Fantastic Finland- Wednesday 23rd July- Savonlinna

After breakfast, we left in both cars to drive south east around 90km to the town of Savonlinna. Jyrki had explained to me that it was a very attractive town, and was where he and Mari had met when they were at teaching college, quite a few years earlier! It also is where Olavinlinna, one of the finest medieval castles in Finland, which dates back to 1475, is situated. In July, the town is very busy, with lots of tourists who come to the castle to see the month long Savonlinna Opera Festival.

We ate lunch first, in a lovely wee pizzeria restaurant, then headed towards the castle. Once we arrived, Jyrki arranged a tour in English, which we all enjoyed very much. It's a very beautiful castle, as the pictures show! After the castle tour, we walked along to a park beside the lake where the children played for a while, went on an hour long boat trip and looked around the market, before returning to the cars and began our trip home, with an excellent value meal at the ABC restaurant just outside Savonlinna. What a brilliant day- and many thanks to our hosts for taking us to such a fantastic place!

Approaching Olavinlinna Castle.


As Jyrki said, this spot where I am standing has had very many photos taken- and no wonder, it's the entrance to the castle.


A group picture


Another one of the two families!


Look at the view from inside! Click on the photo for a bigger version.


Looking out, from one of the castle's windows.


Again, looking out, from inside the castle.


Sandy, with Antti-Jussi and Ville-Veikko!


Back on the outside, Mari and me.


Jyrki shows the ram who's boss!


At a cafe close to Olavinlinna.


Olivia enjoys a cooling drink.


What a view!


Another lovely view, of a lovely place- Savonlinna!


Sandy on the Flying Fox, in a park close to the lake.


Sandy, with Ville-Veikko, as we take a boat ride around the area.


Olavinlinna Castle. One of Finland's finest, without doubt!


How about one of these lovely houses, next to Lake Saimaa? Oh yes, I'd love one!


Our hosts, Jyrki and Mari!


Sandy with Ville-Veikko on the boat trip.


Sandy with Antti-Jussi, enjoying the trip.


Enjoying the ride.


Me, with the boys!


A picture postcard view of Lake Saimaa!


The Captain kindly allowed the boys to visit his control deck, and let them each have a shot at taking control of the boat!


Approaching the end of a most wonderful day in Savonlinna.

Fantastic Finland- Tuesday 22nd July. Visit to Kuvansi school!

This was to be a busy day! Jyrki had told me that we would go to Kuvansi to see the school and to meet his Headteacher, Jari along with some of the staff. In addition, Jari and Jyrki had arranged for a couple of reporters from the press to come along to hear about the project. Afterwards, we were to travel to the administrative centre for the region, in nearby Joroinen, to visit the Council Headquarters there, where, again, we would explain our work over the past year to the leader of the Council and to the Head of Education!

I explained to Jyrki that I had nothing formal to wear, but he laughed and said not to worry, as Jari, his boss, might well appear in shorts! So, I looked forward to things very much, wondering what it would feel like to finally visit Kuvansin koulu...

An early morning walk around part of the lake next to Jyrki's house.


eTwinning project partners, Michael and Jyrki, by Jyrki's house.


Me with Anna, again outside Jyrki and Mari's wonderful house.


Anna and Olivia perfect the trampolining technique!


By the lake- what a beautiful setting!


Looking back from the lake to Jyrki and Mari's beautiful house.


Jykä, my friend!


In the staffroom at Kuvansi primary school, with Jari and two of the teachers.



In the Council Headquarters at Joroinen, I explained how our project had developed over the year.


After an in-depth discussion, which was very relaxed and rewarding, Jyrki, Jari and I posed for pictures with the Leader of the Council and the Head of Education.


With Jari afterwards, when we visted his house.

Later on in the day, after another wonderful dinner, we returned to the school, and the children (and the adults!) played in the gym and looked around the classes again.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's an overgrown child!


Olivia poses..

Fantastic Finland- Monday 21st July

Anna and me at the breakfast table.


Me, with Jyrki.


At Varkaus church.


Our guide, Katarina, with Jyrki and Mari, outside the church. Katarina is an English teacher, now retired, and she gave us a very interesting insight to various places around the town of Varkaus.


I selfishly asked if it might be possible to visit the speedway stadium at Varkaus, the home track of Kalle Katajisto, who came with his dad Timo, to race for Edinburgh Monarchs last summer, in 2007. Jyrki was happy to take us there, explaining that it's not much of a stadium. Well, that's true, but I was really excited and delighted to see where Kalle learned to race speedway. My ambition now must be to return there one day to actually see a Finnish speedway meeting take place! (If you click on the picture, you might just be able to spot Sandy on the track, at the 1st bend!)


A happy Scottish speedway fan, at Varkaus speedway stadium!


Outside Varkaus football stadium, Anna, me, Jyrki and Mari.


Katarina helps the boys understand how the canal and lock system works here in Varkaus.


A Dutch sailing boat, using the lock.


Back at Jyrki and Mari's house, it's time for a shot on the trampoline! Antti-Jussi and Ville-Veikko show us how it's done!

Now it's my turn to show off... Was this before, or after the beer? I can't remember!


Olivia was very keen to pose for Jyrki, whenever she saw his camera!


Another of Livvy, at dinner.