...are we there yet?!

I'm here!!!!!

ok, quick flashback. On Sunday, (was it Sunday?) I flew to Washington, DC where for a YFU (Youth for Understanding) orientation. We sat through meetings, learned a little bit of Finnish, and I was able to meet the thirteen other students who are going to Finland through the same scholarship. Learned names, and made friends. There are people from all over America--from New Jersey to California to Hawaii to Michigan.

The next day, I guess it was Tuesday, we went to the capitol to meet our senators (or, rather, people who worked in the office with the Senators). So, I got to see the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the Supreme Court and the tip of the Washington Monument and the National Cathedral. Later that day, our group visited the Finnish Embassy for about four hours to learn about the history and culture of Finland. That evening, we were invited to the residence of the Finnish Ambassador for a dinner to celebrate our departure. It was my first experience with Finnish food. Although there was no reindeer on the menu, there were plenty of potatoes )boiled, in a gratin, in a salad, etc etc), as well as a beautiful and delicious strawberry cake.

Then, Wednesday morning, we took off from the Washington Dulles International Airport. The flight was as good as flights can be, I guess. And, finally, we arrived at the Helsinki Airport on Thursday, and took a two or three hour bus ride to Turku, the ancient capital of Finland. (I don't know how long the trip really was, since I was asleep for all of it.)

Soo......I'M HERE! We ate dinner on Thursday at a Mexican restaurant, which I found extremely ironic. That was yesterday. Today, we had to sit through more orientations, learn more Finnish, and figure out what to do and what not to do when we're with our host familites.

But, we did get to explore the city a little bit, and it's absolutely gorgeous. I wish I could send you the breeze and the scent of the strawberries in the marketplace.

I'm writing from a hotel computer, and I don't know that I can upload pictures. But I will, eventually. Promise.

Later, and kiitos for reading. (I means thank you, and it's all Ican remember.)