Kaarina

It looks like a warehouse from the outside but it was really nice inside (when we eventually managed to get in) Our goal today is Kaarina. It’s only 54kms away but the hotel is on a beach and I’m hanging out for a swimSomeone’s doing up this old building as a cafe. The interlocking timber walls ( no nails ) are 150mm solid timber with dung pushed into the cracks to keep out the drafts. Hajala. Remembered by me for the acres and acres of peasand very tasty Too I must say.Paimio. This little beagle took a shine to me and wanted to come with usAt the far end of town we found a cafe for our morning energy boost. In Finland the coffee sits on the counter and you help yourself. (Unless you order something special like a cappuccino) We’ve been trying to find their specialities so this morning I asked for the best of Finland ! These have got melted lemon butter in them but they still managed to taste like breadAll of the older houses have permanent ladders up to the chimney . I’ll have to ask why?This route is still the old Kings highway . I’ve a feeling those measurements are in miles, to Helsinki and Turku. Just before Kaarina we stopped to get supplies at a supermarket and there was a hairdresser in there.They say you can compare the cost of living in countries by the price of a Big Mac or the cost of a haircut. A Big Mac is about 30% more here and a woman’s haircut is $53. What does one cost in NZ girls?This Hotel is called Lomakeskus Koivukankare. Catchy little name isn’t it. After a slap up lunch I popped down to the beach for a swim and to watch the boats coming and going. (To thé restaurant)Not too many beaches cater for the disabled. This is wheelchair access to deeper water. I knew you’d ask so…the salt content in the Baltic is only .5% , compare that to 3% anywhere else and that’s why the wheel chair won’t rust