Saturday, March 25, 2006

At Norvajärvi

Last weekend we had a nice long weekend in Rovaniemi in Norvajärvi about 15 kilometers away from downtown Rovaniemi. Juha had his final big exam at the university of lapland. That gave us a good excuse to go to Rovaniemi as a family for couple of days because there might not be any reason for doing that any more after Juha gets his law degree. He still have some studies left but big exams are over if he passes this one.

Juha belongs to PAM (Service Union United PAM is a union for employees working in the private service sectors) while he used to work as an safety guard. PAM has a little resort village for the people who belong to PAM. We have been there several times and we love the place. It's very small, having only 6 cottages, it's situated on a very beautiful and peaceful place and it's inexpensive. Well, there isn't running water or bathroom in cottages but in a main building you can find both of them. In a main building there is even a tv.

We had such a good time! It was so relaxing. Here you can see how we enjoyed it.

First of all the landscape was so beautiful! As you can see. The other thing was that there was lots and lots of snow which I personally miss having in southern Finland. I love playing in a snow piles! And that's what we did...

The snow inspired us in many ways.

Viivi enjoyed being outside the most. She would go out by herself even when we others decided to stay in and relax. Here she peeps us through the window:











We also had plenty of time read, play games, stare at the fire etc. Girls got new legos from Rovaniemi so those had to tested too. Legos are their favourites! In a main building was a corona-game too. It's kind of biljard but in stead of balls you have little discs that you try to get in to the bags in corners of the game board. I think the corona was invented in central Europe at the 15th century. I played it a lot as a child while a friend of mine had it at home. Juha had it his home so he is still very good in it after so many furious games with his brother in childhood. The other game we learned was rummy. We had it at my childhood home and I bought it now to our family. So we had several games of Rummy too at the cottage.

How I wish we could have a fireplace at home...

When we visit Rovaniemi we always go to the swimming hall. So we did this time too. We all love swimming but I also like aquajogging a lot. It's very efficent and you are able to talk to someone while aquajogging which you can't do while swimming. There are aquablets for everyone to borrow almost in every swimming hall in Finland. So we aquajogged some too. I wouldn't stop swimming in swimming halls for that but jogging is definately a good extra thing to do in swimming halls. Try it if you hav a chance!

Still few more pictures of Norvajärvi.


There was also an outside fireplace.


Isn't this a good picture to end this post? We have such a beautiful nature here in Finland. I'm thankful to God that I was able to enjoy it in Rovaniemi. We need these special moments in life in order to go on in our every day life.

5 comments:

Saija said...

those are just gorgeous pics and it looks like you had a lovely time! i'm so glad for you all ... the children grow so fast, that it is NICE to be able to have these warm fuzzy family times!

Maiju said...

That's true! Children grow very fast. This year I have had far too few moments with my children than earlier because I have so much work and more coming because soon I'll be a vice principal at our school for 10 months. So this weekend was sooooo special to me who feel guilty of not being with my children so much any more. Dad has been with them a lot and they don't miss me BUT I MISS BEING WITH MY CHILDREN! Soon they are out of home...

Peanut's Mom said...

great photos! Fingers crossed for Juha and his exam - I know its been a long journey (literally & figuratively)!

This practice of companies or groups having cabins that employees or members can use is really nice. It gives many people the opportunity to enjoy nature and family time.

Saija said...

congratulations re being a principle for 10 months! wow!!! that is wonderful ... i hope that there won't be too many late hours because of it ... maybe it will just be paperwork from 9-5, rather than the harder work of teaching and prep time!

blessings on your weekend!

Maiju said...

Thank you, Saija!

I'm excited about the new job but also a little terrified about the responsibility. I also have a lot to learn but that I like. I like challenges.

You are right! I'm going to have better working hours because I can leave the paper work at school and not to bring them home. In teaching I have something to do at home all the time. Planning lessons, calling parents, fixing tests etc.

Peanut's mom! I really like these cabins that companies or groups rent for their members. We would never have time to take care of our own cabin but this we can still enjoy the joys of cabin life whenever we find time for it. No maintanance work... :)