The Oulanka crew

Here are some pictures of our trip to the Lapland region and Oulanka National Park. It had been the farthest north I have ever been and was quite a place to see. I wasn't able to get the full experience of the region as it is known for during its winter months, but the temperature at night dropped below freezing even when we were there in August so maybe it wasn't such a bad thing ha. The variations in weather while we were there gave some very unique perspectives of the landscape; I hope these pictures can portray just that. And some fun pictures of course.

Crossing the Arctic Circle

Near the Russian Border

                                

After a week's worth of flights and long car rides throughout Finland I am finally settled into my apartment! The tech guys at the school just got our internet working at the student housing, but before this I haven't even been able to keep track of the time or days with no computer or cell phone. I have to say it has been quite the departure from life back home but I have enjoyed all of this in a strange way ha. I love being here so far and I have already met some really cool people. Here are some random pictures I have so far. Next week we're traveling north to the Lapland region above the Arctic circle so I will be sure to take pictures while I am there, and then maybe in a few weeks I'll have more pictures of where I am actually living ha.

Our short-term parents, Paivi & Antti,  provided great hospitality
and a smooth assimilation to Finnish life

Between thunderstorms

Minun uusi pyora (My new bike)

                                                                               

     

                                                    

                                                        

Here is my first blog post......ever! It really doesn't feel that monumental, but I am excited to be able to share my experiences with all of you. Hopefully I will add more posts every week or so while I am overseas. In the meantime here are some pictures of some hikes some friends and I did recently in SLO and Yosemite!

Bishops Peak above the fog

Yosemite Valley from Half Dome