On Monday we started by visiting lessons in our host school, and faced the challenge of understanding from the pupils' reactions how what they were learning, as we couldn't speak the language. In the evening we met up with the staff from the other partner countries who had arrived a day later than us.
The second day brought an introduction for all staff and students in the newly-built auditorium in our host school. An ice-breaker activity was followed by tours of the school, before we headed off to the Avantosauna by a frozen lake. Highlights of the day included the sauna itself, and running out into the cold to take a dip in the frozen lake. The more daring amongst us also rolloed in the snow. By all accounts, it was painful but fun. The day also gave us the opportunity to hone our skills at boot throwing, snow football, and "wife-carrying". All of these activities were on the frozen lake which provided a picturesque and dramatic backdrop for the day.
We followed up the next day with a trip to Kolli, where a variety of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing were available. Our only regret from the day is that we didn't have more time to sharpen our new-found skills. It ended with a multi-vision presentation on Koli.
Thursday was biathlon day! Intrepid teams of pupils and teachers competed against each other in laser shooting and cross-country skiing. Whilst our success at shooting gave us a head-start in the cross-country race, the Finns were able to overtake everyone and were crowned the biathlon champions. This was followed by snow football where the English curse overtook us and we crashed out at the semi-finals after a penalty shoot-out.
The final day started with further expression of competitive spirit as the countries competed with each other in the traditional Finnish sports of wife-carrying and boot throwing. Everyone in the school celebrated Valentine's Day by wearing paper hearts around their necks, which were signed by anyone who gave them hugs. A good number of signatures could be gained by stepping into the "hug zone". This evening, there will be a Valentine's Disco where pupils will dress using the "traffic light" system - red if you're in a relationship, green if you're not, and orange if you're not sure!
We fly back home tomorrow morning! We have had an amazing week but are all looking forward to getting home - although temperatures may not be too much warmer than here in Finland!