My name is Phụng. I was born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam, a place known for its energy and constant movement. As the country’s economic center, the city never really slows down. Life there is vibrant, busy, and full of noise.
Vietnam is a tropical country, so growing up I was only familiar with two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. Snowy winters existed only on television or in movies for me. The idea of a landscape covered in white snow felt distant and almost unreal. That’s why arriving in Finland for the first time felt like stepping into a completely different world.
After six months of living and studying here, I’ve slowly begun to understand and appreciate this peaceful Nordic country, a place deeply connected to nature, where the rhythm of life feels calmer and the changing of seasons is beautifully visible.
Quiet but not isolated, it means peaceful
One of the first things that struck me about life here was the quietness. Compared to the fast and noisy pace of my hometown, everything felt incredibly calm. At first, the silence felt a little unusual. But over time, I realized that quiet does not mean people are distant or unfriendly. Instead, it reflects a deep respect for personal space. Everyone is free to live at their own pace, without unnecessary noise or interruption.
In many ways, this quiet environment gave me something I had long been searching for back home, space to breathe, to slow down, and to truly notice the world around me.
And despite the quiet atmosphere, kindness is never far away. From the moment I received my study offer, my family and I were supported by many friends, not only Vietnamese but also Finnish friends. During our first days here, when everything was still unfamiliar, a friend helped us buy household items and transport them home. It was a small gesture, but it made us feel incredibly welcomed and comforted while being so far from home.
Falling in Love with Nature
What I love most about living here is the nature. The city of Tampere, where I currently live, is surrounded by 2 big lakes: Lake Näsijärvi and Lake Pyhäjärvi and forests. Beautiful lakes, parks, and green spaces are everywhere, even in the city center. Trees line the streets, and nature feels like an inseparable part of daily life. Perhaps because I’ve always loved plants and greenery, I find a special sense of peace here. Breathing in the fresh scent of trees and grass instantly makes me feel calmer.
Some of my favorite moments are simple ones: walking through the forest with my family, talking about the plants and flowers we see along the path, or just watching my daughter happily run and play on the grass in a nearby park.
Living here has also given me the chance to experience something completely new for the first time — the clear transition of seasons. From summer to autumn, and then into winter, the leaves slowly change color: from deep green to soft yellow, then to rich gold and warm orange, before gently falling to the ground as winter approaches. Watching this gradual transformation feels almost magical, and it’s such a beautiful way to truly connect with and enjoy nature.
A Surprisingly “Warm” Winter
Before coming to Finland, we often heard that winters here were extremely cold and dark. But experiencing it ourselves, it hasn’t been nearly as intimidating as we imagined. In fact, winter can feel surprisingly “warm”, because of the experiences and people around us.
We slowly learned how to prepare for the season: choosing the right gloves, hats, coats, and winter boots. Friends shared advice and experiences, helping us adapt to the colder climate.
Winter also brings many activities that simply don’t exist in warmer countries. We discovered the joy of sauna since we are in the “Sauna capital of the world”, a truly special Finnish tradition that helps both body and mind relax. There’s also ice skating, skiing, and many other winter sports. Even simple activities bring happiness, sliding down snowy hills on a sled or building a snowman together. These moments turn winter into a wonderful time for family bonding.
In Vietnam, we have a saying: “Each season has its own beauty.” Winter should be enjoyed as winter. And here in Finland, we’ve truly learned to embrace that idea.
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