Us at a campfire having hotdogs and coffee with our hostess and son and atop Ukkikoli, "Grandfather Rock." (Not sure about the spelling on the place.)

Finnish Party

It's done! The defense was fine. We are now off to a party at a nice restaurant, to celebrate the candidate's successful completion of the Ph.D. To celebrate, we went out and spent money. How else would an American celebrate? It's a black-tie/black coat/black dress affair. Fortunately, Heidi brought a black dress, so she'll be the one of us that is properly dressed for it. I have gray and brown, which, although it fits my personality, will have to do for tonight. Tomorrow, we walk all over the city and get to visit the sights that Heidi has not yet seen and that are the most important.

I got some photos from our hostess in Joensuu. These are worth posting to this post, but I am not having much luck putting them up. These are of Koli National Park, one of Finland's most scenic places.

Three down...

HI Everyone!

We made it to Joensuu and back...and now we are in Helsinki. Joensuu was superb. We had a wonderful time on Wednesday at Koli National Park, nearby. Koli has wonderful views...and we had a great time on a little camfire and cookout. The weather was cool and refreshing. The seminar that I gave today went fine. We bought a few souvenirs and trained back to the capital. The train was excellent. We enjoyed the dining car and the laptop plug-in and the peace and quiet.

Next, I'm going to try to post some photos...

Jeff

One down, three to go

Wow, am I wiped! Today involved preparing and then giving my first presentation. The questions were good, but the topic was too complicated. Afterward, a few of us went out for a couple of drinks and lots of serious discussions. By 6:30, I was really tired. The people that I met were very nice.

Heidi had a better day. She went from museum to shop to lord knows where else. She'll have nice stories to tell. We went out at 6:45 to a nice and expensive restaurant and then stumbled home to relax a little. Tomorrow, a longer and more tiring day still. I start the day preparing for my second presentation and finish the day by riding a 5-hour train to Joensuu. We won't sleep until midnight at the earliest. We are looking forward to observing the scenery between Helsinki and there. We'll be just a few miles from the Russian border there...

Now, to bed, finally!

What a day...!

Hi Everyone,

Well, we are totally wiped out. It's now 7 p.m. in Helsinki, noon in NC, and we can hardly stay awake. The highlight of today was the short ferry trip to Suomenlinna, a collection of islands within sight of the harbor. We took a guided tour. It was cold-windy and in the low 40s, and the coat, hat, and gloves were nearly insufficient. We took lots of pictures and so far are not able to upload them to this blog. Big sigh. We'll keep working at it.

The nordic sun in October is low on the horizon. Even at noon, you get this feeling that the day is almost over, given the sun's angle. You keep checking your watch. The sun gets in your eyes, but the sunglasses help.

After the Suomenlinna visit, we were approached by a drunk man who wanted me (Jeff) to try his Everclear or whatever he was sipping. He practically chased us out of the harbor area, wanting to talk about America. Fortunately, his sober companion held him back.

We have some weak wireless access in the room and a great wired internet connection in a common area, so we are well connected. We're checking emails.

Jeff

We made it!

We're here! Our plane was a little delayed out of JFK, but we got to Helsinki at 9 a.m., went through immigration in two minutes, and our bags were the first ones off the plane. We are now at the Guest House, at the university, and we're checking in right now. They have one computer here for internet, and that's what I'm using. Now. No wireless here, but there are in some cybercafes, although we haven't yet checked.

We didn't sleep much on the plane...and now it's Saturday morning. It's 35 degrees outside...And we are going on a day's adventure on foot and by boat around the city.

Jeff and Heidi

And....we're off!

Well, we are packed and ready to fly. Dean and Jean are taking us to the airport. Paul stopped by to say good-bye. We gave the girls hugs at the bus stop when they went to school. Our flight to NY-JFK leaves at 2:25, and we hope that it's on time. Our flight on Finnaire leaves at about 6 p.m., and we arrive about 9 a.m. in Helsinki. They are seven hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time (i.e., GMT + 1). The weather says it will be about 25 degrees when we get into Helsinki. We packed warm clothing.

We'll post when we get there, sometime Saturday, 10/13.

--Jeff

Carmen's Views about the Finland Trip

Hi, I am Carmen!

I am going to tell you about my thoughts on my parents' trip to Finland. I think that they are going to have a great time, but am going to miss them. My grandparents are going to watch me and my sisters Fiona, and Andrea. I wish that I could go and see all the amazing views and places. I am going to try and call them, but because of the different time zones it will be hard. I am going have fun with my grandparents, but I will be happy when they get back.

Carmen

Getting Ready!

October 7, 2007

Believe it or not, this is the first time I have ever posted anything to any blog, so bear with me!

I've been spending the last several days preparing for our trip to Finland. We leave the family home with my parents when we depart for Finland on Friday. To prepare, we've both obtained new passports, bought euros, and made lots of lists. At work, I have been preparing three presentations to give to various organizations while there, and I have been preparing for my main task while in Helsinki. The main task: being an external examiner for a doctoral student.

In Finland, we'll spend Saturday-Tuesday in Helsinki. I give two presentations: one at the University of Helsinki in the Forest Economics Department, and the other at the Finnish Forest Research Institute. On Tuesday afternoon, we next take a train to Joensuu, a five-hour ride to the northeast. The forecast for Joensuu calls for snow mixed with rain next Sunday. In Joensuu, we'll be guests of the European Forest Institute. We may tour nearby Koli National Park, visit the Institute and the city. Thursday morning, I give a presentation. On Thursday afternoon, we train back to Helsinki. Friday is the doctoral defense and my role as the External Examiner. Friday is the party. Saturday is relaxation. Sunday, October 21, we return home.

While we're there, we'll be checking email. I hope to be updating this blog and posting pictures if possible. We'll also be checking email, and you have our addresses for that.