Today our school organized a cultural event for all the exchange students (there are only 16 of us). I was really excited because this is the kind of stuff that I really like. Our morning started by touring the Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna. This castle was built in the 1600s and has been in control of the Swedish and Russians. When Finland became independent from Russia in 1917, it was abandoned for a time until it was restored in the 1970s. It was used as mainly a war castle, and it's position on the island in the middle of lakes made it ideal for defense. It was really interesting to see the castle and learn about Scandinavian history. And the castle was so beautiful! Also, it was freezing!
Next we stopped at a museum by the castle to learn about the history of the Savonlinna area. The most important thing I learned is that baby seals will be born in February. Don't worry, I'll be looking for them on the lakes :)
After the museum we took the 30 km drive to Kerimäki, which is home to the world's largest wooden church, built in the late 1800s. The official religion of Finland is Lutheranism. It's only open during the summertime because it's dangerous of course in the winter to light fires in there, so we didn't really expect to be able to go inside. However, the caretaker of the church happened to pull up as we got there so he let us in. It was huge and freezing. But very fascinating. It can hold up to 5,000 people. In that time, they wanted a church big enough to fit most of the congregation in at one time. So, high ceilings and wall to wall benches. Leena told me that on Christmas Eve they hold a service, and each member holds a candle, so they worship by candlelight. I think that must be a sight to see!
After Kerimäki, we took a drive through the countryside, stopping at different places of interest, that were closed. We would drive for 20 minutes, pull up, learn something about it, and then hear "well unfortunately it is closed so..." The best part of the day came last. We pulled up over a ridge that overlooks the Lake Saimaa in Punkaharju (near Savonlinna) in a national forest. We originally stopped to take pictures of the sunset, but we ended up going out onto the frozen lake. We had so much fun making snow angels, taking jumping pictures, and running around. Until we heard a loud crack! That sent us all running for the shore. My heart jumped into my throat! But it didn't crack, just made a few more loud noises. So we were safe!
Absolutely beautiful. I love the sunset and you jumping. Bummer about the church. If you did go in was there any picture or was it to dark. We had candle light service once at our chuch and it was beautiful
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