FLASHBACK #27: Sister In Finland - Sliding, Nasineulla & Walking On Water!

As the weeks in December passed by, my sister paid a visit to Tampere. After her arrival at Pirkalla Airport, I handed her a scarf and some lip balm to guard her against the cold. When we got to my place, my neighbour popped by with her dog, we opened some beers and had a nice cosy night in!

Over the next couple of days, we stayed local. On the first day, we visited town, checking out the stores. I introduced her to Hesburger, Finland's own fast food hamburger chain, followed by a trip to Näsineullä. At the top of the tower, we looked down at the etched ice now blanketting both Lake Näsijärvi and Lake Pyhäjärvi. From here, you could see my apartment and the hills of nearby Pispala and Nakötorni.

That evening, we paid a visit to the recently opened 'London Pub' in town and marvelled at it's naff-ness factor! The only thing that was 'London' about it was a picture of the late Queen Mother putting away what resembled a pint of bitter. Otherwise, the place was littered with American brands on the walls and on cardboard coasters! Phrt!

The next day was a Friday, with lot's to see and do! In the morning, we drove to Pynikki, one of my favourite places in Tampere. Set in the grounds of the huge Hotel Rosendahl, Pynikki has it's own beach in the Summer which, in the Winter, turns into a lake of ice. To put the theory that you can walk on water to the test, onto ice we strolled!! My sister was very reluctant at first, fearful of falling through. Out on the lake, you could look all the way to the other end of Lake Pyhäjärvi, which stretches all the way to Nokia City, some 20km to the West.

After the little stroll on the ice, we headed to some nearby hills and, like two very grown up children, took part is what is known as Sliding. Sledging with a difference, Sliding involves sitting on a circular plastic dish just big enough to cross your legs on. Because it's plastic, solid and light, you travel much faster. You would never have thought that two people in their late twenties could have so much fun sliding! It was cool!

Having forgotten to bring gloves to Finland, my sister nearly got frostbite in her hands so we retreated to the nearby warm supermarket to buy some beer and other supplies, before heading to Helsinki; finally, my sister would be meeting Bree for the first time. My sister has always known about Bree - I came out to my sister a few years back during a very emotional night out.

The two hour drive to Helsinki went very quickly and, when we arrived, Bree had prepared a wonderful meal. They got on like a house on fire and it was such a relief! We spent the evening in while my sister and Bree got to know eachother. The next evening, however, the three of us went to a gay bar and my sister met some of my other friends. I think my sister really enjoyed being in an environment where she didn't have to worry about being hit on. There certainly wasn't any danger of that, although it was amusing when my sister noticed a lesbian staring at her boobs!

It was -17C when we walked home at 3am the next morning! For my sister, this temperature proved to be a bit too much and, upon entering Bree's warm apartment, she sighed with relief. The next day was spent relaxing, drinking coffee at Cafe Ursula on the seafront, before Bree kindly drove my sister to the airport.