This Lutheran church is the most photographed site in Helsinki. Understandably so, because it's pretty hot (the picture doesn't do it much justice). Finland is a pretty secular country but about 90% of the people identify as Lutheran. Don't ask me for details about Lutheranism because, as we all know, I'm a very ignorant Jew when it comes to Christianity.
After this church my roomie and I walked across the (very small) city and found ourselves at another pretty famous church. We went inside and randomly stumbled upon a rehearsal of the Helsinki Symphony Orchestra. I was a band nerd in high school and she was in the dorkestra, so we sat and watched for almost an hour and it was fabulous.
Our 2 company visits were, yet again, awesome. We went to Skanska, a construction company, and Sinebrychoff, a brewery. Sinebrychoff was particularly great because we got delicious lunch, delicious beer, and yet again, we had to wear gear to walk around the factory.
We had to wear these caps, which we got to keep, and then later we were given big white coats to wear too. I love gear.
Later that night a bunch of us went out to dinner at a traditional Finnish restaurant because we all wanted to try reindeer. I know, wah wah don't eat Rudolph blah blah blah. Jews don't care about eating Rudolph! And apparently neither do a lot of other people. And you know why?
REINDEER IS DELICIOUS.
Seriously. This sauteed reindeer, potatoes and lingonberry dish was one of the best things I ate all trip. I actually tried to find a restaurant in NYC that serves it. So far, no luck.
After dinner we went out for some traditional Finnish boozing. I found myself at a crazy ass bar drinking Nicolais and Koffs (Sinebrychoff beers, of course) with most of the guys from my trip and no other girls. This meant 2 things: 1) there was no way I could hit on any sexy Finnish men without a proper wingwoman, and 2) I would have the chance to observe the hilarious antics that were the guys trying to put the moves on European girls. It was entertaining beyond belief. At one point I went up to one of the guys to offer my sage advice. He said I was wrong.
Did any of them get any that night? No. Guys, take note. If a girl offers you advice on how to work your game, TAKE IT, STUPID.
We left Finland and got on a one night cruise to Stockholm. That's right, CRUISE. With multiple bars, awesome food, and a casino. Despite international rules that made blackjack even MORE in the house's favor, I still came out even after playing and I was pretty proud of that.
Our professors had bought a ton of cigars and organized a cigar party on the deck. I didn't partake in the cigars but I DID partake in the huge bottle of the Jager that one of the profs brought. One guy also brought a bottle of Aquavit, whatever that is. It was described as "sort of sweet-ish whiskey." The point is, it was quite obviously a disaster. And also, our professors are AWESOME.
Here is a pic of the cigar party. The kid who took this on his camera is the best camera self-timer user I've ever seen. Seriously, he's talented.
We arrived in wonderful, beautiful, superfab Stockholm the next morning. More on that later.
3 comments:
OK seriously, I would totally eat that reindeer. It looks so good. I've never had deer meat before, but I'd totally dig into that!
yeah, i think if i can handle eating venison and regular deer, i can handle reindeer. definitely on my list of things to try now.
Never heard of people eating Rudolph, but I would try it. The picture of the church is pretty and how luck were you about the orchestra :) I was never in band or anything but I would have still enjoyed it I know that much! OH and professors are awesome. Did you know they were this great before?
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