Photos were captured using the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH22 and the Nokia N8. Edited using Adobe Photoshop Elements. Flights were booked via Priceline.com, featuring No Flight booking fees + earn airline miles!

All images are © TomSettle.Communications.

Introduction
This was the most difficult vacation I’ve ever taken, as I had recently injured my back at work. Modern travel post 9/11 is a hassle to begin with, and it’s made even more challenging when you are hobbling through multiple terminals on a cane.

Nonetheless, it makes you appreciate those things we often take for granted, namely one’s health and one’s family. For this, I am eternally grateful.

Saturday 18 February 2012
Arrived in Helsinki right on time, and my cousin Harri and wife Mirja greeted me at the airport. It took us a while to find their car in the parking garage but eventually we were on our way.

They had rented a cottage by a frozen lake in Pertunmaa. We stopped along the way for groceries and a burger.

The cottage was beautiful, very cozy looking out at the deep snow! We had a welcome drink up in the loft, and later went to sauna. Played some games on my Kindle Fire and turned in for the night.

Sunday 19 February 2012
It was a snowy winter’s day in Finland, but I mostly stayed inside because of my leg and back pain. Harri built a roaring fire that kept the cottage nice and comfortable.

I took a number of pictures around the cottage, including the kitchen, living room and Harri in his new Coca Cola lounging pants.

Also snapped some photos of their cat Sophie, seen here with Mirja. The expectant mother kept watch over us and hammed it up for the camera.

We had a delicious dinner, with plenty of fish and wine. Went to sauna early so we could watch Idols (the Finnish version of American Idol) on TV.

Later played a few games of Kimble (a.k.a Trouble) and drank some vodka colas. Harri, Mirja and I stayed up until about 2AM and all had a good time, especially Harri!

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Continue to Part 2