My first week in Finland!

So far, I can say...Finland is very diverse from Oslo. I thought it would be analogous because it's Scandinavia, but it's wonderfully divergent. I appreciate both places but could definitely see myself living here rather than Oslo, strange but true! But then again I am in the honeymoon stages where everything is new and particularly excellent.

But here are a few things I LOVE...the central area is just quaint, my room is superfluous, quiet and I only share the kitchen with 2 others, there are many trails throughout Tampere (great for biking, trail running), the city has a "University town" feel to it, it's cheaper than Oslo, there is an organic fill-your-bag-from-the-bin store that has various nuts, trail mix, oats, rice, etc., there is a real adherence of international students, the bus system rocks (when it is on-time), there is a cute local ski hill (for skiing, if winter ever arrives) and the best redeeming quality of Tampere is Wayne's coffee...a comfy coffee shop right off the main drag with wireless and the best chai in town.
Adjusting to a new European city is becoming easier and I'm sure in another year I will be a pro at it. I have discovered that the more expeditious I am in "setting up house" (see pics), the more grounded I feel. This first week, I have become the shopping fool! I have hit about every store in Tampere comparing the prices and purchasing the bargains. You know me...I'm the bargain shopper! I found a heat lamp (that rocks) for 10 euro (originally 45 euro)=$13US. I have also discovered all of the second-hand stores which makes stocking the kitchen cheap. Luxury items I have purchased: Esprit shirt (o.k. this doesn't constitute "setting up house" but it put a big smile on my face), toaster, a lamp in the shape of a star (it was on super-sale as it was a Christmas item.)