It was a big shift for me when I relocated to Finland. The biggest surprise was coffee. I grew up used to tea or soft drinks, not endless cups of coffee every single day. I soon realized that in Finland, coffee is not just a beverage; it is a culture.
When I started my work internship, I quickly noticed that almost everything pauses for coffee. Meetings, short breaks, and even casual conversations always involve a cup. At first, I joined so I would not feel left out. The bitter taste was not love at first sip.
But slowly, during mornings and quiet afternoons, coffee became comfort. It warmed and gave me energy, and somehow made me feel included in a culture that was still new to me. I always look forward to those simple coffee moments.
I am carrying this new love with me for my exchange. I hope that in the new country, I will still find the familiar comfort, the calm space, good people, and most definitely a strong cup of coffee.
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