Reaching the Finnish Line.doc

This whole week has been a bit of a blur. Each day I've had a grocery list of items to complete before tomorrow's hotly anticipated departure. They have requested us to bring a large collection of items to complete the summer school academic and practical tasks (alongside all of our clothes) so I've been running around the city looking for really specific 'objects.' It feels somewhat like we're making a soup with really exotic ingredients. Thankfully, I have found everything I need (hopefully) and have completed my science fair type poster and am ready to leave tomorrow at noon.

Originally, I did my poster up on the computer to be printed as one document. Unfortunately, I wasn't prepared to shell out for the printing costs. I'm curious what the P&CC charged for a colour A1 on semi-gloss; I'm sure it wasn't anywhere close to the 30 - 60 Euros I was quoted. Instead I took one of my large maps of Amsterdam and used that as my base. It'll add a really creative dimension to my presentation. Also, while everyone maneuvers their rolled up posters through customs, I can fold mine safely into my carry on. Sometimes I don't give myself enough credit. I'm patting myself on the back. And the 30 Euros I saved on printing can be spent on duty free...cologne.

Alongside my school supplies I'm bringing some of the following items: a Canadian frisbee, Dentyne Ice, a trashy magazine, my ipod, my laptop, a clown nose, and a blow up beach ball. Summer Camp anyone?!?

Things I am most looking forward to in Finland:

1. The first time all of the students in the program are together. We've been studying for eight months and have, at most, only met two thirds of the group. Thirty theatre students together in the Finnish Forest should be interesting to say the least. I will record all stories.

2. There are four saunas onsite, two of which are right on the lake. I'll be the last one out.

3. There is a beach volleyball court. After a summer of beach volleyball in Prescott, and playing on the UofT Drama Centre team, I'm looking forward to playing a game or two again. I hope the MAIPRs like competition.

4. The stats I read on the web say that we should expect 19 hours of sunlight while in Finland. The sun rises just before 4am and sets after eleven. I'm really interested to see how this feels. I think it will mean late nights, and early mornings are scheduled so I'm prepped for little sleep.

5. Traveling in Europe sometimes doesn't feel like you're on vacation because you usually have so much to see. There is nothing to see in the Finnish forest except wildlife and the lake. It should feel like a real vacation even if there is a full schedule every day.

My task this afternoon is to pack. We're heading out tonight because Zhenya from Russia isn't coming back to Amsterdam, so it'll be one more night with the mobility crew. I think I'll be digitally MIA all of next week but will provide full updates when I arrive back in Amsterdam. Here is the link to the conference centre: Hyytiälä Forestry Field Station. I'm happy to be returning back to the North after the visit to Sweden last year. Best Wishes to Canada!

Doc's Prescription of the Day: If I had it in my power to prescribe 20 hours of sunlight, I would. It is still of course the month with the most sunshine, so enjoy it.