Finland

Eleven Years ago we decided to stop in Finland on our way home overland from India to visit Irma who we had met in Ladakh, it turned out to be a good decision, we had a brilliant time, meeting a wonderful family and have always wanted to return, so finally we have had the chance and it was really special to take Mia and Pippi with us. Here are a few pictures of a lovely holiday.

Mia instantly felt at home when she spotted the little house in the garden, which she was told she could play in whenever she like!!

and Pippi was really impressed by the blueberries growing all around her, so much easier to get than blackberries!

Off to pick blueberries…

and eat blueberries!

Perfect for porridge.

Woodland pixies, think they probably ate more than they picked! Life in Finland feels so connected to the outdoors, summers seem to be spent by the lakes and in the forest.

We didn’t have a clue what mushrooms we could eat and in a short walk we must have seen over 15 different sorts, the forest has a lovely smell of pine, moss and mushrooms. Luckily Irma knew what to eat and we had really delicious chanterelle and black trumpet mushrooms.

On Holiday!

Summer cottage at Lohjanjärvi. On our way here the road got smaller and smaller until it was just grass and ended in this very special place! We can’t thank Irma, Jryki and their friends and family for such amazing hospitality and kindness.

Down to the lake.

It didn’t take long before Pippi was in!

Lohjanjärvi.

and the best thing about swimming in the lakes in Finland, you can always have Sauna after!

Watching Dad going off fishing!

Playing in the woods.

“mum you are going to love this it’s moss-tastic!”

Fuel stop, before more playing, with no common language these two still managed to play happily for hours !

a little musical interlude!

Checking the traps. Only three little crayfish for lunch!

Picnic stop in Tammisaari, a lovely coastal town of traditional wooden houses, and a brilliant play park so everyone was happy!

Donkey rides….

and a trip to Moomin house, Mia was in her element!

We had a good day wandering round Helsinki, visited some great museums, the Haltia Finnish nature centre in Espoo was brilliant, but some of our best moments were just spending time with lovely people in lovely places!