The first thing that comes to mind when I think about the meaning of Finland to me is nature and its diversity—our beautiful four seasons with rain, snow, and sun. It’s hard to describe the feeling when you can walk in pure nature, surrounded by silence. I’ve always enjoyed walking in the forest, and it’s the best feeling when the sun is shining, and you can see it glistening on the surface of the lake. In the wintertime, you can walk on the ice of the frozen lake or skate, and you can even stop for a coffee at a café set up in the middle of the lake.
We Finns don’t necessarily engage in small talk as smoothly as many others, but I think we still appreciate the social aspects. This reminds me of sauna culture, which has been part of our tradition for a long time. A sauna is a place to relax, but also a way to spend time with others—perhaps taking a dip in the ice-cold water of the lake for a swim as well.
Even though I was talking about small talk, I don’t just think of Finns as quiet and shy. In my opinion, Finnish humor is funny and clever. We also know how to have fun, and I personally enjoy, for example, large festivals and their atmosphere, as well as the cheerful people around me who know how to enjoy the moment. I also think Finns are loyal. Once you make a good friend here, they will likely be in your life forever.
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