I sure could go for a sauna today.
I grew up on saunas, you see. Pa and I had one in our first home even, but, unfortunately, there isn't room for one in our current home.
And while I didn't grow up with one in my childhood home either, our Saturday nights would find us making the 12 1/2 mile drive from Laurium to Houghton for our weekly scrub and steam at my grandparents.
I love the sauna. The steam, the cool-down breaks, sauna skin.
Growing up in the land of saunas, I grew up savvy in the art of the steam bath. I've partaken in competitions to see who can take the most steam, been guilty of blowing on my competitors shoulder in an effort to get a lead, run from the sauna to the big lake over and over, and have even been known to dive straight from the sauna to the snowbank.
There's nothing quite like the sauna, and I miss it.
In Finland, my sauna education was furthered. I was fortunate to be able to experience the savu sauna and the use of silver birch to beat and stimulate the skin. Both of these were appreciated and memorable parts of my year abroad.
There were a few times when I broke sauna protocol in Finland, for - as you'll read if you follow the link above, there are very distinct sauna rules that we Americanized Finns aren't always aware of, or willing to follow because of different thought patterns and upbringings.
One such rebelling came when I'd take the kids to the swimming hall. Swimming halls are quite popular in Finland and we found ourselves at one or another every couple of weeks. For those that don't know or remember, I was a nanny for three children when I was there. Two boys - from one family, and a girl from another. Now - the rules when it came to the swimming hall were that it was mandatory to take a sauna before going into the pool, and it was also a rule that these saunas had to be taken in the nude.
But I was caring for two boys and a girl from different families and they were quite silly about their differences at that time.
So I used my Americanism to my advantage and we all went in dressed and tried to hide behind the older heavier set crowd. When called on it, I'd just pretend that I didn't know a lick of Finn and turn innocently to the kids for interpretation. It worked, but I did get some scowls for breaking the rules. I was okay with that.
Another awkward time came during the holidays. In both the homes I lived in, the sauna was the main source of bathing. Even if I chose not to sauna, I still had to go in in order to shower, for neither homes had another shower. Taking sauna several times a week was completely normal. Alone.
But, and I was warned, during the Christmas season - I believe it was Christmas Eve - it is custom for everyone to sauna together. While I sauna together with my own family, my friends, my mother - the thought of sauna-ing with my host family was a little over the line for me, and I turned down that invitation. And I offended. It is what it is. While I'm a full-blooded Finn, I am the more prissy American version. I'm okay with that. But to them, at that time, I was part of the family having already lived there for six months, so they didn't understand my hesitation.
While sauna-ing with mixed company was over the line for me - I didn't, and don't, have a problem with a bunch of women in the sauna. To me, that's perfectly normal.
It was during my last month in Finland that found me in the sauna with my host mother, a friend of hers and the little boys that I cared for.
To this day, I'm not sure what caused it as I was no rookie to sauna by this time, but I passed out. Hit the floor right on the spot but quickly came to. Seija was concerned about me, but after insisting I was okay - let me continue with my steaming.
And I hit the floor again.
Did I mention that the families I worked for were doctors?
The second time I hit the floor - Seija no longer believed me that I was okay and called for her husband - the doctor. It was a bit humbling, but necessary I suppose - although he never did find anything wrong with me.
In our next house, we'll definitely have a sauna. I enjoy sauna company, enjoy a good steam after a long day, appreciate it on these cold must shovel afternoons and during the damp rainy season.
And I'm pretty competitive when it comes to steam. It's a healthy competition.
------------------------
Sick: Day 14
All the males are under the weather - fevers, aches, sore throats, runny noses
I grew up on saunas, you see. Pa and I had one in our first home even, but, unfortunately, there isn't room for one in our current home.
And while I didn't grow up with one in my childhood home either, our Saturday nights would find us making the 12 1/2 mile drive from Laurium to Houghton for our weekly scrub and steam at my grandparents.
I love the sauna. The steam, the cool-down breaks, sauna skin.
Growing up in the land of saunas, I grew up savvy in the art of the steam bath. I've partaken in competitions to see who can take the most steam, been guilty of blowing on my competitors shoulder in an effort to get a lead, run from the sauna to the big lake over and over, and have even been known to dive straight from the sauna to the snowbank.
There's nothing quite like the sauna, and I miss it.
In Finland, my sauna education was furthered. I was fortunate to be able to experience the savu sauna and the use of silver birch to beat and stimulate the skin. Both of these were appreciated and memorable parts of my year abroad.
There were a few times when I broke sauna protocol in Finland, for - as you'll read if you follow the link above, there are very distinct sauna rules that we Americanized Finns aren't always aware of, or willing to follow because of different thought patterns and upbringings.
One such rebelling came when I'd take the kids to the swimming hall. Swimming halls are quite popular in Finland and we found ourselves at one or another every couple of weeks. For those that don't know or remember, I was a nanny for three children when I was there. Two boys - from one family, and a girl from another. Now - the rules when it came to the swimming hall were that it was mandatory to take a sauna before going into the pool, and it was also a rule that these saunas had to be taken in the nude.
But I was caring for two boys and a girl from different families and they were quite silly about their differences at that time.
So I used my Americanism to my advantage and we all went in dressed and tried to hide behind the older heavier set crowd. When called on it, I'd just pretend that I didn't know a lick of Finn and turn innocently to the kids for interpretation. It worked, but I did get some scowls for breaking the rules. I was okay with that.
Another awkward time came during the holidays. In both the homes I lived in, the sauna was the main source of bathing. Even if I chose not to sauna, I still had to go in in order to shower, for neither homes had another shower. Taking sauna several times a week was completely normal. Alone.
But, and I was warned, during the Christmas season - I believe it was Christmas Eve - it is custom for everyone to sauna together. While I sauna together with my own family, my friends, my mother - the thought of sauna-ing with my host family was a little over the line for me, and I turned down that invitation. And I offended. It is what it is. While I'm a full-blooded Finn, I am the more prissy American version. I'm okay with that. But to them, at that time, I was part of the family having already lived there for six months, so they didn't understand my hesitation.
While sauna-ing with mixed company was over the line for me - I didn't, and don't, have a problem with a bunch of women in the sauna. To me, that's perfectly normal.
It was during my last month in Finland that found me in the sauna with my host mother, a friend of hers and the little boys that I cared for.
To this day, I'm not sure what caused it as I was no rookie to sauna by this time, but I passed out. Hit the floor right on the spot but quickly came to. Seija was concerned about me, but after insisting I was okay - let me continue with my steaming.
And I hit the floor again.
Did I mention that the families I worked for were doctors?
The second time I hit the floor - Seija no longer believed me that I was okay and called for her husband - the doctor. It was a bit humbling, but necessary I suppose - although he never did find anything wrong with me.
In our next house, we'll definitely have a sauna. I enjoy sauna company, enjoy a good steam after a long day, appreciate it on these cold must shovel afternoons and during the damp rainy season.
And I'm pretty competitive when it comes to steam. It's a healthy competition.
------------------------
Sick: Day 14
All the males are under the weather - fevers, aches, sore throats, runny noses
I looooooove saunas too, especially when I get to jump in the big lake with it, but even without the swim, they are the best!
Posted by: Aleena | February 21, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Our gym has both steam and dry saunas. And I take advantage of them as often as possible. But, alas, I live in America, and there is a strict suit or towel covering requirement in both. :)
Posted by: Leslie | February 21, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Oh, I love, love, love a nice hot sauna! We're hoping to build one here at the house when, hopefully, the tight budget turns around. My favorite is when our Superior shore line (always changes) has the long slabs of stone to lay on and let the water lap over you after taking some steam. Oh, an on a full moon...there's really nothing better...Now, back to watching our six inches of snow falling in 20 degree weather...with NO SAUNA! )-:
Posted by: JP | February 21, 2009 at 12:27 PM
When I was in elementry school there was a girl in my class that was Finn, and she made a detailed model of a sauna for a class project. She did a fantastic job - I remember it well. I've only taken one sauna, not under the best circumstances - I'd like to try one again sometime.
Hope those nasty germs vacate your home soon. I was down with the flu last week, and thought of you. I was lucky to not have anyone else to take care of - and my DH was great about bringing me ice chips.
Enjoy the snow (I think you are the only one that does - I am soooooooo ready for a sunny spring).
Posted by: Linda J | February 21, 2009 at 01:30 PM
Anytime you feel like a sauna, call and come over. Ours is on most days of the week. I live for my sauna especially these cold winter nights. There's nothing like it.
JS
Posted by: Joan | February 21, 2009 at 02:26 PM
when i was single,i worked with a cambodian girl i convinced to come over and take a sauna with me, and, after, to jump in a snowbank......hm. haven't talked to her since. coincidence?
Posted by: Ann Bimberg | February 21, 2009 at 04:13 PM
I agree with you, there is nothing like a good sauna........BUT the kind that is in our basement is nothing compared to the woodburner that is at our camp on the shores of Lake Superior. NOW THAT STOVE can put off some heat & steam! I'd love to take a good sauna tonight {in a HOT sauna} and jump in all this beautiful snow we are getting.
The flu has gone threw this house too. Including me.
Posted by: barbara | February 21, 2009 at 05:49 PM
I love the photo, it really captures sauna for sure. The ambiance of sauna. I am not such a sauna freak as my husband, but I like to take them on a really cold night and then stand outside.
Posted by: jan | February 21, 2009 at 06:23 PM
A sauna would be relaxing right about now. Ours got to a rip-snortin 45 degrees tonight. Yes, very chilly. I was having more fun visiting Brita and the guys were gone hockey game. Ah well. There's always tomorrow.
Posted by: marne | February 22, 2009 at 12:10 AM
do not love saunas, but I love that photo
Posted by: elizabeth | February 22, 2009 at 01:28 AM
So do you pronounce it "sona" or "sawna"?
I do hope your house is bug free soon too.
Just think, tomorrow is Monday! ;)
Posted by: Tonja Trump | February 22, 2009 at 07:09 AM
When Dan first was introduced to saunas, he thought it odd to go with a bunch of men. lol But, now he is part of a Monday night "sauna club", and looks forward to it every week. Me, growing up with a sauna...I still like to go alone. (the modest in me maybe?!?) But, our dream plan, is to have an outdoor one like ma & dad's. The kids can't wait until that day, when they can jump in the snowbank, lake or a pool after. :) They may be grown & gone before that sauna gets built. ;)
Posted by: Suz | February 22, 2009 at 09:02 AM
the sauna thing fascinates me!!! being american to the core, i don't think i could handle it. i used to use every excuse in the book not to change in public for gym class. i still don't shower/change at the gym, i go home.
Posted by: pcsmart | February 22, 2009 at 01:11 PM
Everyone is going to want a sauna after reading this. Sounds so nice!
Posted by: April Oaks | February 22, 2009 at 05:22 PM
Well, then come on over - 500+ miles is not that far to drive for a sauna! I LOVE mine, although I am sure that you'd beat me in a steam competition. I took one tonight at Margaret and Aaron's we were there for a snow shoe - such a great way to end the day.
I like your Americanized feelings on the Finnish customs, and I am fine with a pile of ladies in the sauna too. There is something about sauna conversations - but what is said in there stays in there!
Posted by: Amy L | February 22, 2009 at 10:43 PM
I'm just getting over a nasty cold myself and read your post. I'm convinced the few drops of eucalyptus oil in the "throwing water" bucket helped me. I do appreciate that sauna even though it took me so many years to get it (My husband wanted an electric one in the basement and I wanted a wood burning one in the back yard. He's so stubborn that it took me 20 years of arguing about it to get my way!)
Posted by: Sue | February 23, 2009 at 08:36 AM
Hi Torm,
I haven't been by your blog in ages (somehow it didn't transfer its feed when I switched readers--not that I commented much in the first place), so I'm just catching up.
My husband has a promising job interview in Houghton next week. If he gets the job, I'd love to talk to you about the area! We are westerners through and through, so it would be wonderful to hear from someone who knows.
I was just looking at homes for sale in the area and was surprised by how many include saunas. I had a roommate in college who was of
Finnish descent and talked about it all the time, too. :)
Posted by: Lara | March 15, 2009 at 05:29 PM
I suggest one should swim first before going to sauna and steam rooms. It is for the simple reason of the likelihood of bacteria in the pool, and you can always get it cleaned in steam and sauna thoroughly without even having to use soap (of course, you can use soap if you want to).
Posted by: Neil Dalby | July 16, 2012 at 01:21 PM