I met the real Santa!! Dodgy 56k...
 

So, we boarded our flight MON4418 on Saturday after observing Tigersaw's avatar in real life - all those aboard were very excited - even the kids.

Nearly four hours later, we touched down at Ivalo and tremendous cheer erupted from all on board - spirits were indeed high!! :D

Descending the steps, we made our way across the frozen expanse of runway to the warmth of the main airport building (which incidentally was in the form of a rather large log cabin - excellent 8) )where we were greeted by a reindeer and two people in traditional Lappish dress. A couple of elves played mischief pulling hats off the childrens heads and just generally being rather rogish.

Boarding our coach, Vixen, we were transported to our abode in Saariselka via an equipment stop where we collected some clothing to help us survive the bitter climate.


The food was good (for me anyways!!) and there was plenty of it. We had a full itinerary for the next copule of days and so decided to get the kids sorted and in bed. If anything the room was too warm and so we had the window open most of the time.


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Hotel Holiday Club - Saariselka

After a restless night, the other half was a bit poorly so unfortunately we had to scrub the snow safari etc and decided to remain local instead and explore the town and check out the hotel swimming pool (which was quite something).

Christmas day...

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And we had to wake the kids - the room was just too warm...still better than freezing your nads off I s'pose.

Anyway, we had to be on the coach by nine, so unwrapped a couple of pressies, breakfasted and got all togged up - then we went to the adventure site where we were to enjoy various activities before meeting Santa. Husky rides, tobogganing, ice carving, ice hole fishing were just some of the things on offer...


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http://upload5.postimage.org/40954/IceCarving3.jpg


Then we went in search of Santa...in the woods we stumbled upon his little house...prepare yourselves this is it...

http://upload5.postimage.org/40967/Santashideout.jpg


I know...amazing isn't it??

But that's not all folks...check this out!!!.....


http://upload5.postimage.org/40976/L...zy_Joseph2.jpg
There - I knew you'd be impressed!! WOW - the real Santa - I kid you not!!



Anyway - we'd had six hours of hard graft in the frozen wastes of the arctic and so climbed aboard our coach to return to 'base camp'. The day was topped off with a 'gala dinner' which was superbly managed by the staff considering the numbers they were catering for - the holiday reps all worked hard too...more pics...


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http://upload5.postimage.org/41009/HutsinSaariselka.jpg


We went to bed knackered - but still had a restless night - window open - outside temp about minus 5. Last week was minus 22 apparently. Anyway, on our last day we had some time to kill before being transported to the airport...so went outside again. There is only about three hours daylight per day (eleven until two Finnish time, nine till midday GMT) :shock: Makes you wonder how the locals cope, although I hear that Finland has an exceptionally high suicide rate, and they seem to put some importance on 'light therapy'. Well, moving on to more cheerful things, a few more pics...


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http://upload5.postimage.org/41086/J...elka0939AM.jpg

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http://upload5.postimage.org/41110/M...Saariselka.jpg

http://upload5.postimage.org/41124/T...Saariselka.jpg

http://upload5.postimage.org/41136/T...antasplace.jpg


Well, the kids had a great time. Got to the airport a little after two in the afternoon. The reps entertained the kids whilst the grown ups did the boring stuff. The flight departed early, and due to the fact that it was all downhill, we got to Gatwick early climbing into the car a little before seven in the evening. We used a meet & greet service which is well worth it :thumbsup: probably only pennies more, if that, for bog standard parking. Got back to reality in Plymiff at 1030.

Oh - and Santa exists. I've met him.

Looks like a top notch time was had by all. So wish I went there when I was a nipper. Nice one mate. :D

Twas indeed marvellous. They seem to have 'special' snow in Finland - the non slippy stuff...as car, coaches etc were driving around as per normal :shock: Didn't see one dead car, no bikes either mind, but they did have those funny bikes with a belt for a wheel though...now that looks like fun!! Naturally, I forgot my driving licence or else I would've been able to have a go :evil: