Neglect

As one might expect, I have neglected this blog for a short while in favor of enjoying my time here, partially in the hopes that I might have something of substance to write about. Rather than write a great deal, however, I have several photos to share that document my experience.

Together, Rami and I have been exploring Lappeenranta and all its beauty and coolness for the past while. Though I can’t remember on exactly which day, we went for a second walk around Lake Saimaa, and ventured into the fortress area.

Here’s a photo of the lake from one of the benches that dot its edges. This picture was taken around 8 pm, and I’m still continually surprised and pleased at how it never truly seems to get dark.

This is a picture of the late evening light in the lovely fortress area. This place houses a few old buildings, and

Cafe Majurska. Rami and I “discovered” this place during my trip in January, when we stopped in to warm ourselves with some tea. When we want a hot drink, or perhaps a piece of cake or pie, Majurska does the trick.

Speaking of cafes, Cafe Galleria is also quite nice. The other day, this place provided us with a soft, mild, sweet piece of cheese cake with a tart raspberry sauce.

Come to think of it, (well, really, I’ve often thought of it, since gaining weight is a nagging concern of mine) many of my experiences have revolved around food and all the enjoyment it yields. I think I’ll dedicate an entire entry to all the excellent and (for an American) unusual food I’ve had here.

For now, though, I’ll conclude this entry with a few more photos from the lovely Lake Saimaa. It has been a little cold here this week, so we haven’t had an opportunity to swim, but I was able to give my toes a refreshing dip.

While my feet were dangling, I took a few photos of the evening sky against the water.

I greatly look forward to swimming in that clear, cold water (clear, that is, when it isn’t stained with streaks of yellow pollen).

In other news, I got that 4.0 that I so desperately desired. My overall GPA is now a 3.92, and my hope is that I’ll continue to raise it by little bits in my last year of undergrad. University of Helsinki? Maybe…