What the hell?

Old News

Neither was looking for romance, but they found it in an unlikely place: at the polls. Both were precinct volunteers two years ago in this small town north of Concord. As a politician approached the table, Jennie muttered, ''The cheap (expletive). All he comes for is the free food.'' Dick said to himself, ''Maybe this is a woman I'd like to know better.

Ha! Brilliant.
The story made me giggle. Jennie waited 82 years to find the right man to marry.

*sigh*

(Thanks to Trisha for the link!)

Unlike my friends who are off cavorting in Africa, or running kitchens in Italy, or surfing for Carmen Miranda hats, I did some sightseeing in the Sunshine Town. Ok. So it's not nearly as exciting as planning a party for the opening of sex museum, but the parents and I successfully navigated the local transportation system.

This is laudable for many reasons:
1) I lost neither parent
2) sanity (mine) was only lost on two brief occasions
3) the weather continued to hold out (no rain in the sunshine town)

We wanted to take the Ukko Pekka day cruise over, but couldn't as the "summer season" is over. (School started this week.) Without a car at our disposal we took the bus. Yes sir ee bob. A buck fifty (and thirty cents) gets you to the outer limits of Turku. Multiply that by two and you're transported 17 km to Naantali. So what if we got slightly lost. But we found the harbor and had a really neat day.

My dad was most impressed with the church as "it was the coldest place in Naantali". (There is almost no air conditioning in Finnish stores. But it did feel incredibly refreshing to step into the house of God. Just for the wrong reason. Shhh.) We ate at the Mersiali Kahvila Ravintola. Buffets can be surprisingly delicious. And sanitary. (Remind me to run through that at some point.)

After sending my dad on a WC search (he surprised a gaggle of old bitties & met the chefs) we toured the shops. And ate ice cream. Mansikka, my favorite. And visited the Naantali Museum. And viewed a diorama of the former convent.

No, really.

The archeologists put together an actual building to house what some would deem a doll house.

After seeing the 'exhibit' I understand why cameras are not allowed. I'm sorry. It's not supposed to be funny. But the figurines used to represent the nuns, priests, and local church-goes were really, um, original. Based on our trip, I now think the nuns were fooling around with the priests. And drinking. And probably had little reason to leave the convent. Hee.

And according to my mom's observation," the nun outfits are big enough to hide a pregnancy."

Yes. That's what my mother said.

So we had a good day.

And managed to find the return bus. We've eaten, shared some dry cider, and are now watching the most atrocious U.S. made-for-TV movie. (Hey, it's in English.) The other choice is a bad italian movie. (From the early 70's)

We're hoping to take the Ukko Pekka tomorrow night. It will be cheesy. The only remaining steam ship, we will ...

steam smoothly (no, that's what the brochure says) through the archipelago under the enchanting August moon. Sitting in the saloon, we can enjoy salads as starters and tase the wine on the ship and have a sailor's drink or the ship's special, a drink spike with strawberry lemonade. (I am still copying from the brochure) After debarking on the bare island of Loistokari, we will enjoy prepared smoked fish that the fisherman of Loistokari has prepared.

... blah blah blah...here's where it gets funnier....

A shot of tar liqueur complements the meal beautifully. Tables and benches have been set up for dining on the cliffs (Drinking and cliff side seating are a good match?)The evening culminates with dancing on the quay.DANCING

My parents are taking on me an oldies dinner cruise. I will be the only single young person on board. It's from 7 til Midnight. My life has come full circle.

Even though the "Ukko Pekka is a music boat filled with happy swing and beautiful tunes", I worry for my sanity. Even if dancing "goes on in the saloon on the return journey."

Thursday is "Nostalgia and Smoked Fish" theme night.

I hope that doesn't involve old Finnish tango and/or folk music.

Keep those fingers crossed for me!

Oh! And no news on the apartment yet. A letter in spanish was sent to the daughter of the person I sublet from this evening. (And boy is my spanish spelling in need of remedial assistance.) We're still working on the he-said-she-said approach. Loverly.

posted by irene @ 8/14/2002 03:40:00 PM