Vassa part 2

 After a good nights sleep, we went to work with Tomas.  He is a woodworking instructor at a local community place. I'm being vague because I honestly don't remember the name of the place.  We went in and George participated in a wood working lesson. I went to mail a few more packages, and buy some gloves because I stupidly sent them back to Panicale.  Before I left though, I took loads of photos of man tools! (Another Heavy Photo post)

That is a lot of man tools! This place is incredibly clean too.  I mean, there is dust and all, but for the number of people inside working, I was surprised.  

I took off for a few hours and did all the boring stuff while George had fun.  Around 12:30 I returned and managed to snap a few photos of George working on a few puzzles. 

Safety first!

After our day in the shop, we headed out for lunch then while George took his nap, Tomas and I went back to the shop for more...well...shopping.  He mailed out 2 boxes for me, and our camping days officially ended.  He very kindly gifted us a large Hanayama wooden display that takes up half the car and I purchased a rather large puzzle set from him.  It's ok.  It is starting to be rainy here in Europe now, and that is not a fun way to camp.

We had a nice dinner out with Tomas and his wife and retired after I got a chance to play with his host gift from IPP25.  

The next morning we woke early and headed for Sweden.  But more on that later.   It has been a great trip and I look forward to returning in June for the Finnish Puzzle Party. 

Vassa and another long overdue visit with Tomas

 I first visited Vassa in 2014.  At this time, I was on a trip for my studies.  This time, it was all puzzles.

Kajaani itself had quite a few very nice buildings and some interesting 'graffiti'. 

After we finished in Kajaani, we headed to Vassa (not Vessa-lesson learned!).  But first, a photo...

This was our first of 3 loads.  I only got the one.  But you get the idea.  We sent home a lot of boxes.  And guess what!?! They are already in our beer garden. 

Have no fear, they are not sitting out in the weather, they have all been brought inside awaiting our return.  

The road to Vassa is amazing. It reminds me so much of Wisconsin where I grew up.  Pine trees intermixed with birch.  The beauty of the road as we drove was almost too much for me.  

When we arrived at Tomas' they gave us a glass of their own apple juice, and asked us what we wanted to do. My immediate answer: Go to your shop!

And we did.  Tomas was afraid I wouldn't find anything new, but that was not the case.  As soon as I walked in, I saw a set of Hanayama puzzles I have been looking for for a long time.  And after about 2 minutes I sent George to the basement. I can't even begin to explain this shop.  But I can say that you should make the effort to go there.  (Warning, heavy photo load)

This place is a playground for puzzlers.   Seriously, make the trip.  We spent about 2 hours in the shop, but needed to sleep and eat.  We left with the promise to return tomorrow after a woodworking lesson.  And with that, I leave you wanting more...