The View from Above

I've just finished my third week here in Finland, and the time has flown by. I can't believe almost a month has passed since I left the states. Things around here have really started to feel normal. This week's adventure took me to Pyhtää, Finland. It is a very small city about 2 hours south of Lappeenranta. It is also home to my host-grandparents. There is a ropes course in the area, so of course we had to do it!

There was 3 courses. Two outside in a field and one inside the forest.

I complete all three courses. I struggled through all of them would be more accurate.

My host sister Ella rocked the helmet and kicked the course's butt.

Each obstacle was entirely different. 

We had to hang,

Climb, 

Stomach insane heights, 

and Fly.

It was absolutely incredible!

The park also had an indoor skydiving and indoor surfing activity. I hope to go back and try them both!

Indoor Skydiving looks insane.

Sunday morning we went to a nearby national park. This area is protected because it is considered a swamp. Swamps are quite common in the northern parts of Finland, but not so much in the southern. The swamp was absolutely beautiful. I got to see a bird nest that has been in the area for over 40 years! I, of course, took tons of photos.

The black creature in the corner is Lätty, the family dog.

The swamp, as you can see, is beautiful.

Lätty again :)

There was a large tower for bird watching. It had an amazing view.

The bird's nest

It was so nice to experience some of Finland's natural beauty. I hope I get to see even more this next week!