time continues to fly by here in Finland. Spent 2 days in Savonlinna where i saw Verdi´s Masked Ball performed in a 15th century castle. Has to be the highlight of my summer, or at least one of them. I have come to realize that I have basically adjusted and adapted to life in Finland and feel quite at home and very unprepared to take my leave. Strange isnt it? Even the food is starting to become familiar and that which is bizarre so much more a normal part of life. It seems that here I have become fully comfortable with who and what i am, have had a chance to truly relax, form special new friendships, deepen old ones, and let all barriers down. It has been a wonderful stay and I will miss both the country and the many friends I have found in it very much when I take my leave this Saturday. one last weekend in Paris and by sunday night I will be sitting around the Steiner house Dining room table once again. Thanks to all of you who have made this summer so very special from start to finish. ¶ 11:47