It all looks so small now, viewed from the distance of several decades, but a large portion of my life’s experiences revolved around that small island, water and bridges.
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It seems that bridges played a substantial role in my childhood and youth. During those precious years in my life in Joensuu, there were three bridges, Itäsilta (East Bridge), Länsisilta (West Bridge) and Kanavansilta (Channel Bridge.) Nowadays—at least six, maybe more. In the picture above, the bridge on the left is the Itäsilta, and the other visible one is, of course, the Länsisilta. Kanavansilta, the drawbridge, is located just at the right edge of the photo.
Itäsilta—East Bridge |
Länsisilta—West Bridge |
Kanavansilta—Drawbridge |
My home was in a nearby suburb (first Peltola and then Kettuvaara), about two kilometers from the town center, separated by those three bridges. I crossed them every day either on foot or by bike—to school, church, shopping, library, movies, sports (mainly swimming and ice-skating, according to the season), summer jobs, friends' houses, etc. One of my favorite stops that I made on my way home from school was to see my dad in the venerable old government building, Pielislinna, pictured below, where he worked, employed by the Finnish Army. I have sweet memories of meeting him there and playing telephone tag with him; he would tap the phone in another office and I would answer. Now, that was really fun for me as a youngster, for we did not have a phone at home.
Pielislinna |
I now realize more fully how important that island—called Ilosaari (Happy Island)—was in my growing up years. I learned to swim and dive in the lagoon. Summer theater was always a highlight. That large red-roofed building (referring back to the first photo) was a multipurpose conference center called Karjalantalo (Karelia House) where our church meetings were held for a while. Later on, I worked as a guide at the Pohjois-Karjalan Maakunta Museo (North Karelia County Museum) located at the lower level of that building, as well. In addition, many functions took place there, such as dances and other occasions.
I remember singing there, in a trio with two other girls, as part of the entertainment at a military induction celebration. Yeah, I did that. Finnish folk songs. That I had arranged for three voices, performed a cappella.
Karjalantalo—Karelia House |
Uimakoulu—Swimming School |
Above, a photo that shows two of the bridges. It also shows the roof (red) of my old school, which later on also housed the city library and an art museum. I worked in the museum as a guide during two summers. This edifice, Joensuun tyttölyseo, is a beautiful landmark and still serves as a splendid example of Jugend architecture (Art Nouveau in America). So many memories, some good, some not so good...
And speaking of school, one high-spirited moment was witnessed by passers-by on one of those bridges after the last examination in high school (ylioppilaskirjoitukset, or "matriculation examination"). On my way home with friends, I threw all my school text books, one by one, down into the river from Itäsilta... "No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers' dirty looks." And that's the wildest thing I ever did. (If you believe that, you might be of easier credulity than I thought!)
I have no answers.
I love this beautiful description of your life as a child and a youth in that unbelievably beautiful city of Joensuu. Water and bridges everywhere! A wonderful memoir!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tytti! You help keep me going...
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