Life has been fairly normal these days. It is already the third period of school. My classes are Art, Music, Psychology, and English. I'm learning to play guitar in music and let's just say I'm not so great :D. Psychology is actually my favorite class. He gave me a huge college sized textbook since its in English and it's very interesting. 
The inside
The banner of Barmera, Australia
My host family is great! They are home often and we are together a lot.
Finland is absolutely beautiful during Christmas. The decorations and lights are really beautiful. Personally my host family doesn't have any decorations or even a tree this year, but just the cities in general look amazing! Last weekend I stayed with my friend Milly in Helsinki (the largest city in Finland). I really need to stop hanging out with the Aussies or I'll never stop saying "mate"...
This was the first time I actually got to walk around and explore this city. Friday I arrived at the bus station (it seems more like an airport really) where Milly was waiting for me. The first thing I saw were fireworks! I was really surprised. Fireworks and Finland don't really seem like a match.
We walked to Burger King and met up with lots of other exchange students. There are about 3 Burger King locations in the whole country yet it is the go to spot of exchange students.
Later we took the train back to Milly's house and I got to meet her wonderful host family. Her little sister may be the most beautiful little girl I've ever seen! And her dogs and cat were so adorable <3 I am always really happy when my exchange friends have pets at their homes because I don't and I really miss my own dog.
The next morning I awoke to Milly shouting about the snow outside. We had got 35 centimeters of snow overnight :D it was exciting until we had to trudge 20 minutes to the train station in it. Upon arrival in Helsinki, the snow had disappeared (it doesn't really ever snow in Helsinki). I bought 2.5 meters of licorice from the Christmas market and ugly Christmas sweaters from thrift stores (they were actually pretty cozy). Here's some pictures of the beautifully decorated Stockmann
Milly and I
We met up with a big group of exchange students and headed to the "rock church". This is a church built inside a rock! It's absolutely beautiful. You can climb the rocks to the roof, and the roof is literally its own little rock park. Coolest church ever. But I didn't take great pictures so here are some from the Internet so you can see its beauty
There it is in the center along with the beautiful surrounding area.
Down at the bottom where the light is, is the entrance to the church. Or the you can climb the rocks to the park.
After that, we shopped some more then went to Burger King (of course). But I don't want any americans to get the wrong idea of this Burger King. It is two stories and beautifully decorated. The classiest of all fast food restaurants.
Haroldo and I try to take a nice picture (it never happens...also notice the classy Burger King in the background)
Later that night there was a huge parade in front of the Helsinki Cathedral in honor of Saint Lucia. If you have never seen pictures of helsinki cathedral please google it right now (it's stunning).
There you can see a bit of the cathedral..these were just a few of the exchange students that were there.
Then on Sunday, Milly and I once again rode the train into Helsinki bright and early. We went to some parks and to the bay with a couple others. Then there was a district Christmas party in Espoo for 1420, so those kids left. Sam, Haroldo, Sophie and I went to the ice rink in the center of the city. I think everyone knows i really do not enjoy ice skating so we didn't do this for long :)
Sophie and Haroldo left for the party so the rest of the day I helped Sam clean his family's apartment, grocery shop, and cook dinner (what adults we are). Then I headed back home to Eurajoki.
I received some more "oldie gifts" over the weekend.
The heels
"Lamby" also from Milly
The viking line cards for the best poker player
Milly- thank you for all of your fantastic advice and wisdom, you're the big sister I never had <3 Im sure I'll see you again before you leave next month, but in the case I don't I wish you the very best and I'll see you when you come to the states next year.
'Twas a good weekend in the capital city. Thanks everyone!
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