January 16, 2008

I think I’ve previously mentioned that, for Nick’s graduation gift next year, we’re giving him a year off and the chance to go explore the world - globetrekking-style. But if I haven’t mentioned it, we’re giving Nick a year off and the chance to go globetrekking. (Yes, I did just repeat myself.)

In the far north of the country the sun does not set for about 73 days, producing the white nights of summer.

In anticipation of his upcoming journey, Nick’s been talking about the different places he wants to check out - Italy, France, Egypt, Amsterdam. The biggest attraction - by far - has been Amsterdam. Hmmm .. high school graduate, bakeries rich with brownies, red light district. Gee, what’s not to look forward to when you’re young and stupid? Can you say Eurotrip?

Over the weekend, we were talking about it again (since we hadn’t in a while), and Nick announces he doesn’t want to go anymore. Shocked the crap out of me! So we talked some more.

Nick says it’s not the whole globetrekking thing - but that he’s lost interest in Amsterdam, and in spending a year traveling. (Wha… are you kidding me??) Instead, he wants to spend a month in Finland.

Moi: Finland? What the heck’s in Finland?
Nick: Finnish people.
Moi: Duh. What’d you do, throw a dart at a globe and say, ok - where it lands is where I’m going?
Nick: Basically. We all decided that’s where we want to go. When I turn 18, we’re going!
Moi: No, after you graduate, you can go! And– who’s we?
Nick: Conde, Mika, and myself.
Moi: What’re you gonna do there?
Nick: I dunno. We’ll figure it out when we get there. We’ve still got another year.
Moi: Can’t I just turn you lose over at IKEA and let you run rampant?
Nick: Not funny Mom!

Finland? Really? I’m not putting the country down, but - what is there to do in Finland?

A Google search reveals the following about Finland (from Virtual Finland):

• You can get a job. Finland is facing a labour shortage and action is needed to boost the size of the work force. One solution is to attract more immigrants, a process already under way.
• Winter in Finland, stunning, with lots to do: visit a snow castle, ride a skidoo, ski free, go ice fishing, swim, really, board an icebreaker.
• The climate of Finland is marked by cold winters and fairly warm summers. In the far north of the country the sun does not set for about 73 days, producing the white nights of summer. In winter the sun remains below the horizon for 51 days in the far north.
• Fairs and festivals galore are mainly what’s on, year-round – at every cultural level – from grand opera to sailing boats to bog football.
• And, apparently, a very liberal environment - drinking, naked people. There’s the appeal!

My short reading proves I spoke out of turn. There’s quite a bit I didn’t know about Finland, and it has a lot to offer in the way of culture and entertainment. I’d probably enjoy a short visit but, instead, will live vicariously through Nick and wait for the stories from him and his friends. If they make it there.

Me? Personally, Tuscany’s still my destination of choice.

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