My life in Finland: Culture shock

Time to tackle the culture shock situation!
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[@charlesmcg]

Finland sounds like some kind of introvert paradise.

[@astridsjourney]

+Charles M it kind of is :)

[@mosvu3134]

It is, but we all are not introverts.

[@sembo93ozdag48]

what paradise? I am living here 25 years, This country is one hell

[@veeti27]

Thats A.B.S.O.U.L.U.T.E.L.Y FALSE!!!

[@veeti27]

Vesa Pulkkinen Kyllä!

[@Ara-co1kh]

As a Finn when someone sits next to me in a bus with empty spaces I think to myself "Why the fuck did he/she sit next to me?"... It ruins a perfectly peaceful bus ride.

[@tatw6956]

For us finns, we see that privacy and space is respectful towards other people. It is like giving time and space for people to get to know you. It's not like people don't want to get to know you. It's considered rude to invade someone's personal space. So in a way, you have to return your mind set about it when you are dealing with finns (and other nordics).

[@astridsjourney]

+Ta Tw I like that so much about Finland!

[@mayaung674]

How do we get to know people or ask for help ?

[@tatw6956]

Just ask

[@astridsjourney]

+May Aung well you have to try to meet people during group works or invite them for little things like coffee

[@tatw6956]

If you are studying here, just go for the student parties and such. Finnish people will open up eventually, especially when they get a little drunk. And don't get disappointed if they are not paying much interest for you the first time or second time they meet you. But they will approach you when they have seen you more often.

[@panthoni]

Shy is the wrong word. Down to earth is more like it.

[@magemaatikko]

Agree, we finnish ppl are not shy. We lost winter war due to manpower but in _Continuation war we could have pushed into Leningrad easily. Mannerheim was strict. He was man of principles so we made a bad peace and see whole Karelian isthmus rotting in front of our eyes. There is code of honour in Finnish society. We dont show emotions , becouse they are weaknesses.We are effective what we do and finish medical care is best in the world.We are proud ppl with immense love towards our Fatherland.Generations of history compells us to try better make our society better place for every finnish ppl. Also criminality in finland is low, it is concentrated in Capital Helsinki and its problem dont affect rest of Finland. We need to establish in Helsinki same kind of organisation as DEA in USA, uncorrupted police officers who want to save the country!

[@joonatanjoensuu3348]

Torilla tavataan?

[@atlaxxedits564]

noooo

[@ulfvonweimuller4433]

The windows are not doubled, they are tripled (or even quadrupled). 2 (or 3 in quad. case) of the glasses are fixed in the same frame with spacer between them and the sealed space between them is filled with gas that improves insulation furthermore.

[@Orca19904]

Your description of Finnish people being modest and adverse to bragging reminds me of the Japanese, who have similar tendencies.

[@j.nybergh7003]

Which is why Japanese like Finns. Famous example would be the Kimi-fans idolizing the Iceman.

[@TuomasKivisto]

Yeah coz Finland does not exicist and it's a Japanese colony.

[@prinzeugenvansovoyen732]

Both countrys have little foreign people and a long culture of struggle and are a proud people as well as they have and need no feminism (noone needs it) because they are all very gentle and polite and dense human beings...

[@j.nybergh7003]

What are you talking about? What do you mean by saying no one needs feminism?

[@j.nybergh7003]

Omg you don't have a clue, don't you?

[@nova_supreme8390]

In the US you might get friends easily, but it seems that you lose time equally fast. In Finland friendship is a long term investment. If you have enough interest toward a person, you are willing to go that extra mile to get on their good side. The amount of loyalty you will get from that friendship usually is worth the effort. :)

[@astridsjourney]

+Nova_Supreme I agree :)

[@nettikomissaari8597]

Im a finn and My frends havent lasted

[@darkmage7280]

4:51 That's absolutely the truth. Us Finns don't make friends easily, but a friend (or a foe) is NEVER forgotten.

[@ThePigbreeder]

A big factor why most finns speak english quite well even when older, is due to not dubbing tv shows. We hate dubbing, only children shows and movies are dubbed because learning english starts at age 9-10.

[@p1rgit]

and we estonian kids in north estonia learned quite a bit of finnish, watching finnish tv and reading finnish subtitres with movies like Ritari ässä :D i think pple barely born at that time know this show, was unreasonably popular. just coupla yrs ago some comedians made joke clip about k.i.t.t. (mai gaad, it's 2011, older'n i thougt. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ml60epiknJefhdE

[@DominicMilne]

I've been living in Finland for about 9 months now. A few things I've noticed, the food is very similar to traditional British cooking. In the UK we have butchers shops everywhere, in Finland, you need to visit a Kauppahalli. They love dogs here. Public transport is always on time. Winter is dark and hard but summer is light and so damn amazing. I don't want to come across arrogant but although the men are shy the women hit on me aggressively. The Finnish language uses little intonation (if any). On holidays everything closes and people's work lives are protected. My biggest shock coming here was how Finns are into Hockey not Football and also Eurovision. I've a lot more but I don't want to bore anyone reading this.

[@devs3720]

Dominic Milne In what part of Finland do you live where transport is always on time? In the past 2 months the commuter train has been 10 mins late like three or four times and busses are constantly like 5 mins late.

[@astridsjourney]

+Bonkered à haha that's not bad actually 😂

[@devs3720]

Astrid's journey lol I know I ws just kidding

[@DominicMilne]

I live in Helsinki. Previously was living in London, if you want to see late public transport London is the place to be or England in general. I've had trains that were 2h30 late and buses that never even show up.

[@devs3720]

Dominic Milne must be easy getting from point A to B.

[@valleygirl670]

People arent SHY they are respecting your space and likewise they expect you to respect their space.

[@GhulamHussain-me1uj]

I have learnt heard a lot about Finland. I am translating Finish short stories into Urdu just to understand the society. A unique people...what I am understanding them through their stories in literature. Love Finland above all the world. Love from Pakistan. 😍

[@marediasborumor2012]

Speaking three languages is te norm here in Finland. 5 would be interesting

[@oskaripeurala2612]

Yeah but almost noone uses Swedish.

[@SocialistFinn1]

not really, speaking 2 is the norm, no one speaks or even knows proper Swedish even though it's mandatory in school lmao, they should just remove it. So yeah, people only really speak 2 languages in Finland: Finnish and English. Edit: About 5% of Finland does speak Swedish as their first language but I still don't see a reason to force it on the other 95%

[@markolehtimaki823]

Puhutaan ”Porvoota”

[@annuli96]

Some people actually have Swedish as their first language in Finland. Hi 👋

[@elizhabethn1004]

My friend speaks Finnish, Swedish, Russian, English and Estonia PERFECTLY! (Her parent speaks thous languages everyday) and she study like 4-5 languages more! AND SHE WORKS AT MCDONALDS! SHE SPEAKS 10 LANGUAGE AND SHE WORKS AT MCDONALDS!

[@FutileGrief]

Sounds like I need to move to Finland ASAP. Utmost respect for personal space? WHERE DO I SIGN UP

[@jonskunator]

FInd a job and learn the language. I welcome you to Finland if you want to come.

[@kellIID]

I understand you, as an introvert when I hear people talk about Finland it just sound like paradise! I'm going to work hard in order to get enough money to move there.

[@emilhakanen7306]

Khaled Bouhedadja Finland is likr a pradise to introverts, even going to store is easy, because you only need to learn the three basic frases so you can get out. Those are "hello", "i dont need the receipt" and "thank you"

[@AnoAssassin]

Please do try to learn the language though, my peers and I tend to respect it when a foreigner who works also tries to learn the language. Surely other Finns would respect it as well

[@jennityni5990]

Watcher08121 345 it's extremely disrespectful to move into a country and not learn the language. And no, not all of us know English. I have about 5 friends who can only understand some words and can basically just say their name

[@cerulean8]

In Finland we have this saying (from a poem by Eino Leino): Kell' onni on, se onnen kätkeköön. Literally it translates as "the fortunate one should hide one's fortune" and it means you should boast or brag, but be modest. As you've noticed it's considered to be in bad taste to be overconfident or to show off your wealth by driving a Ferrari or something flashy and totally not suitable for Finnish weather and roads since it's then obviously just for boasting. And we Finns often suck in pretending to be super-friendly and open right up front, but when we warm up, you can be sure that you pretty much have a true friend probably for life. We are pretty honest so we don't usually pretend to be something we're not or pretend to feel something we don't. That's why if you ask a so called stereotypical Finn "how are you", they might not say "fine", but actually tell you what they're feeling and it might not be positive. Like "Hey, haven't seen you in a while! How are you? How's your family?" " Well I'm stressing about work, my baby has colic, so I haven't slept well in ages and my breakfast is making my stomach churn so I'll probably have to run to the bathroom about 15 times today. So not so good actually. How are you?" And at that point the foreigner is like "jeez, you could've just said you're fine".

[@astridsjourney]

+cerulean4588 in french we say "pour vivre heureux vivons cachés" translated to "to live happy, live hidden" it's a similar idea 😊

[@cerulean8]

Astrid's journey Sounds very Finnish 😁 The whole poem goes like this: Kell’ onni on, se onnen kätkeköön, kell’ aarre on, se aarteen peittäköön, ja olkoon onnellinen onnestaan ja rikas riemustansa yksin vaan. Ei onni kärsi katseit’ ihmisten. Kell’ onni on, se käyköön korpehen ja eläköhön hiljaa, hiljaa vaan ja hiljaa iloitkohon onnestaan. The fortunate one should hide ones fortune, The one who has treasure should bury it, And the lucky should be lucky And the rich should be glee only when alone. Fortune does not suffer the the gaze of men, The fortunate one should take to solitude, And to live quietly, just quietly live, And quietly be glad of their fortune. That's my translation and probably not a good one, but you get the idea. Sometimes I wonder if the poet Eino Leino is being sarcastic. Like maybe he's trying to point out how jealous we can be when we see someone doing well so we wish they would hide it. Some people say that we Finns are a jealous a bunch. Like we would pay 50 euros to make sure someone else doesn't get 100 euros. I think that unfortunately applies to many people, not just Finns.

[@cerulean8]

Astrid's journey But modesty is always a virtue 😁

[@astridsjourney]

+cerulean4588 I don't know about the jealousy part but I think it mostly depends on the situation, sometimes it's also good to show what you are worth

[@cerulean8]

Astrid's journey Absolutely. Like in a job interview or a business proposal pitch, but we Finns suck at that too. We would rather sell ourselves short than promise something we are likely (but not surely) able to do in the future.

[@walmartian]

sounds awesome, absolutely hate small talk with strangers

[@bkemeny92]

Just dropping a comment to say that Finnish people are super awesome, helpful and down to earth. I've never felt as much at home as I felt when I had a summer job in Finland. Suomalainen sisu!

[@sonjahyvarinen7692]

Speaking 3 languages is pretty much a norm in Finland everybody speaks Finnish, English and Swedish or something else likes German or French

[@astridsjourney]

+Sonja Hyvärinen yes I've mostly seen English and Swedish 😊

[@sonjahyvarinen7692]

Kim Jong Un sadly...

[@saana6176]

Kim Jong Un depends on where you are in rinland because atleast in southern finland here is LOTS of people speaking swedish everywhere so i dont think what you said is completly true 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@SocialistFinn1]

Sonja Hyvärinen, sadly? Gtfo, we don't want the Swedish language, the 5% who speak Swedish can speak it but why force it on the other 95%? Also no it's not the norm, speaking Finnish and English is the norm, that's 2 languages

[@sonjahyvarinen7692]

Nikotiini really? Jävla junt.

[@catherinehansel]

My boyfriend is Finnish, super quiet, and very committed. I now understand that this is because he's Finnish. Thanks for the video! :)

[@kampakala1544]

There is one thing I could point out, regional differences. Helsinki is polar opposite to Lappeenranta or Joensuu.

[@thereisnorighteousperson1049]

Helsinki is very different from finland overall. They dont even speak real finnish

[@pihvisan6074]

Welcome to Finland, the land of akward potatos

[@astridsjourney]

+Pihvi San 😂😂😂

[@nigelplahotnik9662]

Wow

[@harakiri8548]

Pihvi San WHY ARE YOU RACIST? Ойй блядь

[@altynaikozubekova2560]

Awkward HOT potatoes

[@astroinfinland6680]

Hi 0/

[@TheMimiSard]

I was once in a fangroup chatroom where a Finnish guy said he was not really "mulitlingual", but he knew four languages (including written English). I wonder if that is the modesty thing you mentioned.

[@astridsjourney]

+Mimi Sardinia that's exactly it :)

[@jennityni5990]

Mimi Sardinia probably because when I hear the word "multilingual" I'm thinking of being fluent in more than 5 languages, other than English and Finnish. For me, I'm really interested in learning Arabic and Urdu etc, but I can't even remember any Swedish anymore (only studied it for 3 years in secondary school) nor German (which I studied in the same school for 2 years).

[@astridsjourney]

Yes normaly multilingual starts at 5 languages :)

[@Missssdeath]

Interesting. I'm finnish and I've never thought about the double windows or doors. 😁 its fun to hear tgese things from another point of view 👌

[@astridsjourney]

+Jasmin Peacock thanks I'm glad you liked it 😊

[@BINAYNONIA81]

Jasmin Peacock I am in dubai I met one finish girl . She is beautiful & nice . I want to date her . I talked once on phone as well general talk . What to do next .

[@holoholopainen1627]

Houses are build for The Winter ! At summer - You just Open The Window !

[@jonskunator]

Finnish person here. Great observations, this was an interesting video. As you say, there are both positive and negative sides to these things. I personally am most frustrated that you can't just go to talk to people and make friends. I almost have to carry around a flamethrower to melt the ice. Forming new relationships can be quite burdensome.

[@eikeksimimea1071]

The easiest way is simply just to get to know one person well because he will introduce you to new friends.

[@berarpaul]

Hello there. Would it be awkward for a woman to receive a drink from a guy that-s sitting at another table and just wants her to notice him ? Obviously, another person would deliver the drink to her from he's behalf. That's the most respectfull way of hitting on a woman that I could come up at this time of hour

[@eikeksimimea1071]

Not really awkward. I mean in a club it's not really weird since everyone is already a bit drunk. I guess that's the gentleman approach, but trust me many of them don't get it or completely ignore because they are basic bitches.

[@astridsjourney]

+berarpaul I guess it could work :)

[@holoholopainen1627]

Make Friends ? Do Your thing - but what the outcome is - Get a Dog !

[@kebable]

Windows are most commonly 3-layered.... not 2 .

[@astridsjourney]

+kebable the ones where I live are 2 layered :)

[@herrakaarme]

Astrid's journey In older houses you often have 2 layers. In newer, 3. However, it could be sometimes difficult to notice it's 3 and not 2 because 2 of them can be very close to each other. If you visit lots of houses during your stay in Finland, out of curiosity, have a quick look if you happen to remember it at the time (although I suspect you won't be visiting buildings just to study window structures).

[@astridsjourney]

+Herra Käärme haha I will try to remember to take not of the windows 😂

[@stb1979]

Well I have new windows and they are 2 layered. Had 3 in my old home. So it depends on the windows.

[@wopmf4345FxFDxdGaa20]

Usually they are nowadays 3 layered, but you have to look quite carefully to notice it. :D

[@Hartsai]

new houses (or new windows) actually have nowadays 3 (or 4) windows

[@astridsjourney]

+Hartsai but it's for isolation right?

[@Hartsai]

Yep, that is correct, insulation. Windows are still one of the biggest leak of warmth in winter.

[@kpt002]

Thanks for your video! You are so cute :) ! It is interesting this "personal space" thing: I am a Finn and lived for a while in country side Tanzania in a local family and there it was really easy to learn to know people and get new "sisters and brothers" and my only real problem there was that (as a Finn??) I need quite a lot of time alone too, but in Tanzania it was almost impossible. If I tried to go for a walk or to my room alone, someone came immidiately asking, if something was wrong. It was asumed by the locals, that if someone wants to be alone she/he is somehow sad and depressed and should not in anyway be left alone. So it was mostly impossible to convince "my family" about the fact that I was okay, I just wanted to be alone for a while. In the end, I solved my problem by saying that I need to use the closest internet in the closest town, where to it was about 4 km walk one way. So most of the time, when having such a good reason for my walk, I was let to go alone :) !! Anyway, it is interesting how we see ourselves in a different light, when travelling/living in another culture. And I also have no problem to eat alone. But that never happened in Tanzania: There the food (at least in "my family") was always shared. (Karibu chakula.. If I remember correctly.)

[@astridsjourney]

+kpt75 I think in many countries the food is shared :) I really like your adventures btw :)

[@hana.the.writer5074]

kpt75 Rough time it must have been but also quite an interesting experience. Hope you accept my comment here .. lol

[@astridsjourney]

It really was a great experience 😊

[@docholliday9058]

Couple of things more common in Finnish houses compared to German that I have noticed are the dish racks inside the cupboards and having a drain on the bathroom floor (and sometimes even the kitchen floor).

[@astridsjourney]

+Doc Holliday the dish rack thing are genius!!

[@sasys8n]

finnish invention ☺

[@connier.8775]

Oh my goodness! I’d love to move to Finland and contribute to the country! ❤️❤️❤️

[@U.P.up.]

Depressing? I'd say it's peaceful, beautiful, pretty equal in terms of civil rights and society in general. Propably one of the best countries in the world to live a good life, although the welfare state is under serious attack from the right wing politicians and industry.

[@holoholopainen1627]

Which Country is That ? What kind of Work & Skills Do You have ?

[@S2nnuVEVO]

This was very interesting for me because I grew up in Estonia and Finland, I’m currently living in Bulgaria and thinking of moving to France in the summer, so I’m kind of reversing all of your cultural shocks and preparing myself mentally to not eat alone ever again. 😂

[@astridsjourney]

+Sandra Salóme hahaha we'll let you eat alone but people might find this strange 😊 of you have any questions let me know 😉

[@anna-mariamarkova9584]

How was Bulgaria for you as a Finnish lady? :)

[@enlightenment-transmission]

Thanks! I like your way of pointing out the contrasts.

[@astridsjourney]

+Enlightenment Transmission thank you 😊

[@docholliday9058]

Gotta have that lunch early when the majority have only a single cup of coffee or two for breakfast and nothing else.

[@astridsjourney]

+Doc Holliday that makes sens 😊

[@alexshapcott7795]

yeah that's what I do. Got a bit hard when I switched schools and the lunch was moved to 12.00

[@TzeiEm]

When I was in high school our lunch time was at 12.00 and I was always already hungry one hour before so more often than not I bought a soda and a cream donut to postpone my hunger :D I think most Finns do eat a breakfast and so do I, but when school or work begins at 7 or 8 am you eat your breakfast at maybe 6 or 7 am so of course you're gonna be hungry before noon

[@TeeFunkable]

Breakfast is a horrible, unnecessary invention. Lunch is breakfast. Followed by dinner at around 8 in the evening. That's all that is needed, as long as you remember to have around 8 cups of coffee around those two meals.

[@paulthescandinavian4992]

It'll be much better option If work hours started later and meal times were switched to same as in France or Spain

[@Ilmarinen7]

Another Finnish-houses thing: exterior doors always open outwards. Reliably, every time I visit, I'll forget this and look like an idiot struggling to push open some front door... "oh, yeah, outwards" *sheepish*. I guess if there's cold and snow outside, makes sense not to help it in.

[@astridsjourney]

+Ilmarinen7 yes, it's so confusing at the beginning I completely forgot this!!

[@herrakaarme]

If the building is on fire, it's easier to flee when the door opens outward. If there's a throng of people trying to flee and pressing against the door, it's impossible to open the door if it opens inward. Also, a door opening outward is much harder to ram in. In American movies you see cops and criminals kicking doors in all the time, but if the door normally opens only outward, you need to be a schwarzenegger to kick it in.

[@astridsjourney]

+Herra Käärme that's some smart door ingeneering!

[@raapyna8544]

Herra Käärme Oh, wow, I always thought the cops were just inhumanely strong! And it seemed like a bit too much for a realistic show, like why are they kicking doors in all the time, what's the point in using so much power to that. But now I've seen the light. In Finland, the cops break the lock or saw the part out I think.

[@Sipu97]

Not always. I carry mail and I sometimes still forgot that this one apartment building has doors that open inwards. It's because the street is pretty narrow at that point and it's a pain to leave the stairway and move to the next one because it's so much easier to push the door open when your hands are full of mail and keys. And not every house has double doors at all! I think it's mostly common in apartment buildings. But double windows are pretty necessary :D

[@maryelle9644]

I just discovered your channel, and this video. I love it!! I’m a Finn/Norwegian in America, and experiencing culture shock here myself, and it makes it very interesting to see a foreigners view on my home country!

[@astridsjourney]

Hey Mary, I'm so happy that you liked the video, what were your culture shocks in USA? :)

[@mikko90]

as a finnish person i can confirm this, althought listening someone commend our culture or personal matters made me a bit uncomfortable. Also noted as in finland there is no thing called smalltalk, if you ask something from us we sincerely answer to the question and if finnish person asks how was your day it's not about politeness it's just that he/she wants to genuinely know.

[@BINAYNONIA81]

Graendi I am living in UAE . I just met one finish girl she is beautiful & nice . I want to date her . She will return back to Finland in one months . Twice we talked on phone general talk only . What to do next

[@a000ab]

As a person who has lived in Finland for seven years, I approve most of the facts that you mentioned. Just with this difference that while you have found them as positive things, I have found all of them as super negetive :-D Although I should say that for about the first two years I had feelings about them similar to yours. But as time passed and I could understand the core of those facts, my idea changed. But based on your video, I think if I go to France I will like the place :-)

[@jadeauburn9220]

So interesting to hear your opinions of Finland! I'm Finnish myself so this video was fun to watch :)

[@astridsjourney]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked it 😀

[@henkkaa88]

That was me! I said it! And now I will tell you that if im hungry and outside I will just go to a restaurant and eat, which for me is the obvious thing to do (because im hungry:D). So it was interesting to hear that not everyone eats alone even if hungry. I also go to the movies alone because we would sit there two hours straight without talking so it doesnt matter if Im alone or not. Its really quiet here in the theaters but in some countries people talk a lot while watching, I think its annoying and ruining the movie for me:D

[@astridsjourney]

+henkkaa88 I get the movie thing but I can't for restaurants hah

[@henkkaa88]

Well you dont need to be self-conscious about eating alone in Finland because no one wont think you dont have friends because of that:D they will just think you are hungry and need food:D

[@astridsjourney]

+henkkaa88 I tried but I'm self conscious haha

[@Dexjerkon]

Astrid's journey I went to Paris on exchange. Dinner stressed me out, too time consuming (3 hours on average), too late (starting at 8-9pm), hostess making us cook and eat together, so there was always waiting around and wondering who would join. Once I said I wouldn't eat together anymore, they were baffled and made it very hard for me. So I ended up eating out alone or just skipping dinner.

[@astridsjourney]

It's true that we are a little obsessed about the food culture 😂

[@Leffafriikki]

Hi! This was very interesting video about our culture and ways. :) About the buss situation: there are some occassions when we talk with the stranger and that often is on a buss stop, but in a moment you hop in the buss your mouth will shut :D it’s weird!

[@astridsjourney]

+Leffafriikki thank you :) And yeah the bus situation is a little weird Hhaha 😊

[@hana.the.writer5074]

Leffafriikki Again I pressume it's the respect for personal privacy. We talked a bit alright but won't stick all day kinda thing! Cute! Lol

[@henkkahenrik4183]

I live in finland, and in the building i live in there is a small private sauna in every single apartment, so you don't have to reserve it. And there is also bigger rentable sauna for companies and stuff.

[@nisseheim4996]

The busses in Sweden are the same, and sort of a popular comparison to make by foreigners. Personal space is generally wider i the nordic countries and very much respected(while sober), so I believe that how we seat ourselves on public transport is way more about not intruding into a strangers spehere if not necessary, than it is about shyness or not wanting to sit with others. Spreading out is the polite and effective thing to do as to not inconvenience someone elses ride. It's easier to get on and off when there's no other person in the outside seat for example. But yes some people have a very different comfort zone. Yourself not knowing how the other person thinks about the space is enough to not wanting to intrude for no particular reason. A bag firmly placed on the outer seat is often a good hint that they want to be alone(but damn them if they don't remove it when the bus fills up and forcing someone to ask for the seat.. that behaviour will get you terrible, cold stares ;). It may not be exactly the same in Finland, but the cultures are similar in many regards. I hope I shed some light on the subject :)

[@astridsjourney]

+Kroisos V it did thanks 😊

[@tiljaray]

very interesting. I lived in Finland and Sweden the first 11 years of my life. I am now in California. What you say is so true about Finland. :-)

[@thehardwaregirl]

Super interesting! Thanks for your insights (: i was just in finland and I'm inlove! Im so jelly you mived there! Also in israel eating alone is the worstttt it used to be a huge issue for me but its so cool that they are just free to eat by themselves haha. You are lovely. subbed (:

[@astridsjourney]

+Henya Mania hey thank you, yes Finland was great 😊

[@Jenkkimie]

Well hopefully it becomes less awkward there and hopefully you'll be able to visit our cold nation again one day. :)

[@claudehalimi5331]

Hi, why eating alone in Israel is worse ? im from Israel, and perfectly ok to sit in a Coffee house or restaurant and eat alone, i mean if i had a girlfriend with me that would be much more fun , but hey...its ok to eat alone too ;)

[@fridolfmane1063]

Stay in your jewish ethnostate, and let us have ours.

[@oroloroplootploot3892]

I have triple windows. The second door is for the noise mostly.

[@creativeandaliveat65]

I'm a Finn, who has lived in Canada for a few decades. This is my observation about my Finnish friends: Whenever I compliment someone's character, skills, good fortune etc., he/she responds by mentioning some negative aspect that relates to it. Every time! It humours me, and baffles at the same time. It's as if it's impossible for a Finn to soak up a positive comment and simply say "thank you".

[@marianna3253]

This was interesting to see. I'm Finnish and I've lived in France and I currently live in Switzerland (French-speaking part). Now, whenever I go back to Finland to visit friends and family, I find some things quite strage, e.g. eating alone or shying away from strangers in a bus haha. But I'm very proud to be Finnish, and cherise my language and culture. There are a lot of things I miss about Finland, like the honesty and realness of people, it's sometimes difficult for me to know when someone is being genuine or just polite.

[@astridsjourney]

+Mari Anna yes I understand it's always like that when you travel you discover yourncultures flaws and advantages 😊

[@minnaminna2062]

Check your windows again. There are three layers. First the double window and then the single window.

[@skywraith6454]

i'm finnish myself and i like to see videos of other people and how they react and get used to finland

[@JaanaLahtinen]

Two doors and windows are to block the sounds from outside, as well as keeping the warmth inside. :-)

Such a nice video! I think you have catched many essential things here.

[@astridsjourney]

+Heli Järvenpää thank you 😊

[@topimattila4239]

The two doors thing is only in blocks of flats. I'm not sure if that is the word i meant, because i had to Google that.

[@astridsjourney]

+xjjdjdjd ndbdbdb I think you got the right word haha 😊

[@ulfvonweimuller4433]

It is in many houses too. it's called "tuulikaappi". Actually traditional Finnish wooden houses have 'cold' - i.e. not isolated - "kuisti" or "porstua" (=porch). That is a small room between the two doors and it was used to keep dirty shoes there instead bringing them "in" and to store some stuff etc.

[@topimattila4239]

Ulf von Weißmüller i know but i meant The two doors that are like 5cm apart. Not tuulikaappeja. There are no tuulikaappeja in apartments bc they are not needed.

[@maijalyytinen2073]

This was really good video. I'm from Finland and I was so suprised that people see us like that. Btw I was smiling the whole video because you said everything so kindly and made me feel like I'm in a much better country, so thank you. You should do a video where you are speaking or at least trying to speak finnish😂

[@astridsjourney]

Thank you 😀 I'm happy this video made you smile 😀😀 I did a video where I tried to speak finish it's in the "my life in finland" Playlist :)

[@Jenkkimie]

Thank you for your observations and commentary. These videos are actually quite educational for me as I study psychology, as it allows me to gain perspective of local Finnish and of course French as well. It'll help me in my future job to have context and gain observations I might not observe. So than you! I hope you've enjoyed your stay. It'll take time to get used to but I'm sure you'll do just fine. Besides it is enriching to have you stay here and teach us about France in turn. I value and appreciate that.

[@astridsjourney]

+Jenkkimie hey, thanks for that comment it's very nice :) and I did really enjoy Finland :)

[@Jenkkimie]

Glad to hear. Hopefully you'll visit our humble northern land again one day. Off to new journeys though. =) By the way I have never been to your country yet, though I hope I'll get to visit there once I graduate this spring. Any recommendations on places to visit or experiences to have?

[@astridsjourney]

+Jenkkimie well I would say spend a week in Paris and try to live the simple French life

[@Jenkkimie]

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I'll be sure to remember that. =)

[@ollipaso1]

How come you don't have a slightest French accent?

[@astridsjourney]

+Palli Osanen I lived in England when I was young 😊

[@gebruikersnaam-7754]

Your accent sounds a bit dutch!

[@astridsjourney]

+Gebruikersnaam - that's because I also speak German :)

[@ollipaso1]

Doesn't explain the lack of French accent.

[@mchobbit2951]

Things like living in a country where the language is spoken as a kid but then moving and later learning another language can affect your accent and make it morph into this not quite native but not indicative of your native language kind of accent. Doesn't happen to everyone, but happened to me as well. I have an accent so people can tell I'm not a native speaker but not what I am a native speaker of. It's really not that unusual to have this undefinable accent. Many people who moved around a lot especially during childhood have a version of it.

[@annasigfeldt3375]

Hope you like/liked being in Finland :) it's cool to here these things 'cause i'm a Finnish girl :D

[@astridsjourney]

+anna sigfeldt I did it was great 😊

[@MySweetDharma]

Hey just discovered your channel! I have been away from Finland for 3 years now(my husband is Indian and we live here in South India) and it was so nice watching this video, you're pointing out things and I'm watching here like: ohhhhh yeah, that's exactly how it is, I had forgotten! :D

[@astridsjourney]

+My Sweet Dharma hey, your story sounds fascinating!!!! I'm glad you could relate 😀😀

[@MySweetDharma]

Astrid's journey how long are you staying in Finland? Are you planning to travel there? And maybe you could react to some Finnish Christmas food like glögi and joulutorttu or something :)

[@astridsjourney]

+My Sweet Dharma I already had glogi and I like it so much!!!! Unfortunately I will be leaving a month :/

[@olaka1659]

I said "Oh! It sounds like Finland" I see the name again "It's Finland!"

[@ArvindShankar]

wow How did you end up marrying a south Indian? Haha I'm one too. Are you guys living in India now?

[@mousydaisy2887]

This is helpful, since I'm going to France from Finland 👍🏼

[@Adde-jp7eb]

I love Finland, my grandmother is from Finland, she was stuck there in ca 1941 when the soviets invaded.

[@IntraLuxAmaha]

So interesting culture, I'll travel there for sure! :) Thanks for the video :)

[@astridsjourney]

+lmleveille thanks for the comment :)

[@povelvieregg165]

Wow very good observations. I am Norwegian and don't actually know Finland that well. But your description of Finland could have been an extremely accurate description of Norway as well. I've seen many foreigners attempt to describe Nordic countries, but you seem to have one of the keenest observations, really getting to the heart of culture. Only major difference would be the houses. We are not Sauna crazy like the Finns and don't do this weird double window/double door stuff. Have no idea what that means. We do have triple glazed windows, and heavily insulated houses though. Norwegian hangups are more about having a cabin in the mountains and a sailboat. In the cabin it is very popular with sauna, but almost never in your regular house. While the strong belief in personal space and privacy can be nice, I feel as a Norwegian that it makes all us Nordics often drifting through life in our own little bubbles often desperate for some human contact, but we just don't want to offend the other person by making contact. We don't want to invade their private space, but we kind of hope somebody is going to invade ours ;-) Personally I've found that a relief being around souther Europeans. It can be so much more relaxing to meet new people. At the same time I do value the genuine friendships in Nordic countries. I found this very hard to adjust to when living in the US. I got to know so many people, but it all felt so superficial. Despite hanging out for people for a long time, I never got close to them. Americans often seem to maintain this superficial facade for so long. Like you never seem to get to know their inner thoughts and feelings very well. Especially since in America people want so desperate to appear positive. It sounds stupid, but I kind of like that in Nordic countries it is perfectly acceptable to be negative. You don't have to be positive and "we can do it!" all the time. Although sometimes that can be bad. I don't think there is any perfect society. I do often miss America though. Just talking with people and feeling zero commitment. Like you can be friendly without committing to being their friend.

[@wolfgirl1659]

It's like u've just described in Norway :P everything is exactly the same, except the thing about the saunas

[@astridsjourney]

+Wolf Mita I guess the cultures are quiet similar 😊

[@zaphhood4745]

Touching somebody is basicly a declaration of war. Ofc accidents happen, but touching someone is basicly a prelude to a fight. And very rude.

[@IamMiaga]

The only thing we Finns brag about is finding good quality clothes for really cheap, though only after someone else compliments you on the item.

[@jepark4775]

Ui, respecting privacy and space sounds quite nice. Thanks for sharing your experiences, now I can get myself ready to adjust to Finnish culture before I get there hahah

[@TheNamelessComposer]

I'm Australian and often eat alone. I like how that's common and normal in Japan, I imagine Finland is similar, though overall it seems a bit too reserved.

[@vozERi]

I thought you're from the States because of your fluent English accent! It's really interesting to hear these topics as a Finn! Thank you for your video, I really like it :)

[@astridsjourney]

Thank you I'm glad you liked it 😀😀

[@timomastosalo]

Boasting is considered rude, you're spilling your ego over others, 'consuming the oxygen from others'. It's like spilling your food, or some paint or liquid etc. You're making a mess for others, on others. Besides - isn't it quite insecure, if you try to promote yourself? If there's something good in you, me, or someone - let others mention it. And try keep your head in order, if others praise you. Beware when people speak good of you! :) Sauna is for washing, cleaning, that's why it's in every building, or real estate :) This is kinda where it started, so it's exotic in Finland, but traditionally a necessity. Before there was any showers, there was already saunas. In countryside, where the farmer needs many buildings, sauna was build first, because you can sleep in the changing room. Also you can warm up there during the winter - there's a fireplace in the changing room too, and you can heat food there. You get hot water, so where washing yourself, dishes, clothes or floors needs hot water, that's available. Then secondly they made the main building. But it's bigger than the sauna, especially in the countryside, where you earlier needed room for 8-12 children, plus there might've been grandparents or 1 or 2 brothers or sisters of the host couple around. There were of course also more modest cabins around, for more poor people, they usually got to use the sauna of the nearby farm, or build their own, though they had a modest cabin only as the main building. Sometimes the grandma withdrew to a simple cabin in her late age, especially if the husband had been taken by hard work or war. If there were farm hands around, they usually slept in the attic of the store buildings (aitta in singular form). Also, the oldest children coming to the marriage age, often got private rooms in those attics. So there are a load of romantic stories, songs, how a suiter comes to woo the maiden of the house, calling her at the corner of the store room (or begging to enter the room - boys will be boys). Sometimes this happened trying to avoid her parents :)

[@astridsjourney]

+timomastosalo that's super interesting I hadn't heard of it, thanks for sharing!

[@mdg140]

Yes, however, you must be able to interpret 'intent', as well. Sure, there are going to be people who like to brag for negative reasons. However, there are good people interested in sharing the joy of their lives with others, not to tear them down, though to uplift them. You have to see the 'intent' before judging a person. Otherwise, you're just unfairly mistreating good people with good intentions, because of a stereotype.

[@timomastosalo]

I haven't found any good people :) Unfortunately. More like what is a good person like, is easily a stereotype. Sure, there are some who are mostly caring and compassionate, but everybody has their limits. This is what I see in people, goodness and badness are more like percentages, not back and white: others are bad, others are good. If we label ssome people bad, we usually externalize evil - turn the spot light away from ourselves :) Especially when tired or hungry, we tend to get cranky. Even the people we've learned to be 'good', behave bad sometimes, or are the ones needing on their turn. One bad trait we Finns have (and I'm not saying all are similar in this - Finns are quite heterogenic nowadays), is pretending to be strong, being too proud to admit 'I need help'. We want to be self-sufficient. Which, is linked with pride. Also, the people thinking they are mostly good, might get angry, if we point out something in which they behave bad. I'm not saying all this, thinking I'm above this - on the contrary :) Painful often to admit, how much selfishness and other evil there's in me. I'm just saying this, that we wouldn't be too idealistic, and labeling people. Usually that ends up putting others down, lifting ourselves - trying to prove, how good person I am(we are). Then different groups accuse each other, and each dig their protective bunkers, tribalize. The others are 'bad', we are 'good'. But good deeds are good, of course. I have nothing against that :) Focus should be on the person needing help, not showing how food the helper is. This is not as easy as it first sounds. We often want others to notice, when we help someone, 'a pat in the back' :) - that our effort was not in vain. It's mostly subconscious. And if we help others a lot, we can feel drained. Like 'I'm only giving, but who's helping me'? Have to be honest with that too. Allow ourselves to be helped in turn also. Happy, and good, new year to you too!

[@mdg140]

Sorry, I disagree. There are objective standards for good and bad, right and wrong. A 'good' person is just simply a person who chooses to do good onto others with good intentions. There are good deeds and good intentions, and various results with each combination. If a person chooses to feed a starving child in Africa, for example, for the good intention of compassion, they are acting as a 'good' person. However, if a person decides to feed a child for the intent of taking a selfie (e.g. bragging), that is something else. Both persons are doing a good deed, yes, though one is for the wrong reason. The result is still the same (the child is fed); however, the person doing it for fame will be less motivated to continue without the social 'reward' gained from sharing their selfie. My simple point is this: to be fair unto other human beings, there needs to be some discernment of intent. Otherwise, if someone is always assuming that a person is doing something with negative intent, they are just being unfair. If someone shares something with me, guess what? I'm happy for them, because I do not need things to be going well for me at any instant to be happy for another person. And I don't assume the reason someone is sharing with me something they accomplished is because they are trying to put me down. I choose to think well of that person. However, in nearly every situation I have been in Finland, it's like: "let's assume everything you say has a terrible intent, we'll make you feel badly, have you apologize a lot, and then we'll think you're just prone to brag." Respectfully, that is ignorance and screw that.

[@timomastosalo]

mdg140 Sorry, lots of that stays in the level of ASSUMPTION. If I choose to think well of another person, or if I choose to think bad of that person, doesn't change good nor bad. What I assume doesn't change what he or she did, is it good or bad. We don't have an objective standard to verify, what is the motive of the other person, doing to others whatever he or she did. I can choose how I react. We can only control ourselves (to certain extent), based on what I know so far, did I do good or bad. Other people we can only estimate, and even our closest people can surprise us. And later I can notice that it was actually bad - I just didn't know it at the time. We also learn to know ourselves all our lives, though somewhere in the late 20's we practcally learn to know ourselves. IF we challenge ourselves. I don't mean only by jumping benji jumps, or other physical challneges, though they ar beneficial as well. But the real challnege is in the mind. And, we also change by time. Besides, in our subconscious there always seems to be some thing hidden, which I don't knw about myself. Don't you get surprises by your own reactions, every now and then? I do think, it's likely - more than likely in my opinion - that there are objective good and bad. Here comes the tough part: we just don't know what is the difference :) Not, absolutely Just watching some TV news reveals it. We can only learn more about it, by going to the source, to the truth. But our best tries in good, bad truth etc. are only approximations. I only find disagreement, when I look at people's definitions of good and bad. Some people even argue that there are no absolutes in them, everybody can have their own truth, for what's good and bad. I see changes, roughly during a decace long period, what's fashionable in the philosohical world, at least for the mainstream. In the 90's it was that relativism, that there are no absolute good and bad. Then these thinkers were young radicals. Now, they are largely 'part of the establishment', those born in the 60's and 70's, maybe also the youthful children of the 50's. The new youth generation tends to go the other extreme, because 'the youth should always rebel against the previous way of thinking' goes the mantra in this. So in this case, it goes to absolutism (as a reaction to the extreme relativism of the 'generation x') - there are objective absolutes of good and bad - and we know them by objetive methods. I think there are the absolutes - good and bad - but our every opinion is not good, we need to discipline ourself to self-control also - as well as search for freedom. We can't take those absolutes, the truth, into our control, more like the truth should control us. Do we allow it? And I don't say that's easy. We should listen to the life, and stay humble, stay as learners. Even after having learned a lot. Though whas is 'a lot' in learning? :)

[@michelebellosi3692]

Do they have bidet in the bathroom? For us Italians is important like the coffee

[@auvomesilampi6325]

Bidet showers, yes.

[@mdg140]

It's very hard to socialize with Finnish people. Small talk is virtually non-existent, so never expect to have a casual conversation or strike up conversation unless it being assumed to be of a serious nature. If you want to share the joy of something your working on with someone else, it's interpreted it as 'bragging'. Everything is taken super literally, so expressions like "I'll be there in a minute" means "I will literally be there in 60 seconds" (and it will be expected). Yes, they are very respectful of each other's space, etc. However, if you ever stay in Finland for an extended period of time, you see the isolation and repression brought from this extreme self-consciousness. This isn't dark humor, it's Finland. "Happy 100", by the way.

[@astridsjourney]

+mdg140 yes Finns tend to be a little littéral

[@eetuthereindeer6671]

Astrid's journey Did you just assume my nationality

[@astridsjourney]

+Eetu The Hunter well Eetu is quiet Finnish :)

[@glasnikov]

As a Finn... Speaking of literals when it comes to time tables, once I made lunch arrangements with my friend. We walked to the restaurant from opposite ends of the street, saw each other beforehand and met at the door at exactly the time we agreed upon. And it felt normal. Okay, we joked about it but still, it is something we do.

[@glasnikov]

To Watcher: I would say that is all true, but... Concerning small talk we do have something in our culture that is different from most and that is: We tolerate silence much better than others. We can meet up in a coffee place (for example) and just sit there saying nothing and that is completely ok. In many western cultures that would feel like a horrible situation.

[@kasperjoonatan6014]

I'm a little bit surprised about the getting friends thing. Because you were in Lappeenranta, which is in Karelia, and Karelians are supposed to be the most social and talkative people in Finland..

[@astridsjourney]

+Kasper Joonatan haha well 😅😅

[@sulutkin]

Two windows is nothing anymore, well in countryside they had single windows but all modern windows have at least two, normally three or four layers to keep the cold out side when it's colder than -20 or even -30 sometimes in Helsinki. In Lapland it's very normal having about -20 to -40 degrees sometimes. That is so freezing cold it's difficult especially astma people to breathe that very dry air. You haven't seen almost anything when it comes to freezing in -30, getting almost numb fingers and toes and frost bites on your face. In many house there isn't any fire place or not even sauna and warming houses with electric or oil is very expensive on freezing cold times. There are also people that doesn't like summer houses or saunas and have never seen not even their own parents buttnaked so we are not all the same but I got your very good points and thank you for those. And we also eat together with our parents, families, collagues and friends but sometimes we need some space and quiet after all that important or nonsense or chatting with someone.

[@astridsjourney]

+sulutkin yes I understand that everyone is different, I just had to highlight general tendencies 💪

[@shadyyNyx]

Suomi on jännä paikka

[@sovietnuke602]

O

[@sanna6106]

I really like how u speak about Finnis friendships and it's true. Here we respeckt other peoples and their relationships.

[@finntastique3891]

Merci beaucoup! It's always refreshing to see how people from other cultures perceive our country. By the way, I totally understand your observations about lunch culture here. I prefer to eat my lunch alone, without anyone babbling while I'm eating. Some of my colleagues though, get anxious if they don't have lunch company. Well - I guess there are are different kinds of people and personalities.

[@astridsjourney]

Yes that is true, but I think some culture don't really perceive well some one eating alone 😅

[@finntastique3891]

I guess so. Keep up the good work!

[@Global_identity_and_travel]

Non verbal cue - helps to see the electricity plug type :). Helpful video preparing for my trip :)

[@missfay1723]

This was interesting to watch as a Finnish person! Nice to hear how others view our country. :) I can definitely relate to this video, though reversed! I moved to another country and I really had to get used to the fact of people being so close, random people inviting me for coffee and so on. =D

[@astridsjourney]

+Nymoria haha I'm glad you liked it 😊

[@torpmorp1324]

Those aren’t double windows but quadruple. They’re for saving energy (cooling or heating) and keeping out the noises of traffic.

[@Brakvash]

Thank you for a enlightening analysis.

[@astridsjourney]

Thank you :)

[@Dude_Slick]

Hi Astrid. My wife and I may be stuck in Helsinki for 14 hours on layover. Any tips on things to do near the airport?

[@astridsjourney]

It's pretty easy to get to the city center so maybe you could spend a bit of time there :)

[@Dude_Slick]

Thank you.

[@hellykay]

Well done, you managed to describe the culture and habits well and I also learned new things as a Finn. This is also very Finnish: we are super interested in what others see us like. 😄

[@astridsjourney]

+Heli Kaltiokumpu yes I have noticed that haha

[@jarmohaapala1359]

You haven't counted right :) Windows don't have double glazing, but triple or even quadruple (which is rare) But a very nice vlog anyway!

[@jayb8369]

From what you've described, and from my observation of other KZbinrs' corroborative comments regarding Finnish behavior, It seems the Finns have many things in common with Germans. Socially speaking, that is. I can respect another person's desire to keep personal boundaries, however I'm sure not all Finns or Germans are "stand offish" so I will avoid making generalizations .

[@astridsjourney]

I completely agree with that :)

[@catherinehansel]

My boyfriend is Finnish, super quiet, and very committed. I now understand that it's not just him, but because he's Finnish, Thanks for the video! :)

[@astridsjourney]

You're welcome, I wish you two the best 😊

[@77moonwalker77]

most of the windows have 3 glasses

[@dominic2446]

what is hafenguys? at last part of video?

[@rymy08]

Independent Finland 100 years! :-)

[@astridsjourney]

+rymy08 yes best party ever haha

[@astridsjourney]

+rymy08 celebration *

[@holoholopainen1627]

Thanks 2021

[@ivrishcon-abarth38]

We are social only when naked.

[@astridsjourney]

+Ivrish con-Abarth haha 😂

[@juuzosavi]

Peiton alla ja pimeessä...

[@erichani1]

Ivrish con-Abarth ohh you mean in a sauna

[@BINAYNONIA81]

You are a finish

[@somethingidk3847]

my breakfast consists of four cups of coffee so it’s great we eat lunch always at 10.30👌🏻

[@jasmien9186]

I'm on exchange in Finland too and I completely agree with all that you say haha. I was curious about how someone else would view this country but you basically said a lot of things I thought too! :p

[@astridsjourney]

+SillySloth I'm glad you liked it :)

[@villeypparila1234]

actualy this is the first time i realy think we finns are different. i hope if i say this in suomeksi. tunteeko ulkomaalaiset itsensä ulkopuolisiksi jos me ei kosketella niitä ja kerrota mitä mieltä me ollaan vaan ollaan ja eletään hetkes?

[@sirkkakyromies-anttila3273]

You are very kind in Your comments. You should stay in Finland during the summer when the excessive light hit finns; the hibernating bears become joyous, a bit wild and very, very drunk🙄. One guy from Turkey answered my question, what do you like most in Finland - SILENCE! I had never thought about it but it is a plus compared to many places. Enjoy Your stay😘.

[@astridsjourney]

+Sirkka Kyrömies-Anttila that is so true! Finland is a very quiet place haha

[@narriparri]

I WOULD LOVE the house tour! This was so nice and fascinating to hear as a Finnish person. Hit the subscribe for you :)

[@astridsjourney]

+narriparri thank you for the subscription 😀 the house tour is already uploaded

[@jennamilesi1565]

@narriparri do you know anyone wanting to do a Finnish English Skype language exchange?

[@narriparri]

Jenna Milesi Nice that you asked! I put word forward and let you know if someone is interested :)

[@jennamilesi1565]

Cool because in NZ there are only about 600 Finns total and most are in the North Island and I live in the south. And I know all of like 3 Finns in real life and only see one on a regular basis. Finding a Finnish language teacher is really hard online too!

[@narriparri]

Jenna Milesi how does this kind of language exchange work?

[@MrSmiles51]

I enjoyed this video. I have traveled some and I wish other Americans would realize there are things we can learn from other cultures.

[@astridsjourney]

+Bill Smiles i think every culture should realize that 😊

[@sureshbadha7957]

We three friends are from India working in Sultanate of Oman we are going to apply for Finland visit visa. We are planning to visit for five days. We have valid passport, Salary Certificate, No objection letter of company, travel history, Finland visit insurance, flight booking, hotel booking and bank Statement of 3000 Euro. So how mach possibility of getting Finland Visa kindly advice.

[@Degjoy]

Great video! So informative!

[@astridsjourney]

Thank you :)

[@stb1979]

Cool vid :) I just spent a few days in Paris, and I have to say people there didn't seem that much different. Most people sat by themselves on buses just like here in Finland, and they didn't talk to each other. Many times my friend and I were the most talkative people around, haha. On the first night we went to this small restaurant/bar that had a few locals inside just hanging around. We felt vary awkward as the people were staring at us when we waited for our food and then when we ate. It was one of the most uncomfortable moments of my life. We tried to act normal and just talked (in Finnish, obviously). I also noticed that over there people didn't try to hide their feelings, they boldly showed how they felt. Like a few cashiers and people in customer service looked very unhappy, almost angry or pissed off, rolling their eyes at people and so on. I found that weird and also pretty funny. That would never work here, though. And men over there seemed much more forward toward women.

[@astridsjourney]

+stb1979 yes we are a bit more open when it comes to feelings 😊

[@thathappyrat]

Welcome to Finland! I hope you find your stay tolerable in spite of the weather. I am dying to ask you...does your generation like Serge Gainsbourg? I discovered his music recently and I just love his stuff so much. Happy trails!

[@astridsjourney]

+Mika Salakka hey, Finland was great :) some do like Gainsbourg but not as much as we use to ')

[@j.nybergh7003]

You're making some good observations in a modest yet respectful way, which is nice + you're lovely. I think we have a lot to learn from your eating habits though.

[@astridsjourney]

+J. Nybergh thank you :) what do you think that you have to learn? :)

[@j.nybergh7003]

I believe people would be happier if they would get together and eat without any rush. Often you get a feeling that a dinner is something you have to do just to get rid of hunger. In addition to that there's comfort food ofc, which is another story. But yeah, eating could and should be more social event in the Finnish culture. Although I think you French have something to learn from the Finnish eating culture which is that there's no shame in eating alone. I guess my thing personally is somewhere in the middle ground :)

[@astridsjourney]

+J. Nybergh I agree with you on both points!

[@Azertiiy06]

I totally agree with what says J.Nybergh, Finland could earn something more that would improve the quality of life. Eating good food with people while taking our time is something very important. I remember last year I got interviewed by a newspaper from Tampere and I concluded that Finland would be so much greater if the gastronomy and food's culture could be improved. Finland has so many different kind of fresh fish that could cooked into delicious recipes. On the other side France could learn from Finland about how they respect people, rules, honesty, how they cope and manage their ecological/natural environment, the recycling, national park ans so on. :)

[@danutto]

I met a Finnish guy once in a bar and he was so nice and cool

[@peltotalo]

I lived in Finland from 1998-2002. I have the same observations. I miss it very much.

[@astridsjourney]

I do too sometimes :/

[@peltotalo]

I was in my late 20s when I lived there. I am now in my mid 40s. I am still in contact with the friends i made there. I am Canadian so the geography is very similar about an hour away from where i live. It felt like home. I identified very much with their culture and people.