Iced Lahti?

Not at all, although you can feel the beginning of the chill. I've had a very good couple of days coming up from Helsinki to Lahti to catch up with an old work friend. And meet another family! Cute as two possums (without the attitude) and utterly charming, with Evalina's English/Finnish hybrid language very sweet. Baggieboy and his partner have taken extraordinary care of me as ever. In fact, people have been so good I'm beginning to think I should refer to it as 'ordinary' care! Although after the massage yesterday I fear my shoulders may never quite be the same again.

I have pictures to put up and will do so at the weekend on my return to Helsinki. Sorry photo fans. And if you've tried to text me or call me then you will have had no joy - I ran out of UK credits and my NZ phone card doesn't work here. Emails are better anyway really.

The lakes are fabulous, the locals friendly and the facilities excellent. Seeing the town from the top of the ski jump is impressive, and the rapidly expanding Sports Institute bodes well for the future sporting capacity. A fine place indeed.

Off further north tomorrow, so may have some new tales to tell.