We arrived back in Finland this morning, just in time for Vappu! The 1st of May is a bit of a celebration day that dates back to pagan times supposedly, but is celebrating the canonization of abbess Saint Walpurga back in the 8th century - but I don't think anyone cares about that.
Smallsteps doesn't - all she really wanted from the day were two things
A balloon and fairy floss.
(or cotton candy for the uncultured)
The weather was good and despite not getting enough sleep last night, we ventured into the local "Vapputori" on the way back from Helsinki to pick up the demands.
This was the balloon selected.
But, there were a lot to choose from!
There were also simple carnival stalls around, but there was an absolute throng of people milling about the park area designated and instead of spreading them out, they packed all the stalls together. So much for 2 meters distance!
When the sun is out for events like this, Finns are pretty enthusiastic supporters - if there was a touch of rain though, they are made of sugar and steer well clear.
There were balloon sellers all over the place and as we were lining for the fairy floss, my wife came under attack, as the wind ways wreaking havoc with them.
But, fair floss getting was accomplished nonetheless and then it was off to eat a "bit" by the lake. My wife was disappointed that they only sell it in buckets now, not on sticks. There is something more special about getting it made onsite and having to eat it there straight away - rather than prepackaged in plastic.
But, it still tasted good enough!
The first of May is special for another reason for me at least though, as it is the day I asked my wife to marry me. I had the ring made earlier of course, but the speech I made up on the spot and I rambled on about how difficult I am and hard to live with, but if she wants to, she can spend the rest of her life with me and I will always love her.
She had eaten a lot of fairy floss already, was high on sugar and delusional and said yes, likely not fully comprehending what was going on. She probably woke up the next day with a sore head wondering if it had really happened, before looking at the ring on her finger in shock.
This weekend has been really nice and I think we all needed a break away from home together, but damn, we are also quite tired! Last night we went to a "disco" on the ship and Smallsteps wanted to dance to the live music and we succumbed to her wishes to stay for far too long - and then paid for it after having to get up far too early in the morning, plus losing an hour in the time zone change as we travelled back from Sweden to Finland. I suspect we are all going to sleep well tonight.
Then tomorrow, it is back into the grind of everyday life and routine to earn a bit of money so we can do this kind of trip again at some point. I think that Smallsteps has got a bit of the travel bug now and wants to see more of the world that has been hidden from her so far and, I don't mind obliging at all - for as long as I am able.
Travel is not something everyone can do, but I wish everyone could.
Taraz
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