Finland is a very beautiful country and I think it reflects on our relationship with nature and animals. There seems to be a general respect for the forest and it’s inhabitants. Hiking and trips to nature are a normal thing to do. Of course the city folk won’t have the same opportunities in everyday life like the people in the countryside do, but the forests and the hills are never far away. I guess that is one thing about our country that I really admire. Having visited other countries and their capitals, seeing an endless sea of buildings and roads is impressive but kind of sad at the same time. In Finland you will rarely see a place that doesn’t have some form of nature in the horizon.
This kind of close proximity makes it a normal thing for us to see forests everywhere. I often find it funny how amazed Chinese tourists with the Finnish nature, but I tend to forget that they usually come from some of the largest urban areas in the world and this is something they might not have seen ever before. Our country is a beautiful place and it should be preserved at all costs to give future generations the ability to enjoy nature like we have been able to so far.
Winter view with Aurora Borealis
Countryside view in the summer, cows chilling in the field
Maybe our past generations living mostly alone or in small farming communities for centuries contributed to our culture of being solitary and quiet. Silence is golden here, and words don’t have to be used if they are not needed. I think is connected to the whole forest thing – it’s a place one can escape the chaos of modern life to both literally and figuratively breath in fresh air to refresh oneself. At least for me it is important, like a temple of trees where no one will bother you and your thoughts can run freely. Hiking, biking, camping and natural parks are a big thing and they all offer this escape to the ones who yearn for it. I believe all that is in the core of the Finnish spirit, to be content with what is around you and respect it.
Pictures by me.
Samuel Almgrén
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