Let me tell you a story. Once upon a time I went outside. Yes outside. Big thing for me. Anyway, it’s not a big part of this story. In Finland you need to be really attentive when choosing the time to go outside. (Unless you are brave to threaten the weather by going outside whatever it looks like. I don’t do that very often.) Because the weather changesvery quickly. By quickly I mean in one moment it’s raining cats and dogs and the minute after sun is shining like in Sahara desert. So first rule: choose your timing right.
When I finally got outside I decided to go breathe some fresh air at the forest. And because I am me, I don’t like to run at the paths made for running. So I decided to try some lame rock-climbing, because I thought over the hill would be nice views. I made it to the top and I wasn’t alone. There were naked people sunbathing. Let me tell you, I did not expect that. So I tried to get out the situation as quietly and as fast as possible. The second rule: Do not disturb other people, whatever the situation is.
After the shock at the nude hill of Tampere I found myself heading to the shore of Näsijärvi. (Meanwhile eating a ton of blueberries, the real ones, not any fake tasteless ones that the rest of the world eats.) When I reached the shore sun was shining and it was quite warm. I was thinking about going swimming but I didn’t because personally I’m creeped out by underwater rocks. And that particular place where I was, there were plenty of them. You’ve probably heard about sauna, the hot pit where Finns relax naked. After sauna swimming in a lake is a great way to cool down. Rule number three: skinny dipping isn’t a big thing.
In addition, if you hear your Finnish friend drinking alone in their home in underwear, let them be. It’s completely normal, and it becomes more common at wintertime. +Kalsarikännit is a thing.
With love,
Pinja
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