Headed for Lahti? Yank who used to live there offers tour
Doug Thompson, an M50 runner writing on our Forum, says he’d like to organize a tour or informational dinner on Lahti culture and history for fellow Americans (or others) competing at worlds. Doug writes: “I lived in Finland for two years when I was 20 and 21.  Spent time in all the major cities in southern Finland, including a few months in Lahti itself, and I haven’t been back since.” Doug thinks, rightly, that Americans shouldn’t just blow in and out of Finland without soaking up some local color. Thankfully, it’s not sauna season — so we won’t be forced to jump from a sizzling steam room into a frigid lake. Or vice versa. But Doug will be the go-to guy for Lahti insider info. Every little bit helps.
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I’m wondering how to cope with the long days of sunshine — I understand 17 hours or so while we’re there. I’m not a good sleeper as it is. Can Doug offer any suggestion on how to cope with this?
Yes, it’s a real issue. I remember in the summer waking up at 3 a.m. with the sun coming in the windows. Two things – first, obviously, get the bedroom as dark as possible (shades, etc.). I didn’t live in a hotel when I was there, but you’d think that public accommodations would be set up for that. Second, that much sun actually seems to make you need less sleep, so you may be able to get by on an hour or so less than normal. Also, naps!
Thanks! That’s helpful.
Any tips on not to miss places? So I don’t come back and have someone say, “What!! You were in Finland and you didn’t see …!”
Actually that’s what this blog was about. I’ll throw out a few ideas over the week end for an excursion. But off the top of my head, the arctic circle (5-6 hr drive from lahti), the Russian border (not as exciting as it used to be), several things in Helsinki, which isn’t too far from Lahti.
Dear Anonymous, if you’d like to hear our ideas for some things to see together email me at divanthompson@gmail.com
Thanks for the offer, and your suggestions. Your group excursion won’t work for me, however. Hope you’re able to get a group together.
Hi, Doug. I trained and raced in Finland summer of 1956. I raced in Lahti so I emailed the same newspaper in Lahti that did the race reporting in 1956. Told them that I’m returning to race in Lahti again after 53 years and that there should be a story in there somewhere. I never heard a word. I definitely won’t recognize anything.smile.
Jerry
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