Where we're staying (week 1)...

Our first full week this year will be spent right on the Russian border- almost within spitting distance, as the lake (Simpelejarvi) is half in Finland and half in Russia!
We'll drive over here from Helsinki to meet up with Anna's parents, sister Olga and her son Arnold, and spend the week with them in this large villa. It's not far to Parikkala so we'll be able to nip to the shops in around 10 minutes by car.

The house.

Sauna by the lake.

Looking back to the house, from the lake. Was this taken in Finnish or Russian territory?

I'm looking forward to relaxing here!