Before too much writing, I'd like to thank Shannon Ryan, Aric Stewart, and Diana Nevins for donations to the write-a-thon. You guys have all been added to the writing blog, and thanks for helping to support the burgeoning talent of new writers who might receive these scholarship funds.
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I have a few more thoughts on Finland that I'd like to share before I begin on my reflections of Oslo. Overall, I found the Finns to be very polite and friendly. With the exception of our friend Marcu, who is painstakingly lambasted in our last entry, most of the folks in Helsinki and Turku were pretty great. In Helsinki, all I had to do was stop to look at my map, and someone helpful asked me if I knew where I was. Turku wasn't quite that attentive, but it still had a friendly vibe.
There were some things about Finland that seem to be super cool. Both our hotels had saunas. Well, yeah, you might not want one every night. But on vacation, saunas are a treat.
Cider made from many fruits is apparently a way in which Europe is superior to us. Strawberry cider appears to be a Swedish thing, but the Finns were very helpful in helping us get our fix. It became the drink of choice on the trip.
I don't understand the decision to sell hot dogs and sausages without a bun. I take that back. Food is very expensive, so I get it. I'm just saying that you might want to bring special gloves for those times you don't have bread assist, because them piggies is greasy.
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The reason we journeyed to Turku is so Catrina could get a good look at the castle. I was fairly impressed by the vaulted ceilings and the interesting architecture. This castle had a load of old wooden religious relics, some of which reminded me of the many I saw in Russia a few years back. There were some other objects kept in the castle as a sort of historical museum which were also interesting. Rick Steve's won't recommend Turku for a trip in his guide book, but if you like castles, I wouldn't miss it.
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Oslo's coming. Next up: the exciting story of the Oslo pass.
Catherine
Mirrored from Writer Tamago.