anyone with kids in Tampere or Helsinki want to meet?

[litcritchick]

Hi. I am new to this list, and will be arriving in Tampere on January 4 and staying there through June. I am from New York City, and will be a Fulbright lecturer in North American Studies at the university, and am a single mom of a seven year old boy. I would like to meet others with kids in his age range in Tampere, or in other parts of Finland as we plan to travel around and see the country.

We also plan to come to Helsinki from time to time and would like advise on where to eat, play, sight see in child friendly spots. We will also go to Turku, and probably to Lapland.

I like cross country skiing and want my son to learn. Any advice? Any good places to buy used ice skates and skiis?

I am also seeking a babysitter for occasional evenings out if anyone knows of anyone good in Tampere.

You can reply directly to me off the list at cjf@pipeline.com

Cheryl, excited about coming to Finland