Collective Discovery
I’m not sure if “collective discovery” is a real phrase, but that’s what I’ve been calling it - the joy of experiencing something new together.
When Jon’s mom came to visit, we stumbled upon a cute little bistro after a long day of travel from Lapland. They only served quiche and beer. It was a small place, outlined by worn-in pillows on banquet seating. Locals were sitting at the bar chatting quietly in Finnish.
Of all the dinners we had on the itinerary that Jon and I painstakingly researched and planned, this unplanned dinner was by far all of our favorites. We saw how meaningful it was to discover something new together.
So with each new visitor, we tried to think of new experiences to try with our friends and family. Everyone was so willing to try some new food or experience even when we told them we didn’t know what to expect. It was so meaningful to share our Finnish life with our friends and family who visited.
I am thankful to everyone who made the long trip over the Atlantic to see us.
Thank you to…
Margaret & Eric for exploring northern Finland with us and braving the cold weather, large piles of snow, and snowmobiles!
My parents for spending the weekend in a Finnish cottage by the lake & indulging in the practice of rolling in the snow and running to the sauna.
Emily for being willing to swim naked in the oldest swimming hall in Finland.
Alexa for trying Finnish vegan fast food, thrift shopping, and ice-stair-climbing despite feeling under the weather.
Alex, Maddie, and Tyler for eating a Finnish Easter delicacy with us.
Aunt Ann and Bob for the experience of a Finnish Michelin star restaurant.
Alex Curry for jumping in the freezing Baltic Sea with no promise of a sauna afterward.
Most of all, thank you to Jon. Despite me being the one with wanderlust in the relationship, I do not always transition so easily. Change is hard. Through many tears and ups and downs, Jon was always there with a smile, a positive attitude, and a hug. This year abroad has been so meaningful to me and I’ll be forever grateful that I got to share it with my love. I’m excited about our next adventures and pleased to announce that Jon has caught the travel bug too! 11 countries later in 10 months, we are ready to head back to Connecticut before our next trip abroad. More about that soon!
Lots of love,
Jessica
