Thursday afternoon we met Ulf and his family; Marita and Finn. We started the interview by asking what was the first thought they had about Ivalo, when they arrived in Ivalo. Ulf told us, that it was very dark and snowy when they came out of the aeroplane. First he had thought that it would be dark all the time here in Lapland, but it was a bit suprising for him to see that there still was some light.
Ulla Hynönen, the head mistress, had been on the same flight as Ulf and his family. After they arrived, they drove with Ulla to her home. While they were driving, they saw reindeer near the road. At Ulla's home they had dinner, reindeer stew and in their opinion it was very delicious.
During their visit they have experienced the outdoor. They for example spent the weekend in a cottage and they tried skiing and ice fishing. Ulf and his family were invited to different places many times and they have eaten many Lappish specialities. They have also tried the Finnish sauna, although Ulf told that he also starts his weekends in Germany by going into a public sauna.
Ulf has visited all the three schools in Ivalo. He thought that the schools in Ivalo are very small compared to the schools in Germany.
Finnish people seem to be very quiet and friendly in Ulf's opinion. For example the Helsinki airport was very quiet and cosy compared to Frankfurt. There was a scent of coffee in the air at the Helsinki airport.
Ulf and his family have enjoyed their stay in Ivalo and he said that he would like to come back for example in summer. Because they have stayed in Ulla's home instead of hotels, they have seen "the real Finnish life".

Ulf is 39 years old, his hobbies are playing the guitar, jazzrock (no singers). He is a maths teacher, he also teaches physics and geography.

Tiia Hilli and Anna Mero, January 11 2007