We had brought reindeer sausage from Levi and grilled it there. It tasted really good — a bit like some of the blood-sausage-style dishes I know from France. The mix of sauna heat, cold water, and simple food just felt genuinely Finnish and a thoughtful way to end the day.
While we relaxed, we talked about the recent Dutch elections, which Thijs had been following closely. What made this election special was that it was a snap election — the previous government had collapsed earlier in the year, so voters were going to the polls again to choose a new coalition. We discussed how this situation highlighted differences in political culture: in the Netherlands, governments often require coalition agreements, which makes politics more negotiation-driven, while in France governments are usually more majoritarian. Even in a casual setting, it was interesting to see how these structures affect everyday political discussions and public expectations.
When we left the sauna, the winter air was cold but refreshing. The day had been simple — sauna, food, and conversation — yet meaningful in its own quiet way. It was a good reminder of how shared experiences can create connection, while also giving space to notice and reflect on cultural differences.
Comments