Kesämõkkipäivä - Cabin Day

Sununtaina, pojanpoikani Daavid ya mina menimme Salolampi. Juhlimme Kesämõkkipäivä.  Se oli sauna ya uinti, piknikki ya paljon hyvä ruoka, ya paljon hyvä keskustelu.  Kiitoksia Salolampilainen!

On Sunday, my grandson David and I went to Salolampi.  We celebrated Cabin Day.  There was sauna, swimming, picnicking, a lot of good food, and a lot of good conversation.  Thank you Salolampi folks!

Salolampi 

is the name of the Finnish language village on the shores of Turtle River Lake just a little east of Bemidji.  It's one of 14 different language immersion programs offered by Concordia Language Villages.  The word Salolampi is Finnish for Lake of the Woods.  About 12 years ago, I participated in the one week Adult Finnish Immersion Program.

Jyrigin Talo ya Kioski

Jyrigin Talo

is the building on the left.  It contains the kitchen and dining hall plus classrooms, meeting rooms and some sleeping accomodations.  The building is modeled after a railway station in Finland.

Kioski

is located in the building on the right.  This is the kiosk or store where you can buy candy, ice cream and Finnish souveniers like T-shirts, toys, games, books and other goods related to Finnish culture and language.  This is also where I work from time to time.  I speak just enough Finnish to help people find things, quote prices, count change, exchange pleasantries and say thank you.

Tanssilava

Tanssilava

is the dance pavilion.  Besides dances and concerts, it is used for meetings and picnics.
 

Sami-talo

Sami-Talo

is a reconstruction of the type of housing used by the Sami, indigenous peoples of Northern Nordic countries.  Standing in front of the sami-talo is Maria, (pronounced MAR-ia, ALL Finnish words are accented on the first syllable.  It gives a peppery flavor to the language) from Finland, who works as a counselor with the language program.  She was very helpful showing us around.

     David and I had a wonderful time at Salolampi.  If you would like to learn more about Concordia Language Villages or Salolampi, you can view their websites by clicking on the names.

International Day Concordia Language Villages, Bemidji, MInnesota

     Concordia Language Villages offers a language immersion experience in 14 different languages.  Twice each summer we all come together to celebrate International Day.  Come join us here in Northern Minnesota on Friday afternoon, August 9,to help us celebrate.  Admission is free, but you may wish to bring some money to purchase food or souvenirs.   Click here for more information and schedules. 
     I'll be at the International Café serving Jarape soda from Mexico, Ramone soda from Japan, and Coca Cola from around the world.  Stop by and say "hi" in the language of your choice.

Concordia Language Villages, International Day

     Located in the beautiful northwoods of Minnesota, Concordia Language Villages offers language immersion programs in 15 different languages.  Twice each summer, we celebrate this with an international festival.  On Friday afternoon, August 10, 2012, we will be celebrating in the 11 languages that currently have immersion programs in progress.  For a more complete description of the activities and languages involved, please click on this site; International Days, 2012.

     To get an idea of the fun and excitement experienced by the learners and staff, or to observe and interact with them and others, come visit with us on August 10.  Admission and participation in activities is free, including but not limited to a tour of the 5 villages at this site.  However, you may wish to bring some money to purchase food and beverages and some exotic items at the International Bazaar.

     Be sure to be here for the opening ceremony at 2 PM, for the colorful entrance of all the different villages. And if you get a chance, stop by and say "hi" to me in the language of your choice at the International Cafe.  We have soft drinks, ice cream and chairs in the shade for that brief respit you may be needing.  Feel free to bring in food from one of the many stands near-by selling international cuisine.

     Questions or comments?  Click on 'comments' below, or send me an e-mail at bemidjidavid@gmail.com.