And we are off!

We continue with our snowy themed days out in January and thought a trip to see the Aura Bolaris had to be high on our sights to see. I have always wanted to see this natural phenomena and it is certainly on my bucket list! have you seen the Northern Lights and what did you think? Is it on your bucket list as well perhaps?

Now we pop over into Finland. I have had a short trip here and love its clean lines, friendly people and good food, but gosh it is expensive!

From Visit Finland

"The magic of Lapland is alluring to visitors and Finns alike – seeing the Northern Lights and the midnight sun are bucket-list items for many.

If you are dreaming of a little escape from the day-to-day, tune into the Sound of Lapland to listen to the iconic ambient soundscape of Northern Finland. These online sounds and the videos of Lapland will soothe your soul and freshen your spirit. We promise! You can also find the Scapes album on Spotify.

To experience the Northern Lights in one’s lifetime is a true privilege. The Aurora Alert service increases your chances of seeing these magical polar lights dancing in the sky when you are in Lapland. The alert messages contain intensity information, offering you the chance to see the best of auroras during the season in Rovaniemi, Luosto and Pyhä regions. The season opens in the autumn. Until then, enjoy the video footage of actual auroras from the past Northern Lights season."

By following the below link you will be able to listen to the sounds of rural Finland and you can if you wish see some more photography and commentary by scrolling down the screen. It is in itself relaxing and awe inspiring.

https://www.lapland.fi/visit/shound-of-lapland/scapes/

The page with the soundtracks should display like this:

Now, we cant come to Lapland without talking about Father Christmas and remembering this is an important side to the Finnish economy and a real tourist hot spot, which is what it is but so important to children and adults in so many countries. It is not my cup of tea, but I do recognise its importance. I am not into touristy created things, but many of our childrens' friends went and visited and spoke of it with great affection - and I am mean the parents! When I was in Finland I was surprised to discover that Santa is year round and we all met him quite by chance in Helsinki one July, sunbathing on the street in his rocking chair!

This is a long virtual tour so feel free to dip in and out of it as suits you.

And to conclude our visit, let's visit Symphony No 3 from Sibelius. A great Finnish composer and musician. Again please feel free to dip in and out of if time is a problem for your computer, iPad etc.

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Thanks Di for the latest of your winter walk photos!

What a lot of colour in the midst of Winter! Beautiful, thank you.