Day 11

his morning we went to the bank and set up my bank account. My card will be here in approximately 1 week! it is reallly cool actually!! it has funky designs on it. I wish Canadian Debit cards were like that :P
My host mom and I sat in the market square today and ate ice cream. (Reason Finland and I Get Along: They have lactose free food everywhere!!!) It was beautiful outside and the sun was shining off the fountain. It was beautiful. Outi said that it was the hottest day they have had yet this summer.
This morning Minna had school from 9-11, just a little thing where she got her schedule and everything.
I went with Outi at 1pm to the school where I picked my classes. I am taking French, English, Geography, Art and Gym. (all things that will be easy for the next month and a half until I grasp the language more). I am also going to take a Finnish for Beginners course at the library from now until April. The only problem is that the course runs on Monday (my longest day of school). This means I have school until 3pm, Finnish from 3pm-4:30pm and then Rotary from 5-6:30pm. Will be a long day. I found out that I have two tutors (Tuomas and Pekka) who are both boys but whatever, boys cause less drama anyways. I have talked to them and one other boy, Sami who are all very good in English. This makes me a little bit more comfortable for tomorrow. Also, there are 5 other exchange students in my school (even better). So I know I'm not the only one whos lost and confused. Its making me less and less nervous for school.
Also just found out that another girl I met, Roosa has spare with me tomorrow so I won't be alone :)
We met with my counsellor who is super nice and used to be an English teacher so she's perfect. She told me that the school has something planned for me and that I will fit in just fine at the school and that my tutors already want to take me to a professional hockey game in Kuopio. I am very comfortable with her :)

After we went to the school, Minna, Henriikka, Outi and I went to the beach and Minna and I went swimming. It was FREEZING. But felt so good especially after such a hot day. (it was like 25, which is hot for Finland). We came home and just hung out around here for a bit, had supper and then all of us were pretty much ready for bed. Henriikka went home at about 4 and then at 5:30, we already had been asked to go swimming again with Henriikka and Sallamari. (Another Reason Finland and I Get Along: No matter where you are, you can walk to a lake and go swimming within 10 minutes.)We went to this little tiny beach in the woods which felt much warmer than the main beach. It was nice to hang out with them, and this time they spoke more English to me. Its hard to have to force people to deviate from their comfort zone, I feel bad so sometimes I just sit back and pretend I know whats going on. Soon enough, I will be able to understand more of what they are saying (I hope!!!!)

Tomorrow is school, AHHHHHH. Wish me luck.
Going to eat some waffles now and then go to bed! Hyvää Yötä!