Finland and Stockholm

Seems we started Our Big Adventure, and will finish it, by visiting friends, and getting guided bike tours.
Already in South Africa we had fun with Bev&Chris and their extended family, including the next generation. It’s fun to hear what young people are up to.
Here in Finland, Irmeli had gathered 10/20 class mates to celebrate 40 years as PTs. I am happy I don’t feel as old as this means I am.

Link to Finland & Stockholm


Irmeli & Jouko, their children with partners (the word we have heard used in many parts of the world, and which I prefer to SOs, for both married, and non married romantic ‘such’ of either sex), could not have been more hospitable, fun, generous and helpful!

Craig has since 2006 had a very romantic idea of summer in Finland, partly thanks to our friends in Renko, where everything is perfectly maintained and beautiful, you get a sauna daily if you like, you jump in the lake afterwards, and Irmeli feeds you strawberries straight from their patch. The first several days were sunny and warm also now, and Irmeli took us on a ride along a bigger lake, by the castle. I don’t think I am partial, if I say a day like this in rural Finland, is among the most beautiful days one can imagine.

We celebrated Midsummer here, with old traditions I had never heard of.

Unfortunately Craig’s karma didn’t last, as it was cool, windy etc. But we got a short ride in the next day, and will here dash the expectations of our cycling friends.
The grand total for our trip is just over 3000 miles. The bikes are packed away, and I am embarrassed to be seen with all the luggage we now have. Kim&Chris had brought more of our stuff to New Zealand, but from there we had shipped the bikes to Finland. We now can’t fit it all in most cars here - except lucked out as Irmeli & Jouko run a farm, and have a van.

I spent 2.5 years in Stockholm, Sweden after PT school, and as Craig had never  been here, we came for a few days. The city is as beautiful as I remember, and we walked around during the day, and visited friends from way back in the evenings.

Within one 30 hour period, I saw friends from almost every phase of my life.
Irmeli from PT school; Susse, in my old home town, - we have been close friends literally since kindergarten; Kerstin, now in Stockholm, but we went to first grade together in Finland + her sister Mona, who as a new nurse in Stockholm around 1980 recognized me, and we renewed our friendships! Last but not least, George and Lynell from home! Craig says only Toledo, OH is missing.
We knew G&L were in Stockholm, but ran into them in the old city the day before we had tentative plans to get together. So much about our trip is amazing, and seeing them made me feel things are coming full circle, as we return home in just over a week.

Now a week later, we have been wined and dined by friends and family in Finland after returning from Sweden, and have had a wonderful time! Too much chocolate,  but also fresh sugar snap peas by the liter, lots of super sweet and tasty strawberries, laughter, and a dinner table where 6/8 of us were friends from high school!

We fly home tomorrow, and are looking forward to seeing everyone again! Craig already has several places in mind for future trips, but we will stay put for now as we don’t want to miss this coming ski season!