already one week in Finland ... I´ve learned a lot of things about this culture, this people and something about finnish educational sistem. I´ve started to lear the finnish language that is quite difficult. I had good and not very pink days but as an overall I am very happy being here.

I like the work AIESEC organized for us even though is quit different from what I was expecting but as I gave up expecting something ... deciding for the most convenient situation as experiencing everything is comming.

I live now together with other 9 interns experience that is quite a big challenge. Living with 9 other different personalities is not so easy but is always nice when you have the opportunity to learn more about their own culture, traditions and countries. During this weeks when the Training session takes part at the University of Helsinki I use the opportunity to learn by myself finnish language too. I visit the city and enjoyed the time through different other kind of activities.

This weekend we were in Suomenlinna Island and enjoyed the cold weather.

Here are some nice pictures and little history of this island :)

Suomenlinna, until 1918 Viapori, (Finnish), or Sveaborg (Swedish), is an inhabited sea fortress built on six islands, today within Helsinki, the capital of Finland. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and popular with both tourists and locals, who enjoy it as a picturesque picnic site. Originally named Sveaborg (Fortress of Svea), or Viapori as called by Finns, it was renamed Suomenlinna (Castle of Finland) in 1918 for patriotic and nationalist reasons, though it is still also known by its original name. It is an example of the Star Fort style of fortification.

The Suomenlinna district of Helsinki consists of eight islands. Five of the islands; Kustaanmiekka (which has the greatest concentration of fortifications), Pikku Mustasaari, Iso Mustasaari, Länsi-Mustasaari and Susisaari are connected by either bridges or sandbars. The unconnected islands are Särkkä, Lonna and Pormestarinluodot.

On Sunday we were celebrating Chinese New Year that was a great event here in Helsinki.

The Chinese New Year is the most important annual holiday in the Chinese culture. Traditionally, it is celebrated with family, relatives, and close friends. January 2009 marks the beginning of the Year of the Ox in the Chinese calendar. The Ox symbolises prosperity through work, and, this year, it pays off to put effort into one's work.

Those born in the Year of the Ox are calm, patient, and organised, as well as tireless workers. The Chinese believe that good deeds done during the New Year and the symbols of happiness and prosperity bring happiness throughout the coming year. For example, Jiaozi, the wheat dumplings that symbolise money, are recommended in large quantities during the New Year.

The Chinese New Year was celebrated in Helsinki in a big way, as the cities of Helsinki and Beijing host the Lasipalatsi square event for the third time.

A big event but too cold to enjoy it as many had done it :(

Tomorrow I may post some picture of us on this events.

Till then...all best

Ella