Lapland (13th Feb)

We were scheduled for a later slot.. so we could sleep in a little.. Then we gathered at the reception to gear up for Cross-Country Ski-ing! I had no idea was X-country ski-ing was about coz all i knew about ski-ing was the downhill kind..

Basically X-country Ski-ing means going everywhere in skis instead of walking! Its a cool way of moving about in the winter you can go must faster than walking in the snow, and it also allows u to cover different terrain..

Posing only la.. i was stationary.. =)

So after half an hour or so of practicing the different techniques.. we were good to go! We followed Mikka, and she led us on a really nice trail.. in the photo above we were actually on the frozen lake. She also took occasional stops to tell us more about the environment.. like when we encounter Arctic Fox and rabbit trails.. =) Also telling us a bit about the vegetation etc.. I love these nature "walks"..

She also told us about this couple who stays on an island in the lake. They own 25 dogs! They travel by boat in the summer and skis/snowmobile in the winter across the lake to the mainland.. where their car is parked.. But they are are stuck there for a couple of months every year because the ice is too thin to ski on and too thick to row your boat.. =) Some smart Spanish guy asked: "how does he earn money?".. and Mikka replied.. "he works in the summer.... but coz of the system in Finland.. he gets money even if he doesn't work.."



X-country skis are longer and narrower than downhill skis.. and it really is harder than it looks! Started to sweat after a while.. and had to fall a couple of times before getting the rhythm..


It was an amazing way to appreciate the natural environment around us.. the trees and all.. it was beautiful! =)


And so we got back to Vasatokka.. returned our gear and jumped on the bus for the 2nd half of the day.. which was the trip to Inari Reindeer Farm!


We got to feed and take pictures with reindeer.. they weren't as cute as i had imagined them to be actually.. haha.. they all look a little crazy.. with huge eyes popping out.. =) .. Oh ya.. I only brought my woollen gloves.. so i borrowed Ri Hao's left glove.. i'm so glad i did.. coz Reindeers drool.. and they lick vigorously when you try to feed them haha.. sorry Ri Hao..



We also got to ride a reindeer sled! In fact.. we all passed the test and i got a reindeer driving license valid for 5 years..

Riding into the sunset..

After the ride we went indoors where a nice Sami lady introduced to us a little about Sami culture and lifestyle.. We also had the opportunity to see the tools and handicraft that Sami people made.. I suspect its all a commercial ploy.. coz after that they ushered us to the gift shop.. haha..


Being a kiam siap Singaporean i just walked in to take a look.. haha.. and then returned to what is free.. which is to practice my Lasso throwing! the Sami man demonstrating the use of the Lasso was so good.. (he owns the farm).. he managed to "catch" me while i was running away from him.. haha.. What to do.. he needs to catch his reindeer la.. =)


Picture above shows Katya our guide preparing reindeer meat for us to try.. So we were feeding/touching/riding a reindeer a few hours ago.. and then we were eating reindeer..The strange thing is that i didn't feel any sense of guilt whatsover.. haha..


Doesn't look really appetising in the picture.. but it goes quite well with the Lingonberry Jam.. think Ikea meatball jam.. Reindeer tastes like something in between beef and venison.. =)

But again.. the story isn't over yet.. Thank God.. i was walking back to my cabin when i saw something in the sky.. i wasn't sure what i was.. but i got really excited and ran in to call the rest out.. Wei Sing, Leigh and Pei Joo responded to my calls and we ran down to the lake again.. and there i saw it.. For sure.. Feb the 13th isn't that unlucky after all.. Oooh Whoo!!

Still faint.. but with a hint of green.. changing shapes.. brightening and dimming.. changing it's shape again.. We just jumped up and down and cheered.. I'm so so sorry my camera can't capture anything besides this..

The poles were markers for the side of the lake..

One of my life goals have been accomplished.. and i've come to appreciate the fact that you can't go chasing the Northern Lights.. to me.. this phenomenon is so special.. all you can do is just go there and wait.. The Lights choose you.. not the other way round.. Thank you Lord.. for showing me a little hint of your glory!