In and around Parikkala today...

This morning we headed into the town of Parikkala, which is about 3 miles or so north of the cottage. We all went to have a look around a couple of little museums and a craft centre, both of which were nice in the morning sunshine. Then we visited a little Russian church, which was very little indeed- I would imagine that at full capacity, it might hold 20 people!
In Parikkala village, by the church.

World War 2 memorial.
The tiny Russian orthodox church!
Living room in the cottage.
In the sauna this evening.

This afternoon it was a mixture of sunbathing around the house, and later Anna and I went back into town for some shopping. I also decided I need a haircut, so I have arranged an appointment for tomorrow. That should be interesting! After dinner this evening, the sauna was heated once again, and it was great to leap into the lake repeatedly. There are two saunas here, one in the house itself, and the other down by the lakeside, but we have only used the lakeside one so far, as it seems nicer just to leap straight into the water afterwards! Anna's dad and mum went into the woods this evening and collected lots of strawberries for us all.

Oh yes, forgot to mention- we have seen ospreys both yesterday and today on our lake and also circling above another lake between here and the town. Beautiful birds!