My grandfather left Finland to come to Australia in the early years of the 20th century. He was only 19 and he came alone. I think he was very brave. One of his step brothers came later, but the rest of his family stayed in Finland.
grandfather Matti
A couple of years ago I had contact with the daughter of grandfather’s sister’s daughter. I suppose that would make her a cousin. We have been emailing each other for some time now and I was delighted when Heli invited us to spend the day with her family at their lake side house near Kouvola.
We took an early morning train from Helsinki and Heli and her husband Mikko were at the station to meet us. They drove us a short distance out of the town to their delightful weekend house by one of Finland’s many lakes. It is in an idyllic setting beside a black water lake surrounded by birch and pine trees.
the house by the lake
the little green boat
the lake
We had a great day talking about the family connections. Heli speaks excellent English, which is fortunate as my Finnish consists of a few words. Her husband, Mikko, also speaks English, but occasionally needed help from his mobile dictionary – Heli. Mikko chopped wood to smoke a salmon for our lunch and it was such a lovely day we were able to sit on the balcony with a view of the lake.
Mikko chopping wood for the smoker
the children’s playhouse
the jetty on the lake
We declined a very kind offer of a sauna. After the sauna I believe it is the custom to jump into the lake to cool off. One day I will try this.
Their son Ilpo came after school on his motor bike and was a lively participant in the conversation. His older sister, Annielina, arrived later, in time for some delicious moose for dinner. I’m sure my grandfather would have been thrilled to know that we spent time together, and I know he would have liked Heli and her delightful family .
my Finnish family
It was wonderful to get to know my new relatives and it gives me an excellent excuse to visit Finland again soon. I feel particularly at home in Finland.