隻字片語 / Ivalo

After 3.5 hours drive, we have arrived at Ivalo. I just had my first Finnish sauna! Sauna is a very important part of Finland culture. It is said there is a sauna utility for every three Fins. Inside the sauna chamber there is a pile of heating rocks. We poured water on to the rocks and it fills the chamber with steam. With the steam, the room becomes very hot although the temperature may not be really very high. Then we go to the cold pool and jump right in! It is said Fins build their sauna chambers next to lakes, and they jump from the steam room right into the freezing lake. The temperature difference can be up to 100 degrees!

The visit to Santa Claus village was an interesting experience. A white line labeled "The arctic circle" pointed out where it was. I haven't thought about this before, but what is the purpose of the arctic circle, and why is it at such a bizzare place such as 66°33'07"? Anyway, in summer and in north of the arctic circle, the sun rarely disappears. Tomorrow, we will have the chance to see the midnight sun!