CATCHING UP

Me presenting at the Berlin Fulbright Seminar in mid March

It's been a long time since I have posted.  Spending my time living and not writing about it is my excuse.  Just three months left in our adventure here - at least for now - I am already planning a short return in November.   It is April 6 and the sun came up at 6:36 and will go down this evening at 8:30PM  a big change from just two months ago. 

I haven't figured out exactly how, but the Nordic character must be shaped by these dramatic swings in light and temperature.  I know that I have had to shift perspectives and come out of my winter "we can endure the darkness" to the Spring " Wow, it's still light outside!"  pretty quickly.   We just took a long walk along the river and there were people everywhere just out enjoying the evening.  Most department, grocery and all liquor stores, banks and government offices were closed today for Good Friday, but the restaurants seem to be doing a great business!

Random things that come to mind to write about that will be the content of this and upcoming posts:
Swede Casserole
Finnish bathrooms
Last day of high school for 12 graders
Trips to Belgium, Luxembourg, Berlin
Avanto (winter swimming)

Let's begin with Sauna Directions

Think of the last time that you tried to follow the directions that came with a "put it together yourself product."

Now read the following and you will surely want to have all directions written by Finns.

Operating Instructions for Sauna  found in the very complete instruction manual for appliances that came with a friend’s apartment. 

1.3.2  Pre-setting Time (timed switch-on)

Turn the time switch to the “pre-setting” section (section B in figure 2, 0-8 hours)  The heater starts heating when the timer has turned the switch back to the “on” section.  After this, the heater will be on for about four hours

Example:  You want to go walking for three hours and have a sauna bath after that.  Turn the time switch to the “pre-setting” section at number 2.  The timer starts.  After two hours, the heater starts heating.  Because it takes about one hour for the sauna to be heated, it will be ready for bathing after about three hours, that is, when you come back from your walk

1.5  Instructions for Bathing

·      Begin by washing yourself

·      Stay in the sauna for as long as you feel comfortable.

·      Forget all your troubles and relax.

·      According to established sauna conventions you must not disturb other bathers by speaking in a loud voice.

·      Do not force other bathers from the sauna by throwing excessive amounts of water on the stones.

·      Cool your skin down as necessary.  If you are in good health, you can have a swim if a swimming place or pool is available.