Tampere, Tammerfors!

Finland has two official languages: Finnish and Swedish. That's why many towns in Finland have two names. Our hometown in Finland is Tampere in Finnish and Tammerfors in Swedish. It's the largest city outside the capital region with its 225 000 citizens.

After the Midsummer we traveled to Tampere, yay!

28.6.-5.7.

Blueberries from the forest! Very delicious. 

We said bye to North Karelia and headed for town!

This big playground in the park is used also by daycare groups in their little safety vests.

Meeting friends in a park picnic.

We got to stay at our friends in our old hoods, cheers once more!

Our home neighborhood Tammela.

Most people live in old apartment buildings surrounded by yards.

They are demolishing one of the ugliest buildings. This one even had a bar called "Ugly".

Tammela marketplace.

With grandpa! The food was a Tampere legend: black sausage!

There are a lot of parks and that's where we we're headed!

The building in the background is our old home.

Gravel is the material of choice as it doesn't get destroyed by frost.

This park is in the very city center next to the rapids.

The parks are fenced to stop escapes!

Modern playware with computer assisted speakers etc.

This park is in Tammela.

Anna-Mari visited CrossFit local style!

Skiing machines.

While our neighborhood Tammela is mostly made out of concrete blocks, an old wooden housing block was saved by group of active people. The block was then newly renovated for housing preserving the original materials and look. The block also organizes a poetry festival and Christmas markets. Many of our friends live there and we went to visit.

Just moved in to a new flat.

This place is always full of action!

Last days in Finland we spent with relatives in Johannes' home town Jämsä.

Other parents are having a rest while Johannes entertains kids on the train.

Playing with cousins! The Märklin train set is from the 60's!

Normal Finnish summer weather.

Children's traffic park.

Johannes worked here in 1999 or so. The old cars are still here!

A newer version.

Fill up!

"Faster, faster!", the passenger shouted.

"Came it or this, do not leave without pulling." (Google translate)

I love it when they combine playgrounds with adult's workout gear in some parks!

Lovely neighbours brought us blueberries from the forest! 

Blueberry milk is one of worlds best things.

It was time to leave the Finnish summer.

Bye-bye Finland!!

But where are our possums heading next? Back to Australia? Or maybe something else? See the next posting to find out!