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Jack Whalen's avatar

For 10 years I spent 4-5 months each year working in Helsinki (at Aalto U). I loved it. Every minute of my time, which was almost always in the Fall and Winter, the cold and dark. The snow. It was wonderful.

About the sauna: Essential for life. Perfection.

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John Lovie's avatar

I'd love to go back in the winter

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Jack Whalen's avatar

I was fine with the darkness (sun not coming up until around 10.00, starting to set around 15.00 😂), and a few winters the snowfall was massive (which I especially loved).

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Focus on Finland's avatar

Loving the detailed observations of Finland.

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John Lovie's avatar

Thank you!

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Focus on Finland's avatar

Appropriately enough, we have a story related to water in Finland we'll be publishing tomorrow. Should be right down your river.

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John Lovie's avatar

I'm looking forward to it!

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Antonia Malchik's avatar

I am so glad you got to experience the marvels of sauna -- doing it in Finland for the first time would be something else! I love saunas, but only combined with the cold plunge option. Russia has that, too, though it's different. Sounds like a wonderful journey.

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John Lovie's avatar

I want to try the cold plunge option. The water here was a little to for and a little too warm.

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Claire Tak's avatar

Wow, what an incredible experience! Your photos are like postcards! I went to Norway this year and was blown away by the tranquility and intricate layout of the fjords. I'm sad we didn't get to do the saunas or hot springs. Helsinki is def on my list and it looks like you had a fantastic time there. Will have to make it there one day. Thank you for sharing! :)

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John Lovie's avatar

We did. I highly recommened it!

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Melanie Newfield's avatar

I'm having fond memories of my swim in the Baltic, which was also pleasantly warm, although it didn't feel like it after a sauna.

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