Finland is the American Dream - PART 2

I tried to clear up a few detail and elaborate on why I fell in love with Finland so much.
How I found myself in Finland: • My American Dream was ...
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[@arctic3od450]

You just gave the best description of the Finnish sauna experience that I've ever heard.

[@broo_shs]

jeah and its true

[@jaakkotalvitie4031]

In Sauna without cloths everyone is equal, some are just more endowed than others, however that has nothing to do with socio-economic status.

[@johannamarttala54]

I agree. That is so true. It is naked honesty where you share everything from jokes to your deepest secrets

[@Ylinatsiperkele]

Sauna is the only place in military where everyone is equal. No matter if you're a captain or a private.

[@topilinkala1594]

@@Ylinatsiperkele It's not just in military. I've been using public saunas in Helsinki and no-one there has no title to them. You can be CEO of a big company or lowest janitor, but in the heat of the sauna you've equal, except the fact that some want sit higher and some lower but that's not the point.

[@tapio_m6861]

Saunas also strip away your titles. In that moment you are truly equal. That eases that ice breaking conversation and you sometimes get to real deep talks with people you normally wouldn't talk as deeply.

[@carriestrickler9113]

As an American, I totally agree with everything you said about your perspective of living in the USA. I hope someday soon I can visit Finland because it sounds awesome. I'm happy for you that you found your home in this world !

[@aaro3455]

no you are welcome😊

[@rikuruohomaki3230]

I'm not so sure about life in Finland being all that glamorous. You're welcome to come here. But recently, healthcare, postal service, pretty much everything, has been going downhill, as privatisation and resulting streamlining of services has actually resulted in services becoming more scarce and lines getting longer.

[@Kuutti_original]

@Jari Varjosola Puhu suomee suosiolla jos englanti on noin rikkonaista, saavat kääntäjällä saman ulostulon ja ymmärryksen. Ehkä jopa hieman paremman, mut edes muut suomalaiset ymmärtää että mitä yrität sanoa. Ja samalla myös puolustaa/korjata väärinkäsityksiä mikäli niitä tulee. Ei siis millään pahalla. :)

[@Kuutti_original]

@Jari Varjosola Hohhoh, olipas aikuismainen vastaus ja sillee.

[@Kuutti_original]

@Jari Varjosola Mitä vittua sää ny soopaat pelle? Okei meni tunteisiin sori, jos oot parin youtube kommentin perusteella jotain lähtemässä piekseen nii hankkiudu hoitoon. Ei mua sun pelleilyt kiinnosta

[@hassu122]

Very interesting opinion, and quite similar to mine, even though I am from Saint-Petersburg, Russia. After my exchange period in Metropolia ammattikorkeakoulu, I noticed the difference between Russian and Finnish society in such a way that Russia right now is much more capitalistic, like the States. That includes a rat race for earning as much as possible money, worse government benefits (health care, etc., compared to Finland) and worse job security. In Helsinki, in contrast, I felt more relaxed - not because you are "allowed" to be lazy, but because you don't need to waste time dealing with bureaucracy shit, because people treat you much better and you can make progress in studying and work at the same time to earn money for life (I worked in Posti). Moreover, I met 4 Finns who I still stay in touch with, and while traveling to Helsinki, I can stay with them and hang out. They also came to Pietari and stayed at my home for a couple of days. Overall, Helsinki seems to me like a perfect place for living a happy life. Of course, you most likely won't be able to get super rich and earn >200K EUR per year, but you'll be able to provide your family with all the necessary things and won't be afraid of losing a job and all the savings at the drop of a hat due to serious illness, study debt or a financial crisis.

[@nihoggr2392]

I've never been to Russia but i am finnish. I don't know much about Russian economical system but yes Finland has mixed economy but we are quite capitalistic as our market is more free than America. You can have great socialistic policies like healthcare and education in a capitalist society.

[@user-zz5xr2ny7h]

Да, сказать нечего......сам собираюсь этим летом в Тампере....хочется удостовериться в том, что написано........живу 15 лет в Питере и начинаю понимать, что "сердцем" всегда (с самого рождения) был в Финляндии. Есть мысли перебраться туда на работу, через учёбу......возможно, будем поступать вместе с сыном.......отсюда возникает вопрос - как лучше к этому мероприятию подготовиться? Если будет желание, то лучше написать на [e-mail]......заранее спасибо.

[@Lilliz91]

Dude finland is the biggest country that has shit ton of bureaucracy. You clearly don’t know, but it’s cool cuz you’re not finish. Finland has much higher unemployment rate than USA, and not to say even compared to Sweden Finland doesn’t really have millionaires which affects on the buying power because rich people create jobs. Hate to break it to the communists and leftists. Helsinki is an extremely expensive city to live and most finnish cities are in debt and unless they can get more taxes soon from working people, then no more healthcare. By making it for companies ridiculously expensive to hire finnish people with all the damn bureaucracy they prefer to hire cheap foreigners who get aid from finnish government paid by finnish people.

[@Lilliz91]

Níðhöggr finnish healthcare in a lot of parts is a failure. Waiting for months to see a dentist or to get a surgery is not beneficial because during that time often the problem gets worse and this requires more money and time to fix and it’s not good at all for working people to be out of work for half a year waiting to get a surgery. Even mental health is severely packed. Not to mention cities that are racking debt and if they can’t get their spending in control than Venezuela and Greece is gonna wait for the finnish people. Free just simply doesn’t exist. Look at Turku and Tampere for example. It’s a surprise that they’re not bankrupt considering how little buying power they have.

[@user-zz5xr2ny7h]

@@Lilliz91 , as we all can consider the Fi is comming to a financial and social collapse.......is it right?

[@coltonmiller7436]

Your channel is such an interesting look into Finnish culture through an American lens, and these "American Dream" videos have been an especially cool introspective deep dive into the topic! When you mentioned the simple thing about people saying "hey, we should get together some time," yet never intending it here in the states... that really hit home. I never even thought that it could be any other way. Just that difference is such a poignant indicator of the cultural differences. I think I need to visit Helsinki 🤔

[@eemelikohomaki5379]

Åå

[@PainajainenHKI07]

As a native Finn it's always very interesting to see an "outside" perspective on my country. I have a bunch of friends who came here as expats and/or immigrants, and I've heard some similar things from them: Finns don't really do small talk, that type of culture doesn't really exist here. But on the flipside, we don't usually talk nonsense either. If you get to know someone and have a conversation, it will generally be quite genuine. I'm glad to hear you like it here. But then again, "oh you live here, welcome home." Wish you all the best!

[@hotschezel]

I was born in London England and at 20 i moved to the USA. I lived the majority of the time in Philly with 15 million other people. For 30 thirty years i raced through life competing every second to achieve. 5 years ago i moved to Parnu, Estonia (i know you visited) and began my recovery from being a raving lunatic. It took me two years to actually calm down. Life is a funny thing!

[@LukeBland]

Crazy story! Pärnu is definitely THE place to calm down 👌🏻

[@MrsArcticRainbow]

I too have lived in Finland (Lapland) for fifteen years, since May 29th 2004. Interesting two videos. Thank you. Felt so bad for you that you got deported. It was threatened to us initially, but being a european family, (British husband, wife and two sons) the laws had just changed and basically the police dept dealing with us at the time were bending over backwards not to accept us, when legally they had to, as everything was in order. It was a scary time... as everything of ours was now here and there was nothing left for us in the UK. So, I totally felt for you and what you went through. We got legal advice from a group in Helsinki and within 24 hours of them being involved, we had our papers and we could start the jobs that we had in place. Although I am now sadly a widow, I have no intention of returning to the UK. I am delighted to say that I have finnish citizenship and as you said... moving here, although full of challenges, was the best decision.

[@fireline4765]

Speaking of not talking in an elevator. During my second visit to Finland I was walking with my brother to the local grocery store, and as soon as we stepped onto the escalator, we stopped talking. We were talking all the way up to the escalator, but as soon as we set foot on the escalator, all talking automatically stopped. We didn't start talking again until we stepped off the escalator. That has never happened to me before.

[@kikko_mies]

You truly are an awesome guy, saying truth about our country and everything, cheers 💪🏻

[@zillahero]

im moving back to finland, from america. I was there 2 years, left and am coming back. I look forward to it immensely

[@LukeBland]

Nice! Welcome home 😁

[@venla1869]

your way of speaking is so relaxed that this feels almost like asmr to me :D loved this!

[@okiir5798]

I'll agree. No wonder you like to be in Finland -> opposite to stereotype USE speaking loud and fast.

[@ilonarauhalaoffical]

As a Finn, this is really interesting tonhear how you experience things. It makes me appreciate my country more. I lived in US 30 years ago, liked it too, and see some of the things you are talking about. I could watch more these kind of videos. Your storytelling is very relaxing, you have some talent there!

[@LukeBland]

Thanks, Ilona! I also like to hear people opinion of countries they are not from. The different perspectives are so eye opening. I heard you’re dropping by the office to be a guest on Kaija’s show someday soon. I look forward to seeing you then!

[@ilonarauhalaoffical]

Luke 👍Yes we will meet then!

[@abidabaloch3339]

Llona Ruahala When a finn laughs once a 2 years??? It must be sparking news when a finn have a laughter mode???? Canada Toronto

[@abidabaloch3339]

@@ilonarauhalaoffical کراچی کے لوگ بڑے بڑے اعلانات سننے کے عادی ہیں۔ یہ کوئی نئی بات نہیں ہے۔

[@karvaooppeli2561]

I had watery eyes when you said in the end that moving to Finland was the best decision of your life. It was very humbling to hear an honest opinion like that and it reminded me of how fortunate I am to live here. Thank you.

[@galgrunfeld9954]

I was in Finland for a month, staying at an apartment my Finnish ex-girlfriend and I rented. I paused the video at 4:13 to comment, so extending what you said about people keeping their promises that it should be this way, when I was in Finland I felt about just so many things that it should just "be this way". So, so many things just make sense to me in Finland. When you say that Finland is your American dream, it's because things in a society just feel to you that they should be this way in Finland, and I so very strongly agree about that. And that's why it makes so sense to me that you feel home in Finland - it only took me a few days to want to move my whole life from where I live, in Israel, to Finland. I felt home there in a few days like I haven't felt before in the country I've lived in my whole life. So, to summary about Finland: it's just how it should be. As a globalist, I'm *proud* of the Finnish society for being what it is. I view it as a high achievemt for human society.

[@shalommalca2125]

idiot

[@shalommalca2125]

@ExcuseMeBut I don't know how tall you are but I'm going to come over and make you at least 20 in shorter

[@khatack]

We are genuine people and we love other genuine people. I'm not surprised that you were accepted so readily here.

[@FallenAdam]

These American Dream videos of yours are among my favourite YT videos I've ever seen. It's really good to see a sort of opposite to your run of the mill Ann Coulter type of American enjoy their home in Finland.

[@nomad927]

Alright dude. I now feel once again compelled to comment on your video as a fellow American who lives in Finland. I have to ask you, do you like mämmi ? I love the stuff. I eat it as often as I can find it in the market. I also want to know what are some of your favorite foods in Finland ? Other than mämmi, I tell my friends about Finnish cheese most particularly Valio Kerma Juusto and I also rave about the bread in Finland. As you well know Finnish bread is so much better than anything in America, especially as you mentioned rye bread and, I love kaura leipä toasted with butter. How about salmiakki, do you like it ? Before moving to Finland I could not even stand the taste of regular black liquorice let alone salty liquorice but now I love me some salmiakki, especially salmiakki ice cream. So now on to a different subject. Since your last video and my comment to it. I am currently back in America on the west coast working a Microsoft event I work every May. I just arrived to the states barely over a week ago I can proudly say that I may be a bit more Finnish in regards to small talk and being so social with strangers or even people I work with. I have realized that Americans really just talk for the sake of talking because perhaps no one is comfortable being in silence amongst other people. Now I find myself sitting amongst a group of chatty co workers and though I hear what they are talking about, I do not understand why it is so important to have to share with everyone else 😆 and I also have noticed my thoughts may be that I wish they would shut up sometimes but I keep my thoughts to myself and answer politely if I am asked an opinion but my answers are usually very short and to the point. I have to say I am proud that this aspect of Finnish culture has rubbed off on me. I certainly love many things about American culture and I enjoy being home but on the other hand, there are things I now miss in Finland when I am here visiting in the states. I'm still barely getting by in Finland as far as wages go but also living with less in Finland has really made me understand less is more. As you say about equality in Finnish society. Americans could really learn some valuable lessons from Finnish society. Having loads of money and piles of material crap is not what life really is about is it ? Finn's put family and comfort in the highest regard and this is something I have come to respect and appreciate about Finnish culture. And as you mentioned, the awareness and appreciation of nature. As a big city boy from California, me living in Rovaniemi and working as a tour guide there has put me in touch with nature on a level I never could have imagined before moving to Finland. On that note, I take it you live in Helsinki ? Do you like to hike around at Nuuksio ? I really like that spot. Have you been around Lappi much, how about Korouoma Canyon or Luosto ? Korouoma Canyon is my most favorite place to take tourists and Luosto speaks to my soul. I really like how you are sharing your feelings about living in Finland 🤘 greg_evol

[@kilppa]

Wow, you live in Rovaniemi and work as a tour guide? Cool! I'm actually from there, but now live in Oulu. You finding mämmi good is weird. I mean, if you give it a good amount of cream and sugar, sure, but just mämmi isn't anything to write home about. :D

[@mikkolaine4883]

Kriste, mämmi with cream is soooo tasty 🤩 Just bare mämmi is like "dry" amd sticky.

[@piafrantti3389]

I am a Finn living in OZ.... used to eat mämmi growing up... yep NO thank u. 😁

[@LukeBland]

Hey sorry I missed this comment! I’m gonna read it through and respond very soon.

[@LukeBland]

Ok so now I had a chance to read this through 😅 I love all of the Finnish foods you listed. I think my favorite is maksalaatikko. Warm... cold... can’t get enough! I fully understand you and “reverse culture shock” going back to the states. I guess we humans adapt to our environments better than we know. Rovaniemi must have plenty of amazing nature. I hope to visit someday. Nuuksio is where I go to get away from all the noise but really... there’s not so much noise anyway. Thanks for your comment and your thoughts! Let’s meet up if you are ever in Helsinki. Ps. I watch your videos as well. 😁

[@pasit1738]

An Italian may promise to get you the moon, but he won't deliver. If a Finn promises to get you the moon, he/she will get you it. But we Finnish never promise to do anything like that.

[@humanman]

That's quite accurate. I've read and heard that some finnish women fall in love with foreigners because they (foreigners) very quickly say things like "I love, I adore you, you are my Moon and stars". It's rare to say such things here because they weight so much. In the second Finnish movie of "Mielensäpahoittaja" the old man actually reprimands the teenage girl for using such language too freely and I completely agree with him.

[@pasit1738]

@@humanman I've heard that some Finnish men also fall in love with foreigners, because they very quickly say things like "I love you."... :oD

[@humanman]

@@pasit1738 have you though

[@zoolkhan]

@@pasit1738 love is overated

[@jaskajokunen8733]

Mama always said that she give me a moon from the sky if she could

[@paanikki]

I watched this video again. I recently heard someone describe the philosophy of Americans vs. taxes this way: Majority of those citizens who vote for lower taxes (less government) have a relatively low income, and their families would very much benefit from the services and benefits funded by higher taxes. But those people still think like they are going to win in the lottery tomorrow or next week, and they don't want anyone else getting benefit from their future wealth. No matter how unlikely that might be.

[@LukeBland]

This is really true. I think Americans want the possibility of riches even if the odds for having them is really low. I guess Americans are really dreamers in very good and bad ways.

[@amoxus]

If one has to add music to a vlog, you have made great choices. Subtle, low volume, calm music.

[@janttu5283]

Luke, you're very welcome. And you make Finland a better place, thanks

[@juliasmith5267]

Good work. :D

[@slayanysmaniax3564]

Just like with part 1, I agree with pretty much everything you say. I can also add that from my experience, also being from the States, being in FI has changed me to the point that I get reverse cultural shock when I go back. Even from my very first visit, I feel more at home in FI than I do at home. I hear a lot of people complain and maybe it's just not for everyone, and that's ok. Some people leave it all behind to move to the States and here we are, going the opposite way. I think everyone has a special place where they feel they belong and maybe some people don't understand the reasons why. Awesome video, hope to see more like these (if you're open to sharing, of course!)

[@yohanbeck8172]

This man understands. You did identify the Finnish spirit well, it was honest, genuine, reserved and listening with an intent to listen and not to respond.

[@OldieBugger]

You meeting your future wife across the table, that was no accident for sure. One of the hobbies women love the most is matchmaking. Nice it turned out well.

[@Klaara100]

This is just what I needed after feeling a bit down. I've been so lucky to be born here and re-realising that usually takes traveling abroad and coming back home again. There's a certain magic about Finland. Glad you found it too and I hope many more do in the future!

[@yohanbeck8172]

Olen monesti maailmalla miettinyt ja kokenut Suomalaisten maineen maailmalla ja nauttinut sen hedelmistä. Siellä oppii ja näkee miten hyvin asiat on ja millainen elämänkuva ja taso Suomalaiset saavat elää. Sellainen näkemys myös innoittaa ja liikuttaa. Meidän rehellisyys ja tapa arvostaa hiljaisuutta on harvinainen piirre :)

[@Nobody-qw1vi]

I've really enjoyed watching this two-part video about where you found your home. It is so heartfelt. Also the part where you met your wife at a wedding and you suspect someone intentionally set it up, made me smile so much! My parents told me that they met at a university party where unbeknownst to either of them, they had been intentionally placed opposite of each other.

[@LukeBland]

Sometimes we just have to appreciate the meddling of others on our behalf 😄

[@c.r.bouton1842]

No my friend, you are living the Finnish dream. You are an inspiration to me and I would love to see Finland myself one day. You've made it seem like a place that I could actually live and be comfortable with the culture. Continue living your dream!

[@yoshivist]

You truly speak beautifully about our country. I feel touched.

[@heidihellsten1880]

Thank you Luke from America for these posts. I'll show them to my kiwi partner and hope for the best😉. No truly, really appreciated and made me in tears of proudness towards my home country

[@LukeBland]

That's so nice to hear! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@MrNakki]

I've been in some Finnish weddings where there always seems to be a foreign visitor no one but the people bringing them know! And it's the best! And once when I was an emo teenager, the outsider was an emo teenager visiting my godparents family, who were invited. And it was like the perfect emo wedding hangout that I got to brag about for aaaaages when I went back to school.

[@LukeBland]

That’s a great story! 😀

[@alttiakujarvi]

I had one such guest in my weddings. My friend had a Venezualan(?) boyfriend and his sister was visiting. Of course we invited her since they were traveling together!

[@keyalpha1]

That's quite a story. Welcome to Finland, glad to have you here.

[@iI_Principe]

Very pleasantly surprised when I opened youtube and this was the first thing I saw.

[@LukeBland]

So nice to hear 🙏🏼

[@eemelilounela1212]

I have followed american politics pretty closely for probably 5 years and been unable to comprahend the things that are happening in that country. I'm pretty sure this was the video that made me realize the differences that exist between America and Finland at an incredibly fundamental level in our mindsets. I will keep looking in to this. Thank you for this beautiful video.

[@LukeBland]

It's a crazy world we live in right now. 😐

[@barb9224]

I rarely comment on videos, but this really touched me, so I just have to do it this time. I am originally from the Czech Republic, but I have been living in Canada for a while now. I'm very happy here, I have amazing friends, a great job, you name it. Yet...ever since visiting Finland a couple of times few years back, I somehow felt a connection to the country. The culture seemed so refreshingly genuine - I mean sure, I value the fact that I currently live in a country that is well-known for its politeness - but at the same time, I feel like I appreciate honesty (no matter how brutal and hurtful it can be haha) more than kindness (that might be fake sometimes). Finns seemed lovely and in a way that I can't explain - I felt like I belonged there. A couple months back, I made the decision...and applied for a Master's at a university in Helsinki, very much doubting that I would get admitted. But long story short - I'm moving to Helsinki in less than 3 months from now to start university. I don't know a single person in Finland and honestly - I'm excited and terrified at the same time. Yet I can feel in my heart that this is the most important decision I have ever made in my life. It was so nice to hear your story of finding happiness in Finland. I hope I'll be able to say the same thing about myself in a couple years time :)

[@LukeBland]

Wonderful to hear! I have no doubts you will love it here. Send me a message when you settled in and let’s grab a coffee or something!

[@barb9224]

Oh thanks so much, that'd be great! I'm moving first week in August, I'll definitely message you then!

[@Kittensoft88]

That sounds great! I hope you enjoy your stay :)

[@barb9224]

@@Kittensoft88 Thank you! I have no doubts I will! I'm literally counting down days now...just 62 more :)

[@anttimakimartti]

@@barb9224 and now even less time! I hope you assimilate well! Try to visit Tampere and Turku while it is still summer. Beautiful in the summer. All good to you and cheers from Tampere.

[@craigfield9447]

Amazing video, I am born in Sweden with Finnish background. Today I live in Australia and I have been wondering why I feel so lost, I am have been here almost 25 years. After listening to you I realised that is why I feel let down and low, everyone promise but it does not mean anything. I am feeling home sick and really looking forward the opportunity to go back to my roots. Thanks I love it, Helena

[@_Ocean_Soul_]

I wanna move to Finland in a few years. Watching this makes the feeling even stronger that I'm on the right path

[@whoneedsdefenseanyways4418]

Oh, I was just watching the part 1 for the very first time and now you upload this! This is such emotional and interesting story!

[@63DegreesNorth]

We've been waiting for this one! Have a great weekend.

[@LukeBland]

Nice! You too!

[@mark71]

Really enjoy the videos, and can relate as a Brit who moved to this wonderful country.

[@svendvidebaek4171]

I liked your description of Finns' honesty as contrasted with e.g. Americans' shallowness. I'm Canadian, so I'm somewhere in between. I'd say this honesty is beyond refreshing, it's rare and wonderful and I hope it never disappears. I've been working for Finnish companies for some 25 years -- oh those Finnish engineers, I appreciate them enormously. No bullshit. No pretension. OK, sometimes that can be a bit block-headed, but so what. "I left behind terrible eating habits." Ha! I salute you!

[@Hamartias_hound]

This is so wonderful. Thank you again. Your journey is helping keep me motivated on my own.

[@anastasiabeaverhousen3261]

Luke, you are awesome person. So real and pure. I love this vid!!! So touching ❤️ Oh man! Tears! I will keep watching your chanel and wanna wish you all the best in your life and lots of love to your family. 💕

[@EEE80]

Man super glad you like it here.

[@heidibroms]

How good it makes me feel to listen your story, the way you speak. Its long time ago that I have heard in a speach no bad words, no judgement, no swearing etc. You uplifted my soul. Wishing well to you and your family.

[@LukeBland]

Thanks so much! So nice to hear 🙏🏼

[@jesselynfrompushingdandeli5119]

I don't know if I'm just emotional today but I started to tear up with how you described Finns because, I'm born and raised in America, but the majority of my roots come from Finland and... I just felt like you were describing me and I thought just the way I functioned was just how I am.., but now I know I'm not alone. My behaviors come from the country I'm from but never been :')

[@LukeBland]

You should visit!

[@kaljumies9297]

These American dream videos are great! They way you describe things is just amazing. Keep it up Luke 👍

[@dalbertonyebuchi]

I love finland because of social democracy, the beautiful lakes and the silence. I am free to go on midnight walks without anyone troubling me.

[@LukeBland]

Yes 🙌🏼

[@suparauta8026]

You speak so beatiful words about my country. ❤️ I'm happy for you. This video was so touching. 💓

[@vikingdaz1627]

If you are ever in tampere it would be great to grab a coffee. I have lived in Finland for 1 year now and your story is very similar to mine. Thanks for sharing

[@DanielLopez-up6os]

A truly awesome story about your "Evolution" in Finland thank you for sharing it man!

[@Sami-zz6eg]

Actually, you should do go to schools and to the kids and tell them about Finland from your perspective. Maybe they would see Finland better. Why not? This comes from a teacher in a finnish school system. Thanks Luke again for sharing.

[@TheAaKoo]

Living now in Asia for 3 years make me miss my home country much more than I expected. Just found your channel and both parts of "Finland is the American Dream" by you made me emotional and made me appreciate Finland (and Europe) even more. I wish you all the best and hope to meet you some day to have a beer or two. Or coffee :). Cheers.

[@aerpk]

What an interesting story! It is delightful to see how your life seems to have found its peace and quiet in Finland. You have definitely identified the essential points in the way of living in Finland. You seem to have a pretty good insight to the Finnish state of mind. Your summary on happiness is spot on accurate! Thanks a lot for your videos!

[@LukeBland]

Really nice to hear! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@helsinkianskies]

My colleague told me about you today. He said he saw "some American guy on KZbin that came to Finland with a guitar case" and I knew had to look you up. I did find you, and I'm so glad I did. It's fascinating to me, someone who has heard many people dreaming of leaving here, and God knows I'm one of them, being completely enthralled by someone whose dream it was to find a new life in Finland. Thank you for your story, for being so honest and open about your experiences, it's very refreshing!

[@llssneN]

We're happy to have you Luke!

[@HannuPulkkinen49]

Thanks a lot! I greatly value your attitude to life and your honesty. Look forward to continuing.

[@Quuqqe]

Oon tykännyt sun vlogeista ennenkin mutta nää videot on parhaita👌 kiva kuulla sun elämästä ja hienoa että oot löytänyt oman paikkasi! P.s. kuuntelisin varmasti, jos alkaisit tekemään podcastia!

[@LukeBland]

Kiitos! Hyvä idea 🤔

[@shalommalca2125]

Nobody understand Chinese here

[@morishidol4209]

@@shalommalca2125 Ainoa suomalainen kommentti niin siitäkin inistään saatanaperkele!!

[@shalommalca2125]

@@morishidol4209 haise perse

[@morishidol4209]

@@shalommalca2125 pyllistä. .

[@whoknew4722]

It's refreshing to hear your honesty, yearning, search, and eventual attainment of a better life. When you described America, the "rat race" and competitiveness, I understood. I know many places exactly like that. But also, I've seen it's not like that everywhere in America. In some conservative places, people are too competitive and even selfish (they favor their own success, at the expense of others' success - I think it's mean). Though I've learned that in other parts of the U.S., people do want to live together peacefully helping each other and not being competing (exactly as you described). In those parts, most people like & are comfortable being equal, and in the middle class together. No one above their neighbors. I like this aspect of the U.S. parts I've lived in, which I've seen exists in several more liberal places (e.g., parts of the two coasts), which are much more egalitarian. I've lived in many U.S. states, cities (as well as Richmond VA which I didn't feel was fair or calming). I've also lived in European cities at times, and feel some U.S. cities/states not so unlike European life (except in the U.S. we're more wasteful, not as conservation-minded). The liberal places in the U.S. are more "socialist", like Europe (and sadly, many uninformed people in the U.S. are afraid of or don't understand what real socialism is; they don't see that even the U.S. has many desired critical social aspects that are socialist). Wishing you the best in your life. You seem content. That's the most important thing, I believe, for us to attain.

[@herrakaarme]

Apart from speaking English better than Finnish, I wonder if there are some individual things about you that could be considered very American in Finland? Since you have lived many years in both countries and know people in both countries, you could probably imagine a few details, even though the USA and Finland are both Western countries and thus not worlds apart (in fact we even share the same neighbour).

[@lapsuswuolio6178]

I found your channel with your first american dream video and subbed as I felt emotional watching it. Being a Finn living in England I was a bit sceptical about you uploading a second part as I felt it could be due to the success of the part one and simply looking for more views, but I really enjoyed part 2 as well and am hoping to see part 3 soon.:)

[@Kittensoft88]

What a great and interesting story, thanks for sharing! I'm happy you are part of the Finnish society and feel like home here. As they say, home is where your heart is. Best of luck and happiness for you in the future!

[@piafrantti3389]

Sometimes we need to stop and enjoy things around us. I moved from Finland to Australia.. I am happy in both countries 😄

[@piafrantti3389]

Omg I think I just hit the thumbs down button.... I didn't mean to.... loved ur videos. Very informative. Thank u. I am making sure I will give u twice as many positive feeds. Lol sorry. 😂🤣😁

[@TheKsylofoni]

thank you for sharing. really love the way how you see the world.

[@formatique_arschloch]

Very nice video and I like your calm way of speak. Anyway I must say, that we finns do not mean to be rude, our way of expressing ourselves is just different. We are polite, but in a genuine way, not 'small talk way'. We actually expect an honest answer and we also give one. It's just a different way to be polite. Honesty is the value we appreciate the most.

[@TheEdnar83]

I've randomly seen you as a guest in Dave Cad's videos and somewhere else before, but these American Dream vids are the first of your own stuff that I've viewed. Have to say, I wholeheartedly agree with what you're saying, and truly appreciate your insight into Finnish culture. My thoughts are quite similar, but I'd like to put them in slightly different words below: There's little to no hyperboly in our lives. The need to keep up appearances of wealth and success aren't so pronounced because the underlying feeling most people get from viewing someone flaunting their wealth isn't one of jealousy (even though great many wealthy Finns claim that it is, without thinking and analyzing their own emotions more closely), but one of annoyance at horrible waste. Why are those resources being spent by a single person/family in such a frivolous way, when it could do so much more good elsewhere, spent differently. Most wouldn't really want that fancy car or a yacht for themselves, but do wish that some of that excess money would've been spent fixing the roads instead or to hire another nurse for the local hospital, so that all might have it a bit better, instead of just a single person/family having it a bit better. So there's no feeling of "Why does he/she have that and I don't", it's much more like "Why does he/she value that thing more than the well-being of all" Also, life isn't something you win. It isn't a competition where your primary motivation is to climb as high as you can whilst stomping on others. Life isn't meant to be won, it's meant to be enjoyed. As my grandfather used to say "It doesn't matter what you do, as long as there's a need for it". There's drive to be better yes, but it's not in order to feel superior to others, it's to feel fulfillment from being all you can be, from doing something meaningful. I suppose this different point of view is also a reason why bureaucracy works better here than in many other place, since those who have that slight amount of power don't have such a great need to flaunt it by making people jump through hoops needlessly, and instead strive to do as good of a job as possible serving their customers. This is also the main reason for the success of Finnish school system. Instead of constant standardized testing aimed at putting folks in their proper boxes according to how good they are, the main aim is to actually impart information, skills, teach the youth to think for themselves. Those who do well are rewarded yes, but there's a lot of effort being put into drilling a certain value into our youth, which is that you don't need to be the best, it's plenty enough that you're better than you were yesterday. And finally, while we're a very secular nation, I do feel like we've got one major spiritual teaching ingrained into us: Do unto others as you would have done unto you. Take care of those less fortunate, because that could just as well be you in that situation. Exist to uplift not just yourself, but others as well. All of these are gross generalizations, and I fully expect there to be a dozen people giving anecdotes as response to prove wrong what I've said above. I'm not claiming _all_ Finns are like this, I'm saying those are tendencies on the level of the entire population, that we lean towards those kinds of thought patterns.

[@sannalun845]

So glad to have come across your videos. I find them sooooo relatable, having left everything behind in Hong Kong for Finland. Kiitos näistä videoista! :)

[@Daagon123]

15 years is a long time. There will be a time in the future when you have been living longer in Finland than US. It is refreshing to see someone speaking honestly about their moving experience to a foreighn country.

[@freezedeve3119]

one thing is good in Finnish social benefits, if your parents are not doing so good and are considered really poor, you still have chance to get good education have nice life for yourself and be good taxpayer, i think some areas of USA could benefit from systems like Finland have.

[@TzeiEm]

True. Success in Finland is not only for the rich or ultra talented people. Anybody can make a good life for themselves regardless of social status.

[@henrih5522]

Yes, but bad thing about that is that it attracts bad kind of people who uses the system

[@freezedeve3119]

@@henrih5522 it is not that easy to abuse system so i do not consider it as problem.

[@henrih5522]

@@freezedeve3119 haha not that easy, they do not even try to learn finnish, if you dont speak finnish, you dont get the job, unless its some shitty job and you cant really live on that in here but you still get the monthly benefits plus immigrant familys like somalis have many kids not abnormal of even 9 children, as us finns normally have 0-2

[@Lilliz91]

TzeiEm it’s the same in USA as well dude...😂😂

[@korvapuustit]

the most beautiful and accurate description of Finnish sauna!

[@PunCala]

You are picking up a Finnish accent :D PS. Welcome to Finland. Edit: Oooh so you moved ages ago. No wonder the accent is there.

[@erichani1]

11. .

[@SariSilvo]

Real refreshing to hear someone from different culture to speak about Finland. Thanks a lot Luke about your truth opinion. Best wishes and good luck to you and your family! Kaikkea hyvää sinulle ja perheellesi myös jatkossa!

[@LukeBland]

Kiitos! 🙏🏼

[@0Quiwi0]

Quoting the part one. Welcome home. Glad to have you

[@LukeBland]

🙏🏼

[@davehenderson6125]

Thank you for this Luke. So much to think about. That's all I do lately.

[@sssssfGify]

If you have more stories and you are willing, please make more videos with this style. Very enjoyable :)

[@LukeBland]

Ok nice 👍🏼Might have to make a stories playlist 😄👌🏼

[@dottierambo8851]

I'm jealous.....wish I was there too....enjoy your life you sound very happy!

[@Kyosti5000]

It's great to have someone like you in our country. The video was honest and sincere, just the way I like it. Thumbs up buddy!

[@mustbeweird]

I am glad I stumbled upon your channel. Keep going mate. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@LukeBland]

Nice! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@Scramasax]

I do not know what the American dream is. But I do know what the Finnish dream is. It's sitting by the lake on the balcony of your sauna. With your wife. In the middle of the quiet summer night watching the sun. That does not set. And listening the birds praising the serenity of it. And the best thing about it. Is that you do not even have to dream it.

[@topilinkala1594]

In 90's I heard (in public sauna) some guy griping how bums live on his taxes. I and several others told him that the number of bums vs. tax-payers is very very low. On the other hand if he needed specialists care he would not need to pay for it. The guy realized that he was talking to the wrong congrecation and left shortly after. But he came back later and apologized and no-one gave him any back talk after that. I personally tought, when I was highly payed, that my taxes were kinda low even being a single.

[@Susan-zl5uk]

I think Finland is the happiest country in the world :))

[@larppasarppa]

What a wonderful thing that you moved here and found a home. All the best for you and your family.

[@priskaketelaars1633]

I look forward to part 3!

[@LukeBland]

🤔

[@kuroeltheog]

You know, praising Finland to a Finn is like praising a kid to a doting parent. It just feels sooo good! ❤️ When I was in my late teen/early 20’s, I was convinced that USA was for me. Finland felt too small. But when I got to the USA, I got overwhelmed by the superficial culture over there. In Finland, I was used to taking everything at face value. When someone said they’d call, they actually called. But it wasn’t so at the States. Everyone was nice, yes. I met amazing people. Open and kind. But also a lot of people that are all talk. To a naiive Finn it was a culture shock. Like. “They said they were going to meet me but here I am standing like a chump at our appointment and they had no actual meaning of meeting me!” Do you have a network of other Americans living in Finland? I met an American girl just before I left to the States. She came to Finland as an au pair. She had been traveling the world - in lawd knows how many countries before. But the second her feet landed here, she told me she felt she was at peace. She had finally come home. She eventually met a Finnish guy and you know how it goes. 😅 This was over a decade ago. One thing I vividly remember about her, was how quickly she adapted to our culture. If you’re a Finn, you know all about the sibling rivalry between Sweden and Finland. 😅 One insult my friend quickly learned when bashing someone was yelling out “YOU THINK LIKE A SWEDE!” 😂😂 Marvelous! 😂👏🏻

[@LukeBland]

Yes these are some of the clear differences between Finnish and American culture. Americans don’t mean any harm but they all play by those rules and if you don’t know those rules... you might be left waiting 🙄 But the I quickly realized to be careful what I promise to a Finn. I do connect with some Americans here. We all have adapted to the Finnish culture quite well 😌 Thanks for your comment 🙏🏼

[@NinjaBee81]

I really like your "talking to the camera" videos, you are a great storyteller and you have a pleasant voice. And I'm saying this with Finnish honesty! :) Hope to see similar videos from you in the future.

[@LukeBland]

Nice thanks for your Finnish honesty 😌

[@tomipalonen4691]

I am truly and honestly happy for you. Welcome home.

[@user-zz5xr2ny7h]

"The home is where the heart is"................mine is in Finland too.

[@DivineHyperion]

I've heard nothing but praise for Finland. Hopefully once I visit I won't be disappointed.

[@LukeBland]

I’m sure you won’t be 🙏🏼

[@steinareggan4565]

You have a great way to express your self telling your story, like a poet, author, painter, director. love listening and watching.

[@LukeBland]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@landlord5552]

I am (43y.o)happy here Archipelago Åland (Finland). We spend every winter 2-3 months on Tenerife (Spain).

[@Ninja-be8jh]

Well Luke, you'r making quite a lot of Finns happy with your uplifting videos and quickly becoming the poster boy for "positive immigration", you might even get a call from Jussi Halla-aho! 😄 I'm also American, lived here for 6 years, put a lot of effort into learning and speaking Finnish and integrating into the culture. Finland is a good country and there are some very positive about it and I'm not sure I could go back to the States happily living without some of things here in Finland, especially as a parent now. But I noticed some are feeling totally inspired by your videos and are taking away a very uplifting, rose-colored picture of Finland through these past videos, thinking this is how it'll play out for them or how they'll feel after living here, and hopefully they won't make any big life changes due the experience of one man or use that as a catalyst because there can be some VERY big challenges/obstacles here, it's not very everybody. I've met Americans here that either love or hate living here, people who moved back and in fact one of my American friends is moving back this month after many years living unhappily here. I myself am more balanced and realistic/logical about most things in life, trying not to veer one way or the other much and I try to live life as much as possible as it is, but I miss a lot of things still about California, like the beach, the weather, the cheap sirloin steaks, but if I didn't live in Finland I'd miss a lot of things about it too, when I visit the States after a week I'm like (alright, I'm ready to go back to Finland, this place is nuts) but the contrast between the cultures is so wide and I will always miss some things about America a lot. I still miss my life before I came from because it wasn't bad and I'm a stimulation junkie and still am adjusting to a much more peaceful lifestyle after living in a major city most of my life, especially a life without cheap Amazon prices and packages I order coming to my door after one day of shipping, for free! 😄. Moving to Finland was in large part inspired by simply wanting to travel and live a different life before I got old and grey and to hopefully travel to some of the places in the world I've always wanted to, after all, it's all about the Benjamins and status in the U.S.. But above all else I miss the people I left behind, that's a hard pill to swallow, and I thought I was more James Bond than Mr. Brady, I still don't know how one adjusts to something like that, at least for myself. Once you had a kid though, your perspective of life completely changes, I often wonder how it would feel raising a kid in the States, but it's too hard to even imagine or compare, I just know I'd be out of pocket a few more hundreds of dollars at least, each month 😄

[@takoja507]

Ninja am sorry but that wall of text is unreadable. Could you modify it to be easier and more pleasant to read?

[@Ninja-be8jh]

@@takoja507 I never type in one big paragraph like that, so I'm not sure what happened, I'll try to correct it though but I think KZbin might automatically compress comments into a single paragraph, but I'm not sure yet.

[@killergumbo]

Congrats on the 15 years, buddy! Very nice to hear our small country has been able to offer you a fulfilling life, a new family and friends. We Finns need this kind of mental reinforcement from time to time, not to get too pissed off by the taxes! :D

[@koodauskanava9096]

I just love these videos. So relaxing to listen these stories and views.

[@Redgethechemist]

It's a very interesting testimony and, as a foreigner living in Finland, I just notice that everybody has a different experience with Finnish hospitality. Being a foreigner here is not as easy as you tell, Finnish people are very kind and respectful people, but for many foreigners, there is a kind of glass wall between them and the Finns and it's very hard to get through it and I think that having friends or a partner who are Finnish makes a big difference to integrate and get immersed in Finnish society. Or maybe it's just the place, Helsinki is a more cosmopolitan city where people are used to meet foreigners, but where I live, most of the foreigners I know have hard times bonding with Finnish people, either at school or at work. The only foreigners I know who made Finnish friends are married with a Finnish woman. I moved here with my family almost 3 years ago and we still can't say we have made Finnish friends, we know a few people, but it's still quite cordial. Our kids at school could make friends, although they could learn Finnish very fast. I have some colleagues and classmates from my Finnish lessons, and they all had mitigated experiences. I don't know if this distrust towards foreigners is linked to the results of the perus suomalaiset. My kids had to endure a bit of mockery due to their accent, but it didn't last too long as teachers take a great care to stop bullying. I know there is a bit of antipathy against refugees, but we're not, we are European and we don't look very different from Finnish people, apart for darker hair and faster tanning. I know it can take some time to make real friends, let's see what happens in the future... I also think that foreigners who are native English speakers create a lot of interest for Finns, they are interested in practicing their English so they will probably try more to get in touch. Other than that, It's a great country to live in, all the personnel in administration is very kind and helpful and most of them can speak English pretty well so all your paperwork can be done very well. Same in shops, employees are usually very polite and welcoming. And I love the high level of trust, if you have some trouble with something you just bought, they won't try to investigate to make sure you're not trying to rip them off. Anything lost in the street will be put in evidence so you can find it more easily, except for bikes which get stolen very often.

[@hauskalainen]

You are my younger brother from another mother. You are totally right about the Finnish personal interaction observations and the importance of everyone being able to live a decent life. Being a Brit the safety net in the UK was in some ways more comprehensive and in-built into the British psyche than it is in Finland so not a culture shock for me so much. My sister lives in Florida and so I've seen a lot of what Americans think about the world and their attitude to life is much more competitive and harder on those down at luck. But there are many things Finns, and especially older Finns (those who are now retired) seem to admire about America. The movies, and it being politically the opposite of the old Soviet Union, are the main reasons I think. I too lost weight when I moved to Finland the first time. An interesting observation.

[@LukeBland]

This all sounds right on point. I think we’ve observed a lot of the same things!

[@markusvainiomaki]

Kiitos Luke.

[@VaIeksi]

I really liked your story :) I'm gonna watch more of your videos

[@AmbientEpicuros]

This made me happy for you. Great select for background music btw. :]

[@arto1789]

It's nice to hear all that you said as a Finn. Touching. I like the music too. All the best for you!

[@sitruuna8]

All the respect Luke for sharing this two videos! I guess that it could help many people out there in the world :)