A Weekend In Finnish Lake Country

We had the weekend off due to our first bye week, so we decided to head east towards the Lake Country of Finland. Finland has over 110,000 lakes, and we probably drove past about half of those today. Well, maybe not quite that many, but it certainly was a lot. We left Seinajoki early Saturday morning and drove about 3 hours before spending half the day at an indoor water park. We had a good time there swimming in the wave pool, and cruising down the water slides. I took my son Kodie for his first Finnish sauna while Estalita took the girls for one as well. We lasted about 10 minutes in there, and he had a good time. He agreed that it was a relaxing experience, but he was somewhat bewildered at seeing so many naked people walking around.
After the water park, we drove about a half hour out to a really nice lake side town called Kuopio. We had a reservation at a hotel in the city center, so we checked in and then went out to explore on foot. Kuopio has a reputation as being one of the nicest towns in Finland and we certainly weren't disappointed. It is a very picturesque area that is literally surrounded by water and mountains. We ended up getting something to eat near the city market and then we took another stroll through the town along the harbor.
After our stroll, we went back to the room to unwind and get the kids ready for bed. Kaylin was first to go in for a shower and the next thing I knew Estalita was calling for me to come into the bathroom. Kaylin was crying hard as she had slipped in the shower and gashed her chin. Within minutes, I was on my way to a Finnish hospital for the second time since I arrived here 3 weeks ago! Estalita applied pressure to her chin while I frantically drove to the emergency room. The bleeding stopped, but the wound looked fairly deep. I dropped Estalita and the kids off at the emergency room entrance while I went to look for a parking space. To make a long story short, the doctors said it could use a stitch or two but it was up to us if we wanted to go that route. After another look, they said they might be able to treat it without administering stitches. They were sorry to inform us that it would be extra because we weren't from a European Union nation. We mentioned Estalita's British citizenship and the kids dual citizenship, so the nurse left and came back with some more info. The deal went something like this. The normal rate for emergency care was 25 Euros. They might have to charge us 110 Euros for the stitches because Kaylin didn't have a British passport in her possession. The other option was they would clean the wound, apply a glue like medical ointment and butterfly bandage the cut for no charge. We decided to opt for the second option. Meanwhile, I had to keep going out to check on the car because I couldn't find a quick place to park. I had parked in a 30 minute max area because the other parking area was around 10 euros and I didn't have cash on me. The thing that I found ironic about the whole experiece was that the paid parking would have ultimately cost us more than the emergency room visit and care. Now there is something you wouldn't find in the states. Back home, they would let you park for free, but then they would charge you 500 dollars just to make eye contact with a doctor!! Anyway, Kaylin was brave during her treatment and I am happy to report that she is doing okay.

I am amazed everyday just how different things are from the US to Europe in general. Finland is no exception to this observation. Take this grocery chain for an example. This particular chain is right across the street from my apartment. You wouldn't find a grocery store with a name like this in the states.

The open road on the drive up to Kuopio.

Here we are taking a quick break about an hour from our destination.

Marvelous view of Finnish lakeside cottages

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Kuopio, Finland

Estalita's dish of Reindeer tortellini

My stuffed cheesy chicken over tortellini was superb washed down with some tasty Finnish apple juice!!!

Rudolph (reindeer) pizza was actually on the menu at the Rosso restaurant

Kuopio Cathedral

Kodie along the Kuopio harbor

Estalita waiting for her ship to come in.

Kodie setting up to throw the long ball at the Crocodiles field.
Nice form son.

Lights out.