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Português
Non-Reciprocal exchange
8 nights
Klaas
Verified
PLU doesn't work with 'stars' like the Big One, but otherwise I would quickly run out of 'stars' because this exchange deserves the highest ratings. We had never heard of Jyväskylä before, but boy oh boy, this town is a dream. Alvar Aalto, the Finnish architect and designer has lived here and left his signature on buildings and lay out of the town and the campus. Mouthwatering! We had a fantastic time here. Andrea and Tim's home, right in the centre of this sweet and young and vibrant town has everything one could possibly ask for. Location, with a view of the park and the more than 100-year old church is stunning. Close to the lake, the bus-and trainstation, lots of shopping opportunities and supermarkets, loads of restaurants, and Aalto creations everywhere. ... Parking is safe behind the building (a remodeled bank) and close enough from town are numerous interesting hiking trails and outdoor options to be found. The home was superclean, very comfortable and had really everything one can dream of.
We met Andrea and Tim at the house, where they shared information and the keys, and where we started talking. We talked, and talked, and listened, and talked, and listened again and we obviously had so much more to share that we met them again the next day, at their summer residence-by-the-lake, where we talked and talked and talked and talked and almost ran out of time to be back before dark. Happily they returned to Jyväskylä the next day, so we could continue the conversation and shared more of our lives. It was like meeting old friends, and I'm convinced we have made néw friends and we will meet again for sure, be it in London or in Bergen. This is sooo precious, so valuable, so special....
Yesterday we returned to their lake-house, as they offered us the use of their deck and chairs, so Lilian could go for a fresh, 13 degrees Celsius swim. We were invited by the Finnish neighbors, who were informed of our possible presence by Tim, to have coffee together. Another beautiful experience that's only possible with PLU.
Tomorrow we continue to Vaasa, in order to catch the ferry to Umea in Sweden where our middle dauhter lives. We will leave this place with sadness in our hearts, but we're incredibly grateful for the contact and the warm feelings that we shared with Andrea and Tim. So yes, five stars for Finland, for Jyväskylä, for Alvar Aalto, for the countryside and nature, for the house and it's owners. It's another pearl on the necklace of home exchange experiences. Thank you Andrea and Tim, and Liz, and till next time!
