Day 31: Oulu

MAY 4 - The theme for the next week or so is our advance northward. I have been this far north only a few times previously, and it is all a first for Janet and Odette.

Oulu:

Latitude 65⁰ 00’ 46”.

Today’s temperature (May 4) - High 4⁰ C, low -3⁰ C.

The apartment we are staying in is very basic and functional. Like all bathrooms we have seen in Finland, the shower is just in the corner without a barrier, such that it is difficult to keep the water from going everywhere. The washing machine runs off of the bathroom sink (a lever at the base of the spigot directs the water from the sink to the machine). Several heaters keep things warm throughout the apartment.

Walk across town to a large city park. The history museum is closed because of a strike, so spend the time walking around.

So far, this is still endless fun for Odette to be in the snow.

More examples of well-bundled Finnish children.

Was not expecting a tropical forest, but the park had several greenhouses open to the public.

A tributary of the Oulujoki.

The Oulu Cathedral. It was built originally in 1777, and again after the Great Fire of 1822.

Take bus #8 to the airport and pick up a rental car for the next phase of our Finland trip. Back to driving on the right side of the road, takes only a few minutes to regain the motor memory.

Finland I