The Sauna Culture

I knew saunas were a thing in Finland, but I had no idea that there are more saunas then cars in Finland. Some people own two or three of them - dry saunas, steam saunas, smoke saunas . . . there are all kinds.The Finns believe that saunas are part of what makes Finland such a kind and happy culture - one just cannot stay angry if treated to a sauna. After hearing a lecture about saunas, we were treated to one at Loyly on the harbor in Helsinki. Although it is a public sauna, one year the prime minister held an important meeting with other world leaders in a sauna. They say that in a sauna, everyone is equal - and I have to agree. Our two-hour sauna included the opportunity to try all three kinds of saunas, and we were encouraged to take a dip in the harbor after trying each one. Although none of us wanted to do it, we knew we must. I don't think I stayed in the sauna long enough to get really hot before going into the Baltic Sea, but I thought I was hot enough. The water was certainly invigorating - but only Rick went in down to his neck. Don and I made it to our chests, but that was all.

We did not try the sauna again, but if I should ever return to Finland I will. And if we are in Lapland again, I might even jump in the snow.