In the Silence of my Helmet

When biking home after school, I typically like to do one of two things: think about the day's events or practice rolling my r's.  When it comes to thinking, I find that the long rides home in the silence of my winter hat and helmet provide excellent times for me to reflect on the experiences I have had in Finland.  And practicing rolling my r's...well, this is my attempt to improve my pronunciation of the Finnish language. 

Anyways, regarding thinking, lately I have noticed that each of my days in Finland has brought a host of new experiences for me to reflect on.  No day has been quite like the other, and each has its own peculiarities.  To give you some insight into these peculiarities, below are highlights from each day this past week.

Monday: Monday was my first day back at classes since returning from Lapland.  The day started off with one of my favorite classes—geometric thinking.  The course is taught by a man who could have retired several years ago, but has chosen not to because of his love for the job.  In the course, he teaches us how to teach.  Connecting theory with practice, he constantly is showing us by example how we can work with students so they understand math rather than temporarily memorize facts.  I have also enjoyed the course because if has allowed me to practice my Finnish in a manageable context.  While the course is taught in English, the workbook is in Finnish.  Therefore, I've been getting quite a bit of practice with translating.

Tuesday: In Finland, December ushers in Christmas celebrations like I have never experienced before.  Indeed even the name December, Joulukuu, is derived from the holiday's name, Joulu.  On Tuesday, as I wandered through the university hallways, Christmas decorations were busting out all over the place.  Christmas trees were set up in hallways throughout all campus buildings.  Christmas lights laced hand railings.  And live poinsettias were found at every cafeteria table.

Wednesday: Wednesday was by far the coldest day I have yet experienced in Finland.  With temperatures dipping below -26C and wind chills pulling temperatures even lower, the bike ride to school left me thinking I might need to wear a few more layers of trousers come January.  However, these temperatures were not the only thing that made Wednesday special.  It was on this day that I had the opportunity to visit a local English immersion school, Kanervala Koulu.  Teachers warned me that it is likely students will ask me if I have been to Hollywood.  While I did not end up getting this question, one boy in a bright blue sweater with even bluer eyes asked, "Have you ever been to Fargo?"

Thursday: On my way home from school on Thursday, I came across a beautiful scene.  A small boy bundled in a dull blue snowsuit sat in a bright red sled holding a large plastic sauropod and a loaf of bread.  As his dad pulled him down the sidewalk, the boy ran his mittens through the snow while the two had a quiet conversation.  It was beautiful.  The two were returning home from a trip to the market.  Both were content.  Both were enjoying each other's company—sharing warmth in the subzero temperatures.  And there was a large plastic sauropod.

Friday: After such an incredible week, I wasn't sure how Friday could top the previous days.  However, when riding my bike home, I again found myself reflecting on the cool experiences I have had in Finland.  Friday started with an Independence Day party at the local school.  December 6 marks Independence Day in Finland.  To celebrate, students from grades 1-9 gathered in the gym for an elaborate performance put on by various students.  Fourth graders played a song.  Seventh graders performed a dance.  Ninth graders recited poetry.  And teachers played accordion.  It was an impressive display of the musical talent of the school.  However, this celebration was not the only cultural experience for the day.  In the evening, one of my professors invited the class over to her home for a pulla-baking Christmas party.  Sporting small red elf hats and kitchen aprons, about 15 of us worked busily in the kitchen creating pulla of all different shapes and sizes.  Afterwards, we gathered in the living room where several students played Christmas tunes on guitar and violin.  It was a lovely end to a lovely week.