Sauna description

We had two days of English lessons last week. Among all other things we learned Lappish vocabulary and here is a one small sample of what we have learned (the task was to write how you would explain sauna to someone who has never seen one)

Sauna

In a sauna you sit on high wooden benches. The sauna is heated by a stove, which can be electric or woodheated. When you throw water to the stove you get steam. The temperature can get up to +80°C, but normally it is between +60-70°C. When you take a break from the sauna you can go ice-swimming in winter. It is important to drink water (or any non-alcoholic drink) during sauna bath to avoid dehydration. The crazy finns use sometimes a sauna whisk. It is made of birch twigs. We hit ourselves with the whisk to improve circulation and the whisk also gives a nice scent to the sauna.