A day in our life in Finland - Midsummer traditions, a Thousand Lakes and Happiness (DAY 2)

Embark on an unforgettable journey as we delve into the vibrant tradition of Finnish Midsummer! In this captivating vlog, our Indian family invites you to join us in celebrating one of Finland’s most cherished summer festivals-a mesmerizing experience filled with delightful food, heartwarming celebrations, and the mesmerizing glow of the Nordic sun. This festival is more than just a date on the calendar; it's an appeal to the senses and the soul, merging the soulful essence of Finnish culture with our rich Indian family traditions!
What is Finnish Midsummer?
Midsummer, locally known as “Juhannus,” marks the pinnacle of summer in Finland. This festival is celebrated during the longest days of the year, where the sun barely dips below the horizon, bathing everything in a magical golden light. Throughout the country, people come together to celebrate with bonfires, joyous festivals, and blissful family gatherings. It’s a time when the natural beauty of Finland blooms, making it the perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories with loved ones!
Our Dream Family Trip to Finland
Having always envisioned sharing this awe-inspiring experience with my husband, Vinod, and our adventurous daughter, Annika, we meticulously planned an extraordinary trip to capture the essence of Finnish Midsummer. Over the course of three delightful days overflowing with laughter, culinary escapades, and joyful reunions, we dove deep into local traditions and culinary creativity, uniting Finnish classics with vibrant Indian flavors.
Here’s What You Can Expect in This Video
- The heartwarming spirit of Midsummer in Finland, detailing its cultural significance and historical roots.
- A unique culinary adventure where our family adds an Indian twist to traditional Finnish dishes that will leave your taste buds tingling!
- Stunning visuals showcasing Finland's breathtaking landscapes, from lush green forests to tranquil lakes illuminated by summer sunshine.
- Heartfelt moments of laughter and bonding as our daughter experiences her very first Midsummer celebration amidst the beauty of Finnish culture.
Highlights of Our #MidsummerVlog Series
1. A Festive Feast Join us as we prepare beloved Finnish delicacies such as mouthwatering grilled sausages, fresh new potatoes adorned with dill, and the iconic Midsummer cake, all infused with a hint of Indian zest. You'll be inspired to recreate these recipes in your own kitchen!
2. Traditional Midsummer Celebrations Experience intimate glimpses into local customs and beloved traditions, from mesmerizing bonfires that light up the night sky to enchanting flower crowns that add a touch of whimsy.
3. Quality Family Time Share in the joy and unity our family experiences as we embrace and celebrate the melding of two vibrant cultures, creating a bond that transcends borders and traditions.
#india #finland #familyvlog
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› ABOUT ME
My name is Johanna North. I’m a Finnish woman travelling in India since 2016. In 2019 I married my Indian husband and we moved to the state of Kerala in southern India. In 2021 we welcomed our baby girl into this world. On this channel I share videos on blending our Finnish-Indian family life, culture, food and travel mostly in India, and sometimes in Finland too. In 2024 we moved to the big city life of Mumbai...
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[@robertpatel4302]

Beautiful,Finland,as I remember in 1985 when I first come to Finland.😁

[@jstep3427]

As always, top notch content and its awesome to see Finland through your lenses, Johanna. Words will surely fail to capture the beauty you all are surrounded by. Enjoy your time in Finland and thanks for taking us along through these post 😊

[@redbaron007-e5p]

Stunning Finland - modern, clean, unpolluted, beautiful, quiet and green. Paradise! Little Annika absolutely is having a blast and blooming like the summer blossoms!

[@supz26]

She found her Prince in a populous country like India though , she had to come all the way to India to find her peace and happiness

[@gaurisingh3985]

It’s unreal just simply sooooo peaceful and surreal. I am definitely in love with Finland and cannot wait to visit some day. Johanna, your visuals, cinematography and narration just enhance the natural beauty of your magical country. Like I said before, it’s like therapy ❤

[@JohannaNorth]

Happy to hear that, more than anything i hope everyone gets good, calm, happy vibes from my videos! 😊 hope you get to visit Finland one day!

[@Manm9]

​@@JohannaNorth❤❤

[@neethakamath3385]

Definitely feeling the positive vibes 😇

[@RubyColin2]

I absolutely agree 🥰

[@KhabriHindi]

Stunning Natural Beauty Of Finland. A big thank to people of Finland for preserving natural beauty.

[@sguptamech]

I am in love with your nature Johanna

[@elisabetta4478]

Dear Johanna, Your midsummer videos in Finland are the absolute visiting card for the country. I was already fond of Norwegian midsummer. Now, I'm also fond of Finnish midsummer panoramic view. È come se, la natura fosse uscita da una fiaba ❤ Ogni paesaggio ha la sua caratteristica unica ed irripetibile. Annika is having quite fun, and so is Vinod. Raimo is physically strong to take you all by a rowing Canova to othe other end of the lake. I'm a nature and tranquil lover. Midsummer in Scandinavia seems to be ideal.

[@JohannaNorth]

Raimo is probably more fit than any of us 😅 he exercises every day. Hope you get to experience a nordic midsummer one day! It’s quite the experience no matter which country you’re in. Swedish midsummer traditions are really nice too!

[@sumitamukherjee3447]

Excellent, amazing view of nature, your mid summer activities are so refreshing to watch, I just love it, we can't go now out of home because of heavy rain here(kolkata, india) so it's very much refreshing to watch your activities in between nature, Annika is very much enjoying this season of Finland, your road trip, lake view.… Just awesome and Annika's running behind the ducks, lovely ❤

[@JohannaNorth]

Annika loves her little duckies and all animal friends really! She loves everything outdoors 😊

[@kimac7965]

What a lovely idyllic holiday you are having. The peace , tranquility and also the beauty of Finland comes across in your video. Annika seems to be absolutely loving it and Vinod also seems to be blending in effortlessly into the Finnish Scene. Even Raimo seems to be more chilled this time as compared to one of your videos of your previous visit. In it you even had to reproach him for expressing some anti Russian views in Finnish.🤭

[@JohannaNorth]

We all really enjoyed our summer holiday in Finland! It’s lovely to make memories together in my country too 😊

[@ushakrana7378]

Finland is very beautiful & me & friend are planning to visit Finland next year.❤

[@JohannaNorth]

Wishing you a trip of a lifetime!

[@subarnakarmakar1429]

I am enjoying Finnish summer through your videos. Its amazing ❤️

[@JohannaNorth]

Glad you’re enjoying it! ☺️

[@nt9476]

Finland is truly beautiful and peaceful in summer and your talent at vlogging is undeniable!

[@JohannaNorth]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@Helen78SouthAfrica]

The countryside’s looks so beautiful and peaceful sweetie 👋🌻👋🌻

[@pratimatripathi485]

वाह ! बहुत सुन्दर! काश! कुछ दिन रह पाते वहॉ !

[@resillagovender6363]

Beautiful country surrounded by natural beauty and nature

[@lalhlupuiisailo4434]

Finland is definately a very beautiful country. Beautiful vlog. Enjoyed it thoroughly.

[@aratinair1678]

It’s so lovely to see Annika, Vinod and you enjoying nature and company of family. There’s nothing better than the outdoors to energise oneself. The blue skies, the crisp air, sound of birds chirping, gurgling streams…….nothing can be better than this ❤

[@JohannaNorth]

Yes, being able to spend so much time outdoors throughout all the seasons is pretty vital for (my) mental health! We’re all very happy at least in our family when we get to do it as much as possible 😊

[@zazaje25]

Such a stunning place i love finland ❤❤

[@Helen78SouthAfrica]

It’s is beautiful and clean and the tree 🌲 tree 🌳 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌳🌳🌳and the outdoor is so relaxing 😎

[@leonaromany9075]

I love watching your videos. They are beautiful. Thank you for taking us with you and your family all the way to Finland. What a beautiful country you come from. It looks so peaceful and relaxing. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday and make so many beautiful memories to treasure for a lifetime. Enjoy every moment, you deserve it. ❤

[@JohannaNorth]

Thank you so much for your kind words ☺️ happy to hear you enjoy my videos!

[@rosythomas3267]

Beautiful Finland and it's nature, amazing

[@gaurav99ize]

Enjoy the vibes, nice vlog✌✌💯

[@riteshyadav1333]

Its so beautiful i am definitely visiting Finland in future

[@RiteshYadav-mj1hl]

The vibe of finish nature is next level i like that ❤......

[@JohannaNorth]

It’s one of the things i miss most when we’re in India! ❤

[@purnimaakash9331]

Nature at its best creating a fairy tale summer

[@krishnarao2727]

Beautiful vlog..fully enjoyed...thanks🎉🎉

[@anusingh5841]

Raimo is such a provider... ❤

[@barrettohazel5053]

Such a peaceful place i jus love it

[@sheiladevisubramaniam7466]

A beautiful country to raise a family

[@Olivebranch29]

Johanna, you have the magic touch, your videos stir a longing within me for times and people past. They are such gorgeous captures, magic moments that have touched my 80 year old heart, the work of a sensitive young woman. Thank you for sharing your gift.

[@JohannaNorth]

That is so incredibly kind to say! I’m touched by your words, and honoured!!! Thank you 🙏

[@connycatlady7429]

Thank you for the nice video 😍. My grandparents were from the baltic states and my aunt was born in Finnland . I love the area. It's nice to see how happy you are there Johanna .

[@JohannaNorth]

I wish to explore the baltic region more one day too, though ive been to estonia and Latvia already 😊

[@connycatlady7429]

​@@JohannaNorth Go to Riga. It's beautiful. My family was from there. ❤

[@lucillecooper3600]

Clean quiet and calm! We all ling for this!

[@lucillecooper3600]

Long!

[@JohannaNorth]

We love it too obviously! 😊

[@anneeddrief6055]

Ohh I am really feeling like I am there with you all .. Merci ❤ Kisses for Annika 🥰🍒🌸🧚‍♂️🌸🍒

[@maryaugustine6246]

Beautiful Finland.

[@ahamb3948]

Nice video , Beautiful place.

[@shellydsouza8902]

Thank you for sharing your midsummer experiences with us. Watching Annika embrace her new environment, is endearing. It’s wonderful to see how adaptable she is, thanks to her parents! I also admire your love and respect for nature. Having short summers, Yu understand the importance of enjoying the few summer days. Those of us who don’t have many seasons, we often are disrespectful to our nature, slicing hills, and cutting trees and treating our water bodies like dust bins….. it’s a crime to say the least. When will we learn?

[@JohannaNorth]

Thankfully in Finland whatever the weather is it’s almost never harmful to health how Indian summer season can be. It’s easy to enjoy all the different seasons and nature when you’re able to feel comfortable outdoors throughout the whole day, and in your own home too. 😊

[@lachminsarjue6248]

Beautiful culture and traditions,very refreshing to enjoy nature great gifts

[@blairswanson44]

Thanks for the next chapter Johanna. I lucked onto it just before bedtime & it prepped me for sweet dreams of the lake & all it's pleasant fragrances & sensations it provides. It's part of who I am as well. Annika will have many wonderful memories of all this as she looks back down the road. 💋❤.

[@JohannaNorth]

Wishing you a happy, calm Sunday once you wake up! Maybe all of us in the northern hemisphere share the love and heritage of this type of scenery 😊

[@niteshvaghela23988]

I’ll come Finland one day. One of my dream location to live after retirement. I’m 35yrs old currently though.

[@JohannaNorth]

Hope you achieve your goal! 🙏

[@niteshvaghela23988]

@@JohannaNorth 🙂🙏 Thank you..

[@robertpatel4302]

Beautiful video 🤗🙏

[@ranivasan]

So beautiful and Raimo seems so good in rowing .. wow Anika speaks so well as always . Cute pie ❤❤❤❤

[@JohannaNorth]

Raimo is a very active outdoors guy 😊 maybe fitter than any of us!

[@Helen78SouthAfrica]

Hello grandma Finland 🇫🇮 hope you are welll and with the family 👋🌻👋🌻

[@ruchipatrol]

That's a really blue sky 😍😍

[@travellingyoginikas]

I'm a quarter of the way thru the video. Ohhhhhh Johanna, now I wanna go to Finland stay out all day n night in that daylight 🥰 Right.... Will continue watching vid now 😊

[@JohannaNorth]

You should! I hope you get to do that one day ☺️

[@indranidasgupta8982]

Johanna - you look so much like your mother. Lovely ladies ❤

[@Anirban_Sarkar_2020]

Lots of love and best wishes to you all ! ❤

[@Shugdaddy]

I request you to explain little bit of history behind the place where you visit.... usually most of the travellers does ...👍👍👍👍

[@Annabhawan]

Ihanasti kuvasit suomalaista järvielämää ja juhannuksen viettoa! Melkein Suomi-ikävä tulee näitä katsellessa. 😍 Toista olisi ehkä loskaisessa syyssäässä…😂 Mun mies on myös sanonut samaa, että Intia on kauniimpi, kun on vuoristoa jne., Suomi on niin tasainen. Mutta osaa arvostaa rauhallista elämäntyyliä varsinkin mökillä.

[@JohannaNorth]

Joo Vinod arvostaa myös eniten sitä hiljaista, rauhallista ja varsin puhdasta luontoa, ja kuinka se on niin lähellä kaikkialla! Mutta kyllä nyt kesän reissujen jälkeen ymmärtää myös sitä Suomen kauneutta enemmän, kun ei Intiassa taas ole tällaisia järvi-, meri- ja saaristomaisemia! Joskus pitää tottakai päästä myös tuntureille syksyllä ja talvella, niin ehkä sitten vielä tajuaa, että voi olla kaunista ilman korkeita vuoriakin :'D

[@dilkycorteling2586]

Beautiful ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Nancysunshine1]

Your baby is so adorable

[@sajeedkm2338]

nature at its best Great .Basically lesser the people cleaner it is

[@JohannaNorth]

Maybe, but Finnish cities are pretty clean too. Helsinki has a population of about a million people for example. There’s not much difference in the cleanliness of Finnish small towns and cities

[@MrXeuke]

what a wholesome video..kiittos!

[@JohannaNorth]

No, thank YOU 😊

[@marisolsharma4809]

Hello 🙏🏼, Johanna family , Wonderful and So Beautiful Peoples , How doing Annika has Good time enjoyed going to boat 🛶 Very Nice … We enjoy eat picnic 🧺 need broke time Relax rest Calm So Beautiful.☺️ 👍🏼💗God Bless you Annika and her parents ,grandmother family 🙏🏼stay safe home

[@random-vm4pd]

Ur Editing and videography skills have gone up amazing

[@JohannaNorth]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@L.K.P_]

What a beautiful and calm country with less people perfect for introvert like me 😅

[@JohannaNorth]

Vinod’s inner introvert loves it too!

[@divyanair5560]

Nic video beautiful Johanna and family 💗💗💗💗✨✨✨

[@Rankrank-r3b]

❤️❤️❤️It's so beautiful ❤️

[@dayryan100]

Wooww... beautiful ❤❤❤

[@akashmanoharan1358]

May Queen🌼

[@sab4055]

Superb sceneric view of Lapland. 🎉

[@JohannaNorth]

It’s Southern Finland/Häme region, not lapland 😊

[@papertrader4797]

Hi Johanna, We are celebrating Onam here in Kerala today

[@JohannaNorth]

Happy onam!

[@papertrader4797]

@@JohannaNorth Thank you 🙏

[@sree8159]

Happy onam to you all...❤

[@JohannaNorth]

Happy onam!

[@Helen78SouthAfrica]

Hello Johanna Vinod and annika 👧🏻☕️🌻👋🌻

[@murali5247]

Finland I was told is a very beautiful country in summer and rather cold otherwise. . Wonder whether Finland had any colonies in other parts of the world - like so many other European countries

[@JohannaNorth]

Winters are of course cold, but beautiful in their own way too with all the snow and ice. Finland has been ruled by other countries, it hasn’t been the ruler. Except for an issue with our Sami minority.

[@Praveen1991917]

Now you live in Mumbai, I am sure you definitely miss this environment and surroundings. Vinod got used to Indian environment so obviously it's a different feeling for him.

[@JohannaNorth]

Well Vinod doesnt like noise and crowds either (maybe because his first home was a rural village?), but he’s of course able to deal with it better than me since he has a lifetime of experience 😅 but I’m learning to WORK for my inner peace too, maybe that’s why meditation and yoga are so big in India! They help drown out the outside noise 😊

[@ainujinu]

Happy Onam Johanna 🌼..hope u will miss kerala sadya

[@JohannaNorth]

Happy onam! I’m always missing Kerala food!!!

[@divakarghosh245]

😅 That's real think annika her PRINCESS.

[@sangramlad-3922]

I hope you travel Lapland and mesmerize with Sami culture.

[@JohannaNorth]

Maybe one day 😊

[@GuruSandirasegaram]

I traveled all delta island in Jaffna. First day I am in my hotel Lots of Indian Chinese & Holland tourists

[@divyak21]

Beautiful finland, which place it is,?

[@JohannaNorth]

Hämeenlinna in southern Finland

[@dipin2]

❤

[@monikakumari9507]

Nic vlog❤

[@unknownreviews4501]

Johanna you sound like Katrina Kaif...the way u talk,the pause u take and the accent and tone is a similar to hers

[@JohannaNorth]

Well now i really have to find an audio clip of her voice 😅

[@Sangam-s9z]

Aww anikka is very cute 🥹🧿

[@Jelinofficial-sr1vf]

Nice😊👍🤝🤝

[@anmolkumar-of9tu]

Nice video

[@ramziin]

Johanna what is the thing that almost every one in Finland goes around with sprot pants. I was there for almost 25 years ago and all ppl over 40+ were dressed in tack suits

[@JohannaNorth]

When people aren’t at work they prefer practical, comfortable, sporty clothing suitable for physically active lifestyle 😊 i mostly wear sweatpants or other sports wear too

[@aghilanmayan97]

Hi Johanna sis🐣 first of all, sorry for not commenting on the previous video🤞...haaa...It's so nice to see how Annika blending with every culture quickly .. Those flower crown looks so cool like a Disney Princess🌼and those Olympic Stadium from summer or winter Olympics? Btw are you scared of water?

[@JohannaNorth]

I’m not scared of water. Pretty much everyone in Finland knows how to swim as all kids go to swimming classes in the summertime and swimming is also a part of the school curriculum. 😊 Finland has only ever hosted the summer olympics

[@aghilanmayan97]

@@JohannaNorth 🐹🙃

[@ayubmarcus5566]

Hello how are you ..Where are you from I am from Pakistan Nice video God bless you ❤

[@HIMANSHU79879]

1:53 is sauna a russian invented thing or is it prevalent in nordic and Baltic countries also ??

[@JohannaNorth]

Sauna was invented in Finland over 2000 years ago. The word itself is Finnish. 😊

[@HIMANSHU79879]

@@JohannaNorth OK because when I visited russia sometime back It was very popular over there... so I thought it was russian thing...🙂

[@butterflies655]

​@@HIMANSHU79879 a lot of saunas in Sweden too.

[@GinaShiel]

I'm surprised the mosquitos didn't attack you !!!

[@JohannaNorth]

The number of mosquitoes depends on the time of day, location (home garden, forest, beach makes a difference), weather… 😅

[@ioannavoudouri308]

❤️🙏❤️😊🙏😘🍨🍦🧃❤️

[@mehroseemehrosee3887]

Finland is close to the north pole, which explains it's beauty. But I think the key reason for something magical is less population. The world needs less humans and India especially can do great with a lot less.

[@JohannaNorth]

I think there are moments where crowds can become magical too, when thousands of people gather and coexist peacefully in harmony and unison. One of the most beautiful experiences in my life was when Finland won the world championship in our most valued sport after a very long wait and all the people gathered out in the streets to celebrate and there was absolutely no hatred, violence or discrimination visible but complete strangers were highfiving and hugging each other in all happiness 🥰 sports has a beautiful way of bringing people together

[@GuruSandirasegaram]

Will be in Mumbai next week . Don’t forget Finland mustard . Sri Lanka scorching hot . Do I need a permission from you to enter Mumbai?