Finnish Independence Day

The 6th of December is Finnish Independence Day. They celebrate their freedom much differently than people in the USA do. Usually we enjoy blowing stuff up, barbecues, etc. Finnish people, however, spend the day peacefully at home, lighting candles, and enjoying a delicious cooked meal with family. It is more about celebrating the people that fought in the war and being able to remain free than it is about patriotism and fireworks. My family left at three in the morning today, and I am moving into Oliver's host family's house for the week. They went on vacation to the Canary Islands. We had a delicious meal of roast lamb and potatoes, and for dessert, panna cotta. Tommi, Oliver's host dad, is an excellent cook. Two 18 year old Afghanistan refugees that Tommi and Taru have been helping out joined us for dinner. We also watched part of a traditional Finnish war movie that they play every Independence Day called, "The Unknown Soldier," in English.