I will be in Lahti for the World Championships, and will compete in the 800. I lived in Lahti 30 years ago, but haven't been back since then. I suspect that many U.S. competitors will arrive in Helsinki, travel to Lahti, compete, and return to America without learning about or experiencing much of the culture of Finland, and that would be a shame. It's truly a unique place, and not well-known in our part of the world. So I'd like to propose that some day before or early in the competition (26th? 27th? 28th?) we organize a local tour, or dinner, or go to a performance, or something that we couldn't see in the USA - could be in Lahti or Helsinki. If there are folks that are interested I would be happy to do the organizing (I'll be staying in a hotel in Helsinki up 'til the 27th, but in some local acquaintances' home in Lahti through 8/1). We can figure out the what once we know who is interested. If you're game contact me at
divanthompson@gmail.com.