The venture to Lapland began at 5am with another looong coach journey ahead! Our first stop was at about 1pm in Rovaniemi which is located on the Arctic Circle border. Here, we visited the Arktikum Science Museum where we learned about Sámi life and the history of Rovaniemi. I got aquainted with some rather lovely stuffed animals!
Day Two - 27/11/2010
Day two began with an early start and another coach journey, this time to Bugøynes, a small fishing town in the very North East of Norway, on the Arctic coast. After about 6 hours we passed the heavily guarded (sarcasm) border...(note the fence...that would be the border...)
By the time we arrived in Bugøynes it was 1pm Norwegian time and it was already getting dark. Next came the part everyone had been waiting for - 'swimming' in the Arctic Ocean. Que a lot of people very quickly stripping off their clothes and running as fast as possible into the water, and even quicker back out and onto the coach! The water was around -8 but I'm glad it is something I can say I have done (not swimming, just running into!).
We returned to Saariselkä around 8pm in time for sledging and sauna before bed!
Day Three - 28/11/2010
Day three started with a 4km snow shoe walk across the Urho Kekkonen National Park with our guide Visa. The park is the home of many wolves, bears, hares, owls, reindeer, wolverines etc. Visa showed us the basics of Lapland survivial as we went on our walk, demonstrating skills for creating a fire, create shelter and what to eat, thing's he has done many times himself whilst on treks throughout Lapland.
We then had a soup lunch break before changing for cross country skiing - which I was awful at!! I fell face first into the snow and had to be picked up by the instructor, ha! Good job I found it funny! In the evening we went to the local 'spa'. After a swim we had a naked steam and sauna. Being naked is the only way to be in Finland - fact!
Day Four - 29/11/2010
Day four consisted of a husky ride! We thought this meant we'd be in small groups, but it turned out it was pairs and we had control over 6 huskies! We took turns being driver and passenger and our dogs were well behaved, especially my favourite, the one with the ring around its eye! We didn't push the dogs and just let them take the route at their own pace, which worked for us and them! After we got free pancakes and warm juice. Two husky puppies took great joy in stealling some pancakes!
In the afternoon we had free time so we decided on yet another sauna. We were then told a get together was being held and to meet at cabin 1 at 8pm. Whilst waiting for the coach, we finally saw the Northern Lights in a green band across the sky! We were taken to a tee-pee shaped cabin in the woods where there was free food, a fire and everyones favourite festive drink - Glögi! The guides then taught us all a traditional Finnish Christmas song and took us outside to sing it, which called upon no other than Santa himself, who gave out presents to everyone.
Our walk back to the cabin was the coldest I have ever been in my whole entire life! But, it was worth it just for the amazing view of the stars we got. I don't think I've seen so much sky before and it was amazingly clear.
Day Five - 30/11/2010
The last day started with a reindeer sleight ride and listening to Sami stories.
The began the long journey back to Kuopio, stopping off on the way back at Rovaniemi to visit the Santa Claus Village. We met Santa first and got a photo taken with him but had to pay 30€ for it - too rich for my blood!! However, we did get our passports stamped, stood at the edge of the Arctic Circle, added some stitches to Santas scarf and bought some souvineers. We also met a dog that gave me more joy than Santa! It was so nice!!
We arrived back in Kuopio around 1am. Our bus driver, Jari, was the best!
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