Cottage Trip
It was October which meant that slowly the
summer was definitely melting and away and as the days shortened autumn was upon
Finland. We CEMSies just had to go away and enjoy some of the last possible
typical Cottage Days. At the same time, it was the first big event to really
get together and create some bonding. The location was easily found: somewhere
near Turku featuring a sauna at the sea and only a short ride away from
Helsinki. Beforehand, embarrassing stories of all the CEMSies were gathered so
that we could really get to know the hidden sides of certain people during a
fun game the first evening. The Dutch also prepared a nice quiz that enabled us
to really relive some memories from the previous Block Seminar as well.
The next day we were able to explore the lovely
Finnish landscape when walking around the nearby lake, baking makkara around
the fire in a shelter during a break. Some people even enjoyed the Minttu Kakao
afterwards while others sought their precious sleep. It was a peaceful getaway
of the busy CEMS life and highly appreciated.
That evening we were able to enjoy the sauna:
outdoor fires were lit and magically lead the way to the sea where you could
get a refreshing cool down after heating your body up. Everyone brought food too
so we enjoyed a long evening of relaxation. It was a shame that we had to leave
the next morning but at least the sun brightly lit the way back to Helsinki and
lightened up the trees along the way in their amazing autumn colors.
Crayfish Party
Howdy santé and welcome. The Crayfish party is about
to start and all kinds of CEMSies wearing something fancy red are entering the
room. Especially the Lady in Red draws the men’s attention. What the guests see
makes them stand still and overlook the room in awe. In the spotlight are nicely
covered tables, all dressed up according to the theme: black, red and
crayfishes. The accompanying butter, dill but especially garlic ensure that we
would only enjoy each other’s company for the rest of the evening.
But first things first, and we hand everyone a
glass of sparkling wine to help loosening the tongues and to make way for nice
chats and memorable pictures. Later, when everyone is seated there is time for
a speech and a traditional toast of “proper” vodka (but not according to the
Russians) which announce the start of the first round. Both Finnish and Chinese
ways of eating Crayfish are tried and it was funny to see everyone struggle.
A deliciously smoked Siika serves as second
course but before we can enjoy its taste there is of course singing and
toasting again. The Finnish CEMSies will familiarize the internationals with
some Finnish drinking songs, drinking habits and later also Finnish afterparty.
The desert (vanilla icecream artistically covered with mint-leaves) is only
enjoyed by a few since most CEMSies are enjoying themselves elsewhere. A couple
of Dutch throw a party with songs no one understands, but it is nice. Some minds
already start to lose track of what is happening, but that is mainly due to the
Hungarian Palenka. A black coffee accompanied with after eight stands forgotten
on the tables: everyone is partying.
Until next time!
International Dinner
The task was simple: exchange students should
make their favorite dish of their country of origin and the Finn should be
creative. Usually the latter would still result in various kinds of
karjalanpiirakka, makkara and maybe some suomi viina. But not today, today the
Finn got wild and the results were astonishing.
Apart from Finnish dishes the table featured a
majority of German dishes, three different kinds of pancakes and a spicy
Chinese contribution. For the first course though we were kindly asked to take
our places so it could be served from the kitchen. It felt like being in a
star-restaurant. The plate featured a typical Finnish white fish, but not only did
the fish taste heavenly, also the nut-crisps and herbs put the dish to an even
higher level. Amazing.
Worth to mention as well was another finnish
dish (karjalanpaisti) of three different kinds of meat cooked overnight together
with some vegetables that literally melted on the tongue.
After we had our tummies filled, it was time to
play the special game of the evening: drink the punch. Although everyone had
contributed by bringing some drinks of their own, the drinks offered by CEMS
Club Helsinki were not finished yet. The punch, by the way, served as a first
encounter for the exchange students with the Finnish Glögi. Although not being
the real Glögi yet, there were hints and spices of this typical winterly drink
in the punch. Together with the leftover 80% Talinn vodka the game proved to be
quite challenging in the end. Therefore part of the group decided to go down
under in the Aussie Club.
Red, the color of the crayfish
Brave hikers, embracing mother Finland's nature
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