Wanderlust: Day 7 - Rovaniemi

Breakfast is supplied at SHV, basic pastries, juice etc but sufficient. We are picked up to day at 9.00am to take a reindeer ride. A young Finn (Bahbay?) and his brother own 11 reindeers and have started their safari tours. Euros 99 each but it was a well done trip. We were taken to a large shed and supplied with overalls and boots before heading out again to their farm area. The brother's family have been involved with reindeer herding for 1000 years, generation after generation. We are set up with a beautiful, old white reindeer - only two born in every 100, and we set off across the countryside. It is an extraordinary experience ending with a hands on experience feeding the reindeer and then hot juice served in their teepee. Amazing and a definite 'must-do!'.

Back at SCV we visit the big man - you are in and out of a photo opp very quickly and minimum Euros 25 sees you the proud owner of a photo with Santa. He is totally gorgeous! We then head over to the Ice Bar - Euros 25 each to walk in and look around at the ice sculptures, rooms, a trip to the bar for a delicious vodka served in an ice glass (E10). Outside we head to the cafe for reindeer hot dogs and wine - tasty :) . I don't know if it's the clean air or what but it is very easy to "chill"! We both zone out for part of the afternoon, finally drag ourselves out again for dinner, but now back snug and warm and GC is snoring .....