Tampere Happenings!

So, you might be wondering what the heck is going on in Tampere, Finland? Well, I'll tell you!

1.) Elections were TODAY...March 18 and all of the Finnish flags were flying high, regardless of the snowy and wet spring-like conditions. The biggest question in this election: which party will emerge as the biggest, the Centre Party or the Social Democrats? The winning party will take the prime minister seat. (See photo...this was election headquarters, right in the center square!)
2.) 100 years! Yep, 100 years ago women gained the right to vote in Finland, the first country in Europe to grant women suffrage. But not only did women get the vote, men did too. This is a socialist country, equal rights for everyone, baby!
3.) The sun is rising! We now have about 12 hours of daylight...6:30 a.m. sunrise & 6:30 p.m. sunset. In one month, we will have 15 hours of daylight 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
4.) BYE-BYE Old man winter! All of the snow has melted and the mud (and dog poo) is becoming quite friendly with the bottom of my shoes.
5.) Did you know that tobacco advertising has been banned since 1978 in Finland? But, it doesn't stop Finns from smoking in public places.
6.) The tallest peak in Finland is still Halti at 1328 meters (4,350 feet). Other than that, Finland is pretty much a flatlanders paradise!
7.) Did you know that the current prime minister is SINGLE?! Yes, and he is one of the most eligible bachelors. His most redeeming quality: he built himself a detached house (which most Finn's only dream about.)
8.) To board a bus you must physically flag it down by jumping up and down and waving your bus pass (ok, maybe a little bit of an exaggeration.) Then, follow one simple rule: board at the front of the bus and depart at the back of the bus, otherwise execution will follow.
9.) Even though the snow has melted you still see people walking fast with ski pole daggers. Don't be alarmed! It's NORDIC WALKING! It's a form of exercise.