A group of Mexicans shivering with cold were observed on the iced Lake Näsijärvi on Tuesday. After a moment of hesitation and suspicious testing of the frozen surface the couragious foreigners were brave enough to walk offshore. It is hard to imagine a group more satisfied than the one strolling along the frosty lake, all equipped with cameras and the sun shining like on a most charming spring afternoon. This is Finnish exotic at its best.
Much to the group's surprise and admiration were the "frosty mermaids" who calmly walked into the hole in the ice time after time. This winter swim ritual arose many questions concerning Finnish behaviour. Finally the guests were ensured that the act has got nothing to do with national hygiene traditions.
With Cinema Mexico a true delegation of Mexican film conquered Tampere; Alejandro Pelayo, a member of the International Jury from the Mexican Film Archives, Juan Francisco Urrusti, a director, Claudia Prado, a PR person for the Mexican Film School and Milagros Sollano Solis, a representative of IMCINE, the Mexican Film Institute. They were offered a sightseeing tour around Tampere but they rather chose to let their feet step on the iced surface of a lake. After hearing this I couldn't else than like them.
Translation: Piia Holopainen
Photo: Anssi Väänänen
© pomot 1998