Summer Cottages- Part 2

We were invited to visit a cottage a couple hours north of Helsinki in Vääksy with the family of one of Joey's friends from school.

Their cottage sits right on Lake Päijänne--one of the deepest, largest and coldest lakes in Finland. 

When I got there, I walked down to the lake. The water was so still, it reflected the clouds above just like a mirror. I just couldn't capture it on camera :(     It was stunning.

It was also one of the most "Finnish" couple of days I felt we've had since coming to Finland!  We were treated to some truly wonderful meals. Timo is a big Weber grill fan and brought this back to Finland with him from New Jersey!

You can't beat fresh Finnish salmon on the grill!

The table was always beautifully set with Arabia dishes (the blue plates and yellow mugs are Arabia from Finland).

and Ittala glass (the glass "bowl" with the cookies is also from Finland).

 Oskari's family lived in New Jersey for two years so it was fun to compare and contrast American and Finnish cultures--the good and the bad!  The conversation was never dull!

Rob and Joey experienced a true summer cottage sauna with a dip in the cold waters of Lake Päijänne!

They also took a boat ride around the Lake.

Joey tried swimming in the Lake, but he said it was just too cold!

The kids slept on Moomin bed linens...

...while the adults were treated to a beautiful lake at midnight

Joey and Oskari played Finnish monopoly.

In fact, I was feeling so Finnish, I thought I would try the lemon licorice ice cream. I actually ordered it as sort of a joke, and ended up loving it!

It was a truly Finnish experience!

Thank you Oskari and family!