Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Westward Ho!

With two finals left and two days to go, the semester is wrapping up quickly.  Overall, I had a good set of classeslearning about Finnish schools, their philosophy of education and how to teach mathematics.  Additionally, I appreciated having the opportunity to familiarize myself with the wonderful world of the Finnish language.  Minä rakastan Suomi.  I love Finland.

In these last days of the semester, not only am I keeping busy with studies, but I am also finalizing my winter break travel plans.  This weekend, I depart by train to Helsinki where I will meet up with my friend, Anna.  She and I worked together at Breakthrough Saint Paul, and we've both been studying in Finland this semester.  From Helsinki, I will fly to Iceland to explore the fantastic geology of this tiny island while turning 23 (yup, a birthday in Iceland).  Then, on Christmas Eve's Eve, my family and I plan to rendezvous in London.  I am so excited to see them.  While Skype has been a nice way to keep in touch, it will be extremely nice to actually be with themeat meals together, laugh together, and be the Marshalls together.  While staying in a quaint cottage in the countryside of Tenbury Wells, we plan to take day trips to see castles and other historic attractions.  Rumor has it that there may also be reenactments of Dicken's A Christmas Carol.  Stay tuned.

Thanks to Skype's new group call feature,
my whole family can stay connected from around
the globe.  Mom, Dad and Emily in Minnesota.
James in Washington.  And me in Finland.

From London, goodbyes will ensue as my family heads back to the States and I go up to Scotland.  As my great grandmother came from Scotland, this part of the trip will be something like a pilgrimage to the motherland.  After trying out a kilt and perhaps playing a few notes on bagpipe, I will return "home" to Joensuu just in time for the next semester to begin.

I anticipate that computer access may be limited in the coming weeks, so blog posts will likely be scarce.  Rest assured that updates will surely come in January.  So, for now, Hyvää  Joulua ja Hyvää Uutta Vuotta!  Merry Christmas and may God bless your New Year!

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