Back to reality

The Saimaa Lakes in eastern Finland were our next scheduled stop once the CA Rally was over, and we made our way out of Russian territory by the 'authorised route' via Vyborg into the Saimaa Canal (half in Russian territory but wholly administered by Finland on a lease arrangement).  We prayed the lease was not due for renewal during our passage.  We emerged at the Finnish port of Lappeenranta which is a modern tourist resort with all its unattractive enticements.  We were all anxious to get away from urbanisation and, after watering and some shopping, left for a three day leisurely cruise northwards through the lakes to Savonlinna.  We found beautiful, remote anchorages each night and we had two BBQs in the evening which helped restore my sanity after the excesses of St P.

Savonlinna stages an Opera Festival each July at the Olavinlinna Castle and we were hopeful of securing four tickets for the opening night of La Traviata.  Sadly we were to be disappointed since all seats were sold but Fran, who stayed at the entrance until the last minute photgraphing 'lovely people' was offered a return and saw the show.  She was ecstatic but underdressed (she was still in her daytime outfit of shorts and floppy top) amongst the opulent dresses of moneyed Finns, but enjoyed the performance enormously.  I'm going to try the same tactics tonight (not the shorts and floppy top!) for the operatic competition final.  The standard is extremely high I am told.