Brave May World
The weather came out for Vappu (or Wappu, or May Day). And when the sun shines, the people celebrate. On Friday evening, Havis Amanda received her ylioppilaslakki (a student cap, received after graduation from lukio, a non-compulsory high school) and the Hoggard's braved the reveling crowd of Esplanadi to buy balloons for the kids. Owen bought a small Teletubby one in the traditional Mylar shape, while Matilda selected a big colorful parrot, with outstretched wings. We ate dinner at Kynsilaukka with some of Melina's old schoolmates. Though the garlic-themed food was decent, as usual, the service was incredibly shoddy, as usual. I doubt we'll go back again.

The next morning, Vappu proper, the weather switched back and forth. While we ate a leisurely breakfast in our sunny little dining room, clouds crept in and a cool wind blew by the time we went out for a short bicycle ride. Wind or not, people filled every green space (which are truly greening), wearing their student hats, or funny antennae, celebrating the impending warm weather. They brunched on picnic fare and sipped champagne, beer, cider, and maybe even the traditional Vappu sima (mead).

The sun came out again after Owen's nap. The day's new warmth was clear from the first step into the yard. Leaving Matilda and her friends some freshly fried munkkia (donuts, another Vappu tradition), courtesy of Melina, the rest of the family took a nice walk through across the island to a video store. We chose Punch Drunk Love and I was not disappointed later that night watching it after the kids went to bed.

On our return journey we watched an elephant and bear cycle by on a tandem bike. Such is Vappu's zany spirit. The clear air, the blue sky, the delicate green tips of tree limbs about to burst with life, white and blue flags fluttering in the evening sun all leave deep impressions in my mind. If everyday could be such a joyful celebration, the world would be a wonderful place.