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Santa’s sleigh is ready to take you to the magical land of Santa’s village in Rovaniemi, Finland, situated at the Arctic Circle. See the elves, busy at work filling Christmas wish lists from boys and girls all over the world. Santa welcomes young and old to celebrate the spirit of Christmas year round. At Santa’s Post Office you can view millions of letters, sent lovingly and hopefully to Santa from around the globe. To commune with nature, treat Santa’s reindeer to their favorite lichen dessert. To them it tastes like chocolate. Be prepared to be gently nudged by |
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Santa listened patiently to the list of presents your reporter is hoping to receive under the Christmas tree. |
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these magnificent creatures asking for more “chocolate”. After all, they need to bulk up for their special journey with Santa on Christmas Eve. Savor the aromas of ginger bread, cinnamon and spices which Mrs. Claus is busily preparing for children of all ages. Prepare your wish list for your exclusive visit with Santa. |
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Crossing the Artic Circle is easy when you visit Rovaniemi, Finland. Try it yourself! |
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Delight in touring Santa’s private home where stockings are hung by the chimney with care and millions of sugar plums permeate the air. The spirit of Christmas beckons to one and all. Partake of the “Lapland Baptism”, crossing the Arctic Circle in any fashion you wish. Mark the event by receiving a certificate stating that you have officially crossed the Arctic Circle. A feat not accomplished by many. The spectacular sight of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) enhances the mystique |
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Your reporter feeds reindeer their favorite food "Lichen" under the watchful eye of the Sami Sirmakko, who also explained the meaning of the Four Tassels Hat. Later, he rewards your reporter with a bowl of delicious fresh salmon soup prepared by his wife. www.paliskunnat.fi/sirmakko , www.hornwork.fi |
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of the Arctic Circle. Mother Nature puts on a light show which is unrivaled. Don’t miss it! Originally, Laplanders were Nomads moving from place to place to find food for survival, braving the harsh weather conditions. Today they are no longer Nomads, however, they do depend on wildlife, root vegetables and fruit grown in the area. Fowl, elk, reindeer and salmon are some of the dishes prepared in various specialties, such as soups and entrees prepared with crepes, berries sauces and root vegetables. Desserts such as chiffon pie with cloudberries or cloudberry with mascarpone. Delectable! Artisans create intricate and clever crafts |
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The church in the rock! Not too far from the Intercontinental Hotel in Helsinki. This quaint church is carved out of the rock and has an organ that is divine. |
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from nature’s creations. These range from native drums made from reindeer hide to reindeer hide boots that are toasty warm and waterproof. The rack of antlers, when shed or dropped by the reindeer, may be carved as knife hilts or serve as beautiful chandeliers and sconces. The knot of a birch tree is hollowed out to serve as a wooden bowl or cup for soup, The Laplanders honor their land by letting nothing go to waste. They utilize everything for aesthetic and practical purposes. After an invigorating day enjoying the sights and sounds of Lapland, return to the Legendary Hotel Pohjanhovi to savor the sauna, a Lapland ritual of life. Then enjoy a delicious meal in their restaurant with the best cuisine of North and live Dance music. Retire to your suite warmed by a gas fireplace within. Gaze |
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Irene Kangasniemi shows Airport Press readers the location on the reindeer antler that is used to carve the hilt on a knife that all Samis use. Additionally, Irene makes drums and gorgeous items from the reindeer skin. |
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from your windows at the magnificent modern bridge over the river Ounasjoki with its lights dancing upon the river. When the Ounasjoki is frozen, it becomes a winter sports paradise. Sample the cuisine at the Nili Restaurant which offers Lapland cuisine and a unique atmosphere created by the fells and the wilderness. A short walk from the hotel. Don’t miss the Arktikum Science Musuem which affords you a glimpse into Arctic Life. There are many tour operators from which to choose. We found Lapland Safari very courteous and flexible to meet our scheduling need. You owe it to yourself to embark on a trip such as this. It allows you to slip back into your childhood fantasy at Santa’s Village. A unique wild fare satisfies your palate. The light phenomenon, Aurora Borealis, brings you down to earth in the realization of how minute a part we play on earth. |
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Finnair provided Airport Press the facility to bring the spirit of Christmas to our readers. GoFinland.net made all the ground arrangements and we were delighted to meet Ms. Kirsti Vaulamo personally prior to returning to the USA. |
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