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| The Grand Committee Chair spoke to us at lunch. |
Being a Fulbrighter has it's benefits. The Fulbright Center staff coordinated a visit to the
Finnish Parliament for all of us grantees. Friday morning at 11 a.m. we all reunited outside the Parliament columns. The last time we saw each other was during orientation in August. First things first--security! As if we were getting ready to board an airplane we stripped down and went through the security checks. We then headed to the cafe for an early lunch with the Chair of the
Grand Committee,
Ms. Miapetra Kumpula-Natri. Now, this woman was inspirational--she is about my age and obviously very successful in politics. She spoke eloquently about the relationship between Finland and EU. After a fishy lunch, bubbly water served throughout, and fancy chocolates for dessert the Deputy Director
of the International Department, Mr. Guy Lindstr
öm, hosted the rest of our visit. We visited a lively plenary session in the Parliament chambers where legislation was being debated and voted on (after the vote many of the Parliamentary members went back to their office where they watched the chamber proceedings live on TV.) We continued the tour to the perpetually moving elevator.
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| The moving elevator. |
Unbelievable...imagine an elevator with no door that is continuously moving up and down that you jump on-off. Timing is important if you plan to use this elevator! Many of us discussed how this type of elevator would never be legal in the U.S, although it is a fun way to travel from floor to floor it has
lawsuit written all over it. When I see these types of things, I think about how the U.S. has become such a risk-management-obsessed country (which sometimes takes the "fun" out of everyday life experiences). I prefer the way the Europeans roll (or ride).
Next: to the Modern Art Museum!
Being a Fulbrighter has it's benefits. The Fulbright Center staff coordinated a visit to the Finnish Parliament for all of us grantees. Friday morning at 11 a.m. we all reunited outside the Parliament columns. The last time we saw each other was during orientation in August. First things first--security! As if we were getting ready to board an airplane we stripped down and went through the security checks. We then headed to the cafe for an early lunch with the Chair of the Grand Committee, Ms. Miapetra Kumpula-Natri. Now, this woman was inspirational--she is about my age and obviously very successful in politics. She spoke eloquently about the relationship between Finland and EU. After a fishy lunch, bubbly water served throughout, and fancy chocolates for dessert the Deputy Director 
of the International Department, Mr. Guy Lindström, hosted the rest of our visit. We visited a lively plenary session in the Parliament chambers where legislation was being debated and voted on (after the vote many of the Parliamentary members went back to their office where they watched the chamber proceedings live on TV.) We continued the tour to the perpetually moving elevator. 
1 comment:
Did you have any idea that you would be treated like a queen when you were awarded a Fulbright? I'm sure you are soaking it all up! Great they treat you to a visit to Parliament and a free ride on a continually moving elevator. I'm sure you will be treated to much more. Great going!!!!
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