Summer arrived in Finland while I was away. After a few rainy days, it's once again warm and sunny. The gentle breeze brings the smell of growing grass and toys with the unruly strands of hair that have escaped from my ponytail. Others sitting on the "amphitheater" -- the stepped roof of HUT's main building, sheltered from the wind and an excellent place to bask in the sun -- discuss math exams ("No! It's not real, it's imaginary!") or gingerly peel off coats and shoes to expose untanned toes to the sunlight.
Life has slotted back into its routines. Today was my first day at my new job, where I'll be doing what I get paid best for, programming Java. I went to an excellent party Saturday and am busily plotting a few more. Long Finnish days of summer sunshine, punctuated at regular (and frequent) intervals by smaller and larger parties, meadows of flowers and the buzz of insects...
...and at the end of July I'll be off again.