So I'm glad to inform you all that I am surviving the Finnish winter! I guess that should be obvious because living in Saskatchewan I've seen some pretty horrible winters. Its funny because for most exchange students winter is a whole new experience. I have had a few people ask me if it snows in Canada. I just laughed! I really like the Finnish winter because the weather is much more milder and there isn't as much wind. The trees are permanently covered in snow which makes everything so beautiful.
In my last blog I had informed you guys that I had switched host families. I have finally settled in. Its weird to think I've only been them 4 weeks. Now I only live 1 km from the school which is nice because I hate biking long distance in -20. Now I appreciate my big yellow bus back home. One thing I really miss is being able to drive :(. Its strange to always have to ask, but its also a good thing to learn to walk and bike more. I bike everywhere now and its a habit I hope to bring with me when I come back.
I know I'm not coming back yet but I don't want to leave Finland. I love it here and I have so many great friends that I can count on. I already know its going to be difficult leaving. :(. I'm already at the half way point of my exchange which is hard to beleive. I remember at this time last year I was freaking out about not going back home for the holidays. :D
School is going well as usual. Koeviiko (Test week) is coming up on Friday and all the 3rd graders in my school are leaving. Its sad because I won't get to see a lot of them after because they will be busy with other things. I don't know what I'm going to do during test week because I think I only have one exam. My Finnish is finally getting somewhere. I can understand a lot now and I can say a few things but as usual speaking is the difficult part.
Last week I was in the middle school almost every day making presentations in French and in English about Canada and a little about my life and my exchange. I was really surprised by the response. All the kids seemed to be very interested and asked a lot of questions. It was nice because I wasn't nervous at all. The only thing I wish I would have done differently is having a something to give them. If I have any advice to an exchange student is to pick wisely what you bring to give away. I obviously didn't think about it enough :S.
This weekend I went to Lappeenranta to visit a French exchange student Manon. I had lots of fun just hanging out.
Soccer is going well too. We aren't the best team but we are doing better then we were in outdoor. I wish I could be in a more competitive team but Hamina only has enough players for one team. I guess people aren't all that much into sports here. Also for sport I have been going to Uuperi a lot with my host dad. It is a down hill ski place. Its about the same size as Wapiti but steeper. I really enjoy this because it gives me something to do on the weekends.
Well that's all the news I have for this time! If your reading my blog please let me know and feel free to ask questions. :P
Love you all! Mimi je t'aime et j'mexcuse pour l'autre jour <3
Soph. xxx
My new room and bed.
My new house.
