The Finland Files - Week 2
So this week started off brilliantly, we had a large group visiting from an elderly care home, which meant both Madison and myself were set to make a huge meringue cake decorated with berries and flowers from the gardens. That afternoon I also managed to pick up one of the little chicks ( to show to the group) for the first time, which considering how clucky the mother hen was, is a massive feat. Whilst I worked in the café all afternoon, Madie was put to work fixing these beautiful salvaged windows for the greenhouse that will be going up later this month.
The following day, we had a much deserved break (after helping to bake a few more meringues in the morning). We decided to ride to our host Nina’s cousin’s property not to far away where I got on a horse for the first time in years. It was a Finnish horse, which I was told are typically used for trotting races and so I found it to be a very different experience to the dressage train warmbloods and thoroughbreds that I am used to.
After a quick stop to the local supermarket we continued our day off by the river, where we found a nice little spot to enjoy some bevies and listen to music. We were planning on a swim, but honestly, it was a little overcast and the water was ice cold…so perhaps another day.
Then on the advice of Nina, we rode the bikes to just outside Musto, where we were told there was a castle. Now I’m not a stickler for what justifies a castle, but honestly, it looked as if someone had ordered a children’s play castle and stuck it on a hill. Either way we found a nice pergola and had some more bevies, so no major complaints.
There was also the most beautiful sunset (if it can really count as that) that I have ever seen, not to mention there were a herd of deer just off in the paddock next to us…dreamy.
The following day, we were obviously feeling quite active and decided to go on an early morning walk through the forests that surrounds our tiny home. It was relatively uneventful other than the fact that my shoes were completely drenched 10 minutes in, Madison couldn’t wait to use the toilet at home and so he fertilized the forest…oh and I almost dislocated my knee. A couple of months ago, I caught an iffy netball whilst playing in the Semi-finals and basically my knee went pop (but it didn’t dislocate), I thought it was all good up until Friday when I jumped over a ditch and went down on my knee again.
Thankfully Madie was able to get the farm’s John Deer Gator (Look Dad, they have John Deer here too!), and drive me back to the main house. After a few hours rest, I was put on shopping duty and so went to the local LIDL with Nina to pick up the supplies for the week, think boxes of milk, cream, butter, eggs and a couple of vegetables, it was an experience that’s for sure. After Madie made our delicious Mushroom Goulash we decided to get some fresh air by moving some of the café furniture closer to the WIFI signal and watching the Quarter Finals between Belgium v Brazil.
The following day I was basically confined to the café all day, which to be honest I don’t mind, there are always people wanting to practice their English and there is an infinite supply of tea and coffee…so sign me up. Meanwhile Madie went wild blueberry picking for a solid couple of hours, before deciding that he was in the mood for hummus. Aside from the fact he let the chilli slip from his hand in the food processor, the hummus was incredible and completely made from scratch, so needless to say, we were both super proud. That night we also decided to finally try out the sauna in the room next to us, which was definitely an experience. We also won at life by bringing a thermos from the main house for some late night tea, cards and deer spotting.
Yesterday, I think everyone here would agree, was the busiest day in the café yet. At one point there were 15+ cars in our parking lot and the cakes and kombulle’s were literally flying off the shelves. I never been more stressed to ice a carrot cake in my life nor have I ever passively aggressively places edible flower petals on cakes to garnish…it was just one of those days. After a fantastic vegetarian lasagna, made by us, as is true Finnish tradition, the men and the women split up and each went into the sauna. It was a very different experience to Madie’s and I’s sauna the night before but honestly, I’ve never felt more refreshed and relaxed.
Ellie and I also realised another potential career option yesterday as we went with a fella from Mustio who keeps bees on the property. Not only is bee keeping the coolest profession going…the honey they produced this season (which we are selling for 7 euros per 350 g!!), is delicious! We even got to wear the ever so fashionable outfits, gloves and boots included.
As yesterday was so bloody hectic, we have spent the morning baking loads of goodies to refill the fridge and am currently sitting out in the café, overlooking the beautiful fields and waiting for customers to come. Not a bad life aye. Will probably chase the little chicks around some more this afternoon and give them more cuddles (to their dismay). Madie also reakons that there a finally some wild mushrooms to pick, so we might head out on a little adventure to pick those and some more wild blueberries!
Also in exciting news we are sorting out our Visas for Asia and roughly planning where we want to go, although its going to be very very sad to leave Nina’s . Anyway, that’s all for now, thanks for supporting us!
With love R x