getting ready mode

Preparations are underway for my trip to Finland where I'll spend time with dear friends, especially Iscah, my uni BFF. She moved back home to Singapore after graduation and though we send emails, letters and care packages back and forth, we haven't seen each other in 12 years! Today I am in "getting ready" mode. This trip will be different, it will be my first international trip without S since 2005! It will also be my first time in a country where I haven't learnt (or at least tried to learn) the language: I simply haven't had time :( 

To kick off my preparations, I did what any sensible knitter would do: I asked Finnish Ravellers for their recommendations on things to see + do and places to go to while in their homeland. Among other useful info (thanks Pirvonen!), I was warned that the weather can be unpredictable at this time of year. I thought, "Meh, it can't possibly be any worse than the weather at home." 

So today I am buying euros, shopping for a tankini + shorts set (I've been promised sauna sessions and boat rides!) and various bits to finish (did you...never mind, too juvenile.) my travel journal: 

I don't really know what to expect of Finland but having visited one other Scandinavian country, I suspect it's gonna be ACE! I'm most excited about Marimekko! I'm also looking forward to seeing other Scandinavian style, the midnight sun (I'll be there for summer solstice), folk art and crafts, going boating, discovering Finnish wool should be fun and of course I'll squeeze in a yarn store or two. I can't help but hope for good weather. 

I'll leave you with an excerpt from Iscah's email:

I want to tell you that the lakes here are now free of ice, and that there is a teeny little island (actually there are 3 in total!) in the middle of the lake just 5mins' walk from where I live..OK 10mins if you're not excited to get there, hehe..Anyway, this island has sauna and toilet facilities on it, and we can go there by boat and swim in the lake + BBQ + enjoy sauna while you are here! How does that sound??!

Have I shown you this pic before?? 

(Taken in late March while the lake was frozen..and I was standing on it while taking the photo)

I can't wait!!! =D


Not long now, dear friend.