Arrived in Finland safely and the first thing I had to deal with was an interview with the local paper!  Picked up at the airport by J who was going to be looking after me for my stay.  It was snowing when I arrived although not cold.  J took me to the hotel in the middle of Kokkola and I had a few minutes to drop off my luggage, quick wash and down for the interview.  First I met a photographer who's english was not good, but we managed.  Glass of wine in hand, the interview began.  Not quite what expected because a single question was asked and then discussed.  J helped out with translation of particular words or ideas. 

After the interview we went to a local restaurant for a meal.  Four of us wen, two other people who would be speaking at the conference, and I met a collegue of J's who is a drama teacher/lecturer.  We enjoyed the meal and were very lighthearted, with humour as we discussed what each one of us did, and how we were thinking about the topics of the day.  Also, had some Elk meat I have never tasted before, which was delicious and similar to the antelope I had in South Africa.  Returned to the hotel with temperatures dropping, collapsed into bed and slept very well after a 14 hour, busy day.  Two hours time difference made it a longer day.