Day 1 in Helsinki

Hello from Finland! I've safely arrived in Helsinki (without getting stopped by the immigration, thankfully), 10.35am local time. That was probably 3.35pm in Malaysia. My transit in Amsterdam, Netherlands was a rush. I thought I would have an hour before I board my connecting flight. But after I got down from the plane, and checking the local time with the Polish guy who sat next to me, I realised I only had 25minutes left to boarding time. And I didn't even know where was the gate! Got stuck in a super long queue before I was directed to the right queue. I ran like a refugee through the airport. Thankfully, I wasn't the only one :P

Boarded a much smaller plane, sat next to an Indian man this time, and reached Helsinki 2hrs later. Since my plans to freshen up in Amsterdam failed (long haul flights give you oily face and morning breath), I did so in Helsinki. Just did not realised I how long I took cos when I came out, it seemed like everyone has left and the only people who were still waiting at the arrival gate, was my host family. *blush*

I had imagined them to be tall people. But it's not really the case here. The nice lady of the house, Anu, is shorter than me. Her husband, father of the kids, Jaakko, is just about my height. Probably just a little taller. I gave my 'I <3 KL' t-shirt to Anu. Eemil, Eliel, and Helmi looked quite shy. I was also told before Finnish people are quite reserved.

They took me home, showed me my room and around the house. The facade of the house is still pretty much still under construction. Not a typical Finnish house but a very modern minimalistic one. I get one room for myself - with a sorta walk-in closet. My room is actually the attic of the house, and the so-called walk-in closet, is actually a storage room adjacent to the attic. But both rooms are nicely floored and plastered, furnished with racks and hangers and chests of drawers. Very homey. I get a nice soft bed and a set of Mac for my own usage. Monitor's an LCD TV, which allows me to watch some Finnish TV too. How awesome is that =)

There's a sauna room in the common bathroom, and a yet to be completed swimming pool in the adjacent room. Common bathroom door is made of frosted glass with no lock. A bit scary but quite cool at the same time. Floors are all one level. No drop, no nothing. Shower head placed directly in the middle of the room, facing a glass wall. Blinds installed to provide privacy. Again, a bit scary but still quite cool at the same time.

Anu and Jaakko made lunch while I showered and gave them presents and food from Malaysia. Lunch was grilled salmon with teriyaki sauce, fresh salad and rice. I learned that feta cheese with salad is actually quite nice :P

After lunch, we all adjourned to Jaakko's parents' house, which was nearby, for coffee and cake. Well, more like strawberry ice-cream, fresh strawberries, and strawberry juice for the kids and I since I don't take coffee. Yes, it's strawberry everything cos it's summer and this is the first crop of strawberries - from Spain. You must have strawberries when it's summer. Eemil's birthday is in July, so he's getting a strawberry cake. One of their cousins is having a confirmation (getting confirmed as a Christian at 15) party, so the grandmother is planning what to cook, with strawberries. I hope I don't get sick of it just yet, although I love strawberries but I'd also like to try something else.

Helmi and Eliel took me out on a short cycling trip from the house to their school, just so that I'll know where the school is. I don't remember the way but it's a small neighbourhood. I'm sure I can find my way. *crosses fingers* Spent some time in 3 different playgrounds and then cycled back at 6.30pm. Sky was still bright and it got even more breezy. My face and hands were cold; I had to button up my jacket until my neck. I got home and complained it was cold. The kids complained it was hot.

Played a little game with Helmi and Eliel again. It requires players to do a little charade. Helmi was so sporting but Eliel was still quite shy. These two are twins, btw. Had small dinner at 8pm, which was bread with smoked turkey, salami, cheese, cucumber and tomatoes. Their cheeses are awesome.

Took another hot shower, now ready for bed. Tomorrow starts a new day. The kids will be in school and I'd have to kinda pick them up. It's the last week of school and then the kids will be off to different camps at different locations. And then after that, we'll go to Portugal =D

Goodnight for now, world.