Sunday, December 26, 2010

Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

Live your myth in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Ζήσε το μύθο σου στο Ροβανιέμι της Λαπωνίας στη Φινλανδία
 Snapshots by Popi Nicolaides
Φωτογραφίες Πόπη Νικολαΐδου
If you are dreaming of a white Christmas, where the treetops glisten, and children listen, to hear sleigh bells in the snow, then… don’t miss the opportunity to visit during Christmas time Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland.
Αν ονειρεύεστε λευκά Χριστούγεννα, όπου οι κορυφές των δέντρων λάμπουν και τα παιδιά είναι φρόνιμα, για να ακούσουν το έλκηθρο με τα καμπανάκια στο χιόνι, τότε... μην χάσετε την ευκαιρία να επισκεφθείτε τα Χριστούγεννα το Ροβανιέμι στη Λαπωνία της Φινλανδίας.
The world's most famous goodwill ambassador, Santa Claus, greets children and adults at the Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle.
Ο διασημότερος πρεσβευτής καλής θέλησης του κόσμου, ο Άγιος Βασίλης, χαιρετά τα παιδιά και ενήλικες στο χωριό του Άι Βασίλη στον Αρκτικό Κύκλο.
Travelling to Oulu and Rovaniemi we had a connection flight through Helsinki, the capital city of Finland. Arriving at Helsinki Vantaa Airport our beloved friends, Hartikainen family were there. Pertti Hartikainen with his wife Leena, their gorgeous daughter Pirre and her two lovely sons Verneri and Vaino.
Ταξιδεύοντας στο Όουλου και Ροβανιέμη είχαμε ενδιάμεση πτήση στο Ελσίνκ, πρωτευουσα της Φινλανδίας. Φτάνοντας στο αεροδρόμιο Βάντα στο Ελσίνκι, οι αγαπημένοι μας φίλοι, η οικογένεια των Χάρτικαϊνεν ήταν εκεί. Ο Πέρτι Χάρτικαϊνεν, η γυναίκα του Λένα, η όμορφη κόρη τους Πίρρε και τα δυο της παιδιά, οι πανέμορφοι, Βερνέρι και Βάιμο.
Vaino (first) and Verneri were so excited to get their gifts. We were excited too to meet again with our dear friends after a couple of years. Pirre holding her two cute children and grandma Leena looking happy.
Ο μικρούλης Βάινο (πρώτος) και ο Βερνέρι ήταν ενθουσιασμένοι με τα δωράκια τους. Αλλά κι εμείς το ίδιο, που συναντηθήκαμε ύστερα από 2-3 χρόνια με τους φίλους μας. Η Πίρρε κρατά τα παιδιά της, κάτω από το ευτυχισμένο βλέμα της γιαγιάς Λένας.
We shared very tender moments for a few hours at the airport. We could wait for hours in this respect.
Μοιραστήκαμε τρυφερές στιγμές για μερικές ώρες στο αεροδρόμιο. Σίγουρα, θα μπορούσαμε να περιμένουμε πολύ περισσότερο για χάριν των φίλων μας.
Pirre with her youngest cute son Vaino.
Η Πίρρε με το μικρότερο γιό το κουκλάκι Βάινο.
Time for lunch.
Ώρα για φαγητό.
Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland, located on the Northern Arctic Circle. It's well known as the hometown of popular Santa Claus.
Το Ροβανιέμι είναι η πρωτεύουσα της Λαπωνίας, που βρίσκεται στο Βόρειο Αρκτικό Κύκλο. Είναι γνωστό ως η πατρίδα του δημοφιλούς Άγιου Βασίλη.
Lying at the junction of North and South on the border to the Arctic, Rovaniemi has become a modern town, full of life with its own unique characteristics.
Στη συμβολή των Βορρά και Νότου στα σύνορα με την Αρκτική, το Ροβανιέμι είναι μια σύγχρονη πόλη, που σφύζει από ζωή με τα δικά της μοναδικά χαρακτηριστικά.
The town and its surroundings offer active outdoor enthusiasts a whole host of opportunities for guided or independent activities on the river and in the forest. (In the picture Popi with Anna and Katerina).
Η πόλη και η γύρω περιοχή προσφέρουν ευκαιρίες για τους λάτρεις της φύσης και μια μια ολόκληρη σειρά από δραστηριότητες στις όχθες του ποταμού, μέσα στο δάσος.(Στη φωτογραφία η Πόπη με την Άννα και την Κατερίνα).
Picturesque natural beauty, very well preserved. Finland is one of world's last great wildernesses. 
Γραφική φυσική ομορφιά, πολύ καλά διατηρημένη. Η Φινλανδία είναι μια από τις τελευταίες μεγάλες περιοχές του κόσμου με άγρια φυσική ομορφιά.
The chilly weather is eliminated by the warm welcoming of Santa Claus, – under his thick, red coat.
Ο ψυχρός καιρός μετριάζεται από το ζεστό καλωσόρισμα του Αϊ Βασίλη, - κάτω από το παχύ, κόκκινο παλτό του.
 
View Video : Santa in Rovaniemi

37 comments:

Magia da Inês said...

Rovaniemi, Lapland, Filand...
sonho encantado de toda criança...

Carlos Echevarria said...

Finland looks spectacular.

The Arctic Circle is a dreamy location, near the North Pole and Santa!!!

Happy New Year to you and your family, dear Philip

Cheryl said...

Looks like a beautiful and warm atmosphere, especially with good friends. :):)

Albert Lázaro-Tinaut said...

Good! I known and I love Finland!

islandgirl4ever2 said...

Wow! Looks lovely. I hope to visit one day... I'd love to go up to Scandanavia... One day!!

By the way, is that Popi in the last few pics? I couldn't tell but it does look like her..

Take care,
Leese

Phivos Nicolaides said...

@ Leesa. This is Popi for sure dear Leese! Merry Christmas to you and to everybody!

María said...

Felices fiestas llenas de magia y de encanto.

Saludos.

Kira Aderne said...

Where Santa really lives!
Merry X-mas my dear friend!

Lily said...

hey, that Santa -story isn't quite true; he really does live at the North Pole; Greenland...!
when were these pix taken? In Sept./Oct.?
When we're up north, we usually go to Inari/Ivalo and then north to Kirkenes. Roveniemi is actually a rather big town and you have to go outside for it no longer to feel civilized - quite far outside!

Phivos Nicolaides said...

@Sarah Sofia Granborg. Ηey, Sarah-Sofia, what are you talking about? We have seen Santa ourselves and we can testify and confirm that he is living up there in Rovaniemi :):):)
Let us live our myth!!! Hugs

Bob Bushell said...

They are great photos in such a beautiful place, Finland.

Anonymous said...

Φοίβο Χ Ρ Ο Ν Ι Α Π Ο Λ Λ Α !!!!

Μάς θύμησες τον αγαπημένο μας
προορισμό που είχαμε στο στόχαστρο
το περασμένο καλοκαίρι.Κάτι άλλαξε
βέβαια και δεν έγινε πραγματικότητα. Σ'ευχαριστούμε που
μας μετέφερες εστω και ηλεκτρονικά
σ' αυτη τη μεγάλη ομορφιά.

Χάρης Χριστοδουλίδης
Λεμεσός 26.12.2010.

DUTA said...

To reach the Arctic Circle that must have been a unique experience.
The colder and harsher the weather, the more beautiful children look in that area of ice and low temperatures( see Vaino and Verneri).
Good job, Popi!Thanks for sharing.

joo said...

What a lovely post!
Thanks for sharing:)
Joo

Michelle said...

I have seen bits of Finland on television and it seems to be quite beautiful.

IrinaBohemianDance said...

Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year for you and for your:s beautiful family!!

Hugs from Romania,

Irina

Anonymous said...

It was so nice to see you here Popi! Next time bring your whole family! Väinö and Verneri loved the present's. Väinö is still yelling sometime's POPIII? POPII? He is wondering where you are :)We have had snowy Christmas here. Loads of snow and -28*c.

BW:Pirre&boys

magda said...

Καλημέρααα και χρόνια σας πολλά και καλά !
Τι υπέροχη, τρυφερή και εμπεριστατωμένη παρουσίαση αυτού του παραμυθένιου τόπου !
Καλή χρονιά με πολλά ταξίδια !!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Popi for the unforgettable moments at the Helsinki airport (see the images above). We are happy that you had an opportunity to meet the Real Santa Claus at Rovaniemi. He is for sure living there. We can confirm this fact, as we have met Santa several times, at least once a year. Last time we sew Santa 3 days ago. Pirre, Verneri and Väinö can confirm this.
We wish You and Your Family Happy New Year 2011 !!!

Leena & Pepe Hartikainen, grands of the kids

María Pilar Bernal Maya said...

I wanto to visit these places but maybe in the summer because I can´t stand cold weather!
kss
,-)

Couture Carrie said...

Wonderful post!
Would love to visit Finland!

Happy Holidays, Philip!

xoxox,
CC

Foxglove said...

Such a lovely place it looks wonderful and to see Santa as well!!!

Wishing you and your family such wonderful last days of this year Philip.x

Anonymous said...

Oikein ihana!Kiitos tästä.Thank you this really nice post!Rakkaudella.

Ann said...

wonderful post! The photo's are wonderful..would love to visit here one day!
Happy New Year to you and your family!!
hugs!

Bitch said...

Love your Finland shots but only by pictures!!
I would no dream about going for
looking the cold..

Wish you a happy New Year,
Monika

Jacque said...

Oi amigo ! Eu estou oferecendo minha lembrancinha de aniversário, no meu BLOG AGUA DE ROSAS... apareça !
Postei antes do dia do aniversário, porque vai ser dia 1° de janeiro...

FELIZ ANO NOVO !

JACQUE

Ana Cristina said...

Hello my friend, thanks for your visit! My best wishes for a very happy 2011 to you and your family!

Anonymous said...

This is a wonderful place to show us during the holiday season. I love the Finnish names, they're so unusual.

kyllimarjaana said...

IT IS GREAT HONOR TO BE YOUR FRIEND .

SpIrToKoYto said...

αχ Φοίβο μου,ευτυχώς που έχω κι εσας μάρτυρες...
Κι εγώ φωνάζω τόσα χρόνια οτι υπάρχει ο Αη Βασίλης...και δεν με πιστεύουν...ακου να δεις..-:))

Καλή και ολόγλυκη Χρονιά από Αθήνα...-:))

angel said...

Obrigada por compartilhar conosco durante todo o ano de 2010 tantas coisas belas e surpreendentes. Desejo que no proximo ano possamos ainda continuar apreciando seu blog e suas postagens, conhecendo seus amigos de todo o mundo e contar ainda com sua amizade.
Um feliz 2011. que seus sonhos se realizem e que voce seja muito feliz ao lado dos seus familiares e amigos.
Sua amiga brasileira
angel

Luca and Sabrina said...

Finland is spectacular and we're sure we'll go and visit this place one day!
Have a nice evening and...by the way...Happy New Year!
Sabrina&Luca

Rena said...

Χρόνια Πολλά!
Μαγευτική και παραμυθένια η ανάρτηση σου!

H. said...

This was fun reading !

Coming from Norway, I have nthough never been to Finland.......

So nice seeing where Santa comes from ;)))

Happy New year !

J_on_tour said...

What a magical experience. A colleague that I work with has taken their children and it is a once =in a lifetime experience visiting Santa on a sledge pulled by Huskies. I have an affinity with Finland as I wrote to someone for 7 or 8 years before we both moved house at the same time and lost contact.
A Happy New Year to you, Phivos.

Sônia Pachelle said...

Querido Felipe,

Visitando para agradecer suas visitas, desejar um Feliz Ano Novo, e muitas felicidades.

Convido voce a visitar o blog de meu filho Ricardo, link abaixo:

beijos sonia

http://guerraepolitica.blogspot.com/

Marineide Dan Ribeiro said...

Olá! Eu não aguentaria este frio horrível. Para mim é insuportável!
Mas é um lugar muito interessante!
Feliz Ano Novo pra vc e toda sua família!