The Nature Lovers
In my 2 years living in Finland I discovered quiet many small and big things or details that are very typical for Finns. One of the things that totally hooked me is enjoying and appreciating the nature. Never in my home country Germany I have seen such a dense society of outdoor lovers. When I came here it didn´t took me more than one day to belong into this community as well. It felt like the Finnish forest was calling me in the same way like German Schnitzel was calling be before.
Well, first I have to admit that being part of those outdoor lovers made me feel a bit awkward: You don’t greet each other!!! You don’t even look into each others eyes and search for this little, unspoken agreement to appreciate this wonderful nature in silence. Getting used to that, took many walks but slowly I learned that this has nothing to do with me. It is just how things are. I accepted it and so I am even gladder if someone answers my “Moi” or dares a careful smile.
Walking around lakes, picking up berries, jogging in forests and being in Mökkis give me some inner calmness which I rarely felt in Germany. Well, of course, we also have forests, lakes and fields there but those places are just not so easy accessible as here in Finland. In Finland I just step out of my door and I have the choice between two lakes to swim in, three parks to read a good book and an uncountable amount of forests to walk through. And the funny thing is that all this is possible while living in Tampere, one of the rather big cities. Before Finland I never felt the need to just be for a while by myself and think of stuff that crosses my mind in any possible messy order. But since I got used to it, I am afraid of missing it. Leaving Finland has many bitter tastes, one of them is: Where do I have my morning runs and at which lakes shore can I sit to organize my thoughts?
(Picture taken by me)
The Super Athletes
Finland is full of people having sport as a hobby. But I should not be surprised: If I am getting called my nature, why shouldn´t Finns get? Why not combining the desire to spend time outside with a hobby you like and that keeps you fit? When walking through Tampere I see runners, runners with dogs, runners with strollers, skiers, ice skaters, ice hockey players, Frisbee golf players, mountainbikers etc. throughout all ages. Doing sport belongs definitely to the things a typical Finn does.
On the otherhand Finns get really strongly supported to do sports. Never before I have seen so many possibilities to choose a sport at University. As a student from TAMK for example you can choose courses like Zumba, Pilates, Pump, Stretching, Foam Roller, Spin, Army, Hip-hop, wall climbing and so many more. Additionally, every University (Tampere has three) has its own gym. Oh and I should not forget to mention that the price is wonderfully low and includes the services in all of those Universities, no matter where you study. Absolutely cool!
Comments