Dare to Bare in Finland

Today marks Finland's 90th year of independence from Russia, a day filled with military parades, flag-raising and the lighting of two candles in every home to honor the dead. It's a unique opportunity and one that I don't want to miss. Yes, I'm back in the cockpit hurling myself to uncharted territories across the pond hoping to take in a little national holiday spirit. Finland is one the world's most unique archipelagos and I'll be arriving in Helsinki to a relaxing pool and spa treatment. The Finns love their nude bath time but yours truly will play it safe and donn my polka-dot bikini! I'm no spahound but even Christmas festivities are preceded by a visit to one of their many famous steam baths so maybe just this time... Besides I hear that the European therapists have garnered awards from the pickiest clientele.

Other Christmas traditions are alot like the States but rather than turkey or ham the main dinner dish is boiled codfish served with boiled potatoes and cream sauce. The dried cod soaks for a week in a lye solution, then in clear water to soften it to the right texture. Carolers sing in the countryside wishing each other a "Merry Yule." This country also boasts having the real Santa Claus living in the upper part of Finland, in the Arctic Circle. There's also a tourist theme park called "Christmas Land" where children from all over the world send letters to Santa during this time of year. Of course, Greenland claims the same religious belief with hurds of reindeer to prove it.

I won't be here for Christmas but it sounds like everything leading up to it is just as wonderful! Be reading for the next 4 days as I take in this Honeymoon Adventure with camera in tow and towel in hand.