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28-29 October 2001
29 October 2001
Monday 2100
Sunrise/sunset 0755/1609
High/low 2°C/-2°C (36°F/28°F)
Oulunsalo, Finland
FIRST SNOW IN OULU!
We experienced our first real snow this year. Things that I will remember: when
I looked out the window in the morning the ground was covered in snow, when
I looked at the trees, snow was caught in the crooks of the branches,
it was incredibly beautiful. As I was waiting for my bus and the traffic
was whizzing by, it was neat to watch the fine powdery snow swirl around on the road.
Everyone was so excited, children and teachers alike talking about the
first snow. Of course, the children started making snowballs right away.
The teachers were saying did you see… or how do you like the snow? As
the sun came out and shown on the snow it looked as if the ground was
covered with diamonds. Also when I had duty that day the sun was shining,
I looked up to see a light powdery dust of snow falling; it looked like
golden glitter coming down or fairy dust that Tinkerbelle had just thrown
into the air.
Oh, on that first morning I was the first one to make footprints in the
virgin snow as I was jogging to the bus. What a treat! Making the
first footprints and listening to the crunch of the snow. Also it was so very quiet, except for my footsteps.
As the week progressed and the snow continued, I loved looking at the
trees now completely covered almost in a white ice. It reminded me of
Christmas cards I have seen showing wintry scenes. It is a spectacular sight!
I am now wearing tights, silk underwear, wool socks, and boots with studs
attached. The Finns definitely know I am a foreigner, but let me tell you, after
the snow removal equipment scraps the snow clear it leaves a fine layer of ice.
Now I know what black ice is, because as you walk along the path looks fine, but it is really
covered with pure ice. So far so good, the studs
are helping to keep me upright. (John – the Finns have descriptions for twenty types of snow.)
Mary Ann |
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