Well if we're being technical, my new adventure is really my quest to get my Master's, but said quest is taking place at the University of Helsinki!! I get to explore a new country all the while going to class and furthering my knowledge about something I'm really passionate about!
I have been rather bummed about my departure from Portland, but heeding the advice of many friends and family I am trying to embrace this new opportunity/adventure and just reminding myself that Portland isn't going anywhere! I can always go back to the land of pine trees, mountains, food carts, and bicycle adventures. So cheers to Portland for giving me some of the best memories of my life. I made so many great friends and had so many wonderful experiences that it made me sad to leave, but I have to move on to the next adventure. And kippis to Finland, I'm looking forward to what you have to offer me!
For those who may or may not be reading this, and curious of the nitty gritty details of my new life, I welcome you to my new flat (Europeans call their apartment flats.. I'm getting used to it, slowly). I live on the outskirts of Lahti, Finland, which is about an hour outside of Helsinki. I live in a beautiful part of town, and for this I am extremely grateful! Lahti is admittedly not the most exciting town, or the prettiest, so if I have to live here I'd rather live on the outskirts by an amazing lake and forest. I've already gone exploring around here multiple times, and it's great! There is a trampoline down by the lake, and I've already been jumping on that a lot! Some Finnish culture that I've learned is that most Finns have a trampoline in their yards; it's brilliant, I know. Anyways, the following are some photos of my new abode!
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| This is my kitchen! Out the door in the back there is my balcony! |
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| My kitchen from the other side! |
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| This is my bedroom! |
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| Another view of my bedroom.. |
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| The last view of my bedroom! |
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| The balcony!!!! I love that I have this! |
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| The hallway (note how many coats I have :-/) |
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| Looking from the hallway towards the bathroom. My bedroom is to the left. |
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| Bathroom.. obviously |
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| I had to show off the nautical themed shower curtain! |
The other details of my new adventure/life so far? I have met some really cool people through my program! There are 5 of us that run around together all of the time, and I'm so lucky to have already clicked with them. I was kind of nervous that I'd be a mess upon moving here, but friends have prevented the mental breakdown I had predicted. But who knows, maybe that'll come later?
Classes started last week, and so far I already love the material! It's a good feeling to be really passionate about what I'm learning. I was kind of lost during my undergraduate work and not really sure what I wanted, but I know I want this, and that is exciting! I'm just nervous as to how demanding my courses will be, but I'm sure I can handle it, right? Right!
Well I'll leave it at this for now, but I have promised myself that I am going to try and be good about updating this blog, so we'll see how it goes. In the meantime, as I'm sure you noticed, my walls are rather bare and could use some decorations, so please feel free to send me anything to liven them up!
I am missing everyone lots.
