A Few Friendly Finns

The two smiling girls who met me at the airport turned out to be my Finnish tutors.  It is the role of a Finnish tutor to assist incoming exchange students with settling in Joensuu.  I quickly came to learn how invaluable they are.  For two days, they patiently brought me around town, translating my needs to the local Finns and ensuring that I completed all the necessary items.  Here's a quick rundown of what we accomplished:

• After picking me up from the airport, Maija and Riikka brought me to a small kiosk to purchase a Finnish SIM card for my phone. 
• We then proceeded to the only shop in town which is open until 11pm so I could get breakfast for the next morning.  Here, I learned how to buy fruits and vegetables at the market (it's a bit different in Finland).
• The following morning, I got a short tour of the campus which included a stop at the Student Health Services.  For 6€, I can visit a medical specialist... perhaps I'll keep this in mind in case I get frostbite.
• A stop at Nordea, a Finnish bank, was then in order to open a bank account.
• Afterwards, we wandered over to a bike shop so I could rent (or should I say 'rescue') a bike for the nine months I will be in Joensuu.  More on the bike later. 
• Riding my "new" bike, we went to the Student Services office so I could officially register as a student.
• Lunchtime had passed, so the university cafeteria was the next stop.  Spinach crêpes with lingonberries and potatoes. Mmmmm.
• During the afternoon, I had some time to explore the town on my own.  During this time, I found a helmet for my bicycle.  It will be especially good for winter.
• The following morning, my tutors met me at Joensuun Elli, a housing company.  I signed a lease for my apartment and subsequently moved in. 
• My apartment was in need of a few basics (blankets, towels, etc.), so we visited a secondhand shop where I found some good deals.
• A stop at the library came next so I could get a city library card.
• The post office was nearby, so now I know where to pick up packages should they arrive.
• I also was taught how to use the bus system  in case I can't get motivated to ride my bike on a cold, snowy morning.
• The day was rounded off with a piece of salmiakki-flavored gum.  Apparently, it's a favorite Finnish flavor that most foreigners find disgusting.  It kind of tastes like overly salted licorice.  I can't say I'm a huge fan.

Overall, it was a very enjoyable, productive and exhausting couple of days.  Maija and Riikka, my Finnish tutors, are absolutely amazing.  Helpful.  Humorous.  Knowledgeable.  Patient.  Resourceful.  Finnish.  Oh, and did I mention they do this on a completely volunteer basis?!  They are amazing.  Enough said.  Thank you so much for your help.  Kiitos.