Free time activities
One of the most popular free time activities in Finland is spending time in nature. With its abundance of forests, lakes, and rivers, there are countless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and swimming in the summer, and cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling in the winter. Finns also enjoy taking saunas. Hot saunas. It is a place to relax and socialize. Although I wasn’t such a great fan of the hot saunas, being so close to nature and clean air made me feel like in the countryside back in my home country. What I was thought to be a luxury, being able to enjoy nature whenever, here is the norm.
Another popular free time activity in Finland is sports. I saw a lot of ice hockey being played everywhere, and Finns are known for their skill and passion for the game. I’ve been around the city during the The 2022 IIHF World Championship and the atmosphere was electric.
Social aspects
The Finnish people are known for their reserved and introverted nature, and this is reflected in their social interactions and customs. However, this does not mean that Finns are not friendly or sociable, but rather that they approach social interactions in a different way. I think they value their personal space as well. I haven’t shaken too many hands here, which back home could be interpreted as a lack of respect.
Finns are also very egalitarian and have a strong tradition of social responsibility. This can be seen in their commitment to the welfare state and their focus on equality, both in terms of income and opportunities. Finns also tend to be environmentally conscious and prioritize sustainability. This resonated with me deeply. There is a sense of respect for people and places. I haven’t seen vandalism that much or displays of aggression between people.
Conclusion
I am glad to carry a little bit of finnishnness in me!
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