this wouldn't be good. I was thinking the same thing, but it is actually quite tasty.

I will soon be heading to the most northern parts of Finland. We will travel into Norway and visit the place where Santa Claus lives. The family is renting a motor home and we will spend a week driving and sightseeing.

Terpa,

David