I went to Mikkeli today, a city 60 km to the south, the hallowed haunt of my school's main campus. The trip was mandatory, and, as far as the official "study term opening ceremony," a total waste of time. But it wasn't all bad: I met some more exchange students.

Left to right: Girl From China, Girl From Kazakhstan, Guy From Nepal, Me.

Girl From China showed me how to solve one of the several neurosis-inducing brain benders at one of the booths.

Girl From Kazakhstan was beautiful. Way out of my league. Yours, too, for that matter. But I got my picture taken with her.

Guy from Nepal regaled us with the tale of his intrepid leap from a 10-metres-high platform. I doubt he'd have been in shape to tell it were it not for the lake below the platform.

Back at the Nikkarila home campus after the excursion, Fabian mentioned that Tiia was cute. Thanks a lot, Fabian. Thank goodness she has a boyfriend of 6 years...

Then I went for a long run with my brand-new running shoes. Yay for new shoes!

-BC