Where
what and why...I
am currently on residency
for three months in a small Finnish town called Rauma. Rauma is on the
lower east coast of Finland, approximately 1 hour from Turku and three
hours from Helsinki.
The population is ca. 36,000 people and the town is protected by the UNESCO
trust as it has one of the largest last remaining examples of old wooden-structure
houses in Europe. The entire centre consists of these wooden buildings
and is very picturesque.
There is a large Nuclear Power Plant not too far away from the town and,
I have been told, is soon to be home to the largest nuclear reactor in
the world.
Nightlife in Rauma is not exactly thriving. There are, however, around
three night clubs here, a few trend bars and a very interesting alcoholics'
pub in the old town which adjoins an old dancing hall where one can practice
rock n roll and ballroom dancing at leisure.
The weather in Rauma is not too hot. Apart from the fact that I have arrived
here in the fullest throws of winter, it is not a winter wonderland as
I might have hoped, rather a profusion of rainy puddles and grey sky.
Opposing the popular myth that Finland is shrowded in complete darkness
for much of the winter months, the daylight hours range from around 9am
til 4.30 (November).
The good folks of Rauma seem a little shy (i've been told this is a finnish
quality) and the average age of the population tends towards the latter
years.
Finnish diet consists, as far as I can tell, of a lot of starch and wheat
products, meat, fish and root vegetables. I've discovered some very helpful
ingredients to make my porridge that little bit more interesting in the
morning and had some very nice marinated herring.
The Sauna is probably the most exciting and healthy activity I've come
across and helps to ensure a good night's sleep. I've had one every day
since I arrived which is utter luxury as far as I'm concerned and my skin
is now as soft as a baby's posterior. My favourite bit is throwing water
on with the wooden spoonand the scorching feeling as it evaporates around
you in an elixir like steam cloud. |