My sister's first day in India - our Finnish Indian family holiday in Goa

Finally, after several years of waiting, my Finnish sister arrived from Finland for her first visit in India in February as a birthday surprise for Annika’s second birthday. For my sister’s visit we decided to spend the holiday in Goa to ensure as much comfort and ease as possible for her vacation. She’s not an adventurous traveller, so arriving in India could’ve easily been stressful and overwhelming with the common culture shocks for foreigners in India. So we chose the easiest destination for a foreign tourist in India and spent the first few days in Goa’s Olaulim Backyards hosted by a wonderful Finnish-Indian couple, Pirkko and Savio, who made our stay incredibly enjoyable, with all the comforts of a stunning homestay and tips and recommendations only locals can offer.
On the video:
Annika’s birthday cake by pastry chef Rachel Fernandes
Backyards cafe by Nikita
Off the video:
Spice Goa
We Knead Pizza
Blue Moon Family Restaurant & Bar
#goa #familyvlog
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› ABOUT ME
My name is Johanna North. I’m a Finnish woman travelling in India since 2016. In 2019 I married my Indian husband and we moved to the state of Kerala in southern India, where we are still living. In 2021 we welcomed our baby girl into this world. On this channel I share videos on blending our Finnish-Indian family life, culture, food and travel mostly in India, and sometimes in Finland too.
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[@indisadventure2307]

I love Annika's cute accent🥰

[@infynvn]

Annika prefers hindi and english mix but she never forgets to add hindi spice with her english , I love it ❤ ☺️

[@robus152]

What I love about your blog that you don't go to cities but you visit places which are real India far from artificial glamour

[@cdm0707]

Nice to see family enjoy in Goa.... love to hear Annika talk in English.. Hindi..n Finish...she is the star.

[@elisabetta4478]

Delighted having saw Nina again ❤ Annika can't think of doing activities without her beloved papa❤

[@lachminsarjue6248]

Utterly fascinated with the cat,she is a big nature lover,

[@JohannaNorth]

She most certainly is 🥰

[@travellingyoginikas]

Oh what an incredible place. Please remind me of the name of this place. It's so refreshing to come away from the stereotype of Goa as being a party drug place with too much Western influence. This place was so BEAUTIFUL and authentic with the rainforests, peace, beauty of sunsets and authentic food. With the freedom to wander around in bikinis. That's what India should be about. So grateful to you Johanna for showing us this beautiful side to India with no sleazyness. Just pure natural beauty in a place that's hassle free and freeing for tourists ❤ I loved the filming and storyline. It was super skilled.

[@JohannaNorth]

Olaulim Backyards is the homestay 😊 I’ll be sharing more about the place in the next video! We loved it a lot and hope to visit in the future too, maybe during the monsoon season. The backwaters and nature would look quite amazing during the rains 😍

[@elisabetta4478]

Annika even made Flamenco steps❤ Vinod's life would have been monotonous if he had married an Indian woman. With Johanna, he explores the beauty of nature and architecture😍so cool I'm not saying your life is "perfect" because no life is perfect. But at the same time, you guys are making it colourful which is marvellous 😍

[@JohannaNorth]

It’s just about finding the right type of partner with shared interests etc regardless of nationality 😊 we both loved the nature, architecture, history, learning about different cultures and travelling even before meeting each other so sharing that is one thing which makes us enjoy each other’s company - but i’m sure there are also indian women with those interests though i’m happy Vinod found me first! 🫣❤️

[@aritrachatterjee8809]

If I had a daughter like Annika someday, I will not be able to say no to her about anything, I will try to buy all the chocolates, toys and other things for her......🥺🥺 She is so cute...

[@JohannaNorth]

I think Vinod feels the same way 😅❤

[@Jush5858]

Very soon Annika will be speaking English, Hindi, Finnish & then all 3 mix languages while talking with others😄... Nice photography.... It was a great episode... Thanks! Jude Shabu

[@epthehonest]

Bits n pieces of malayalam too.. 😅 (a Malayali subscriber)

[@nichen6966]

That morning opening shot you captured was incredible and breathtaking. Also the early misty kayak ride captured the beauty and serenity with the “Koyal” bird call in the background. The film industry is missing some really talented cinematographers, I say this because I have seen hundreds of videographers but somehow your compositions , editing with sound and without is always captivating. Great your sister had joined. I was going to ask about the videos of her visit because I was under the impression she had come to India 6 months ago and I had wondered what had happened to those videos 😁. I had tasted cashew fruit at the outskirts of Mangalore at my Uncle’s farm. I used to find its texture like juicy styrofoam 😂. The “Immi” tiny green fruit/vegetable you tasted we had that tree growing in the backyard of the house in Mangalore. It used to juicy and sour and as kids we used to dip it in salt and munch it. Great to watch Annika’s energetic Break Dance 😁. Welcome to your sister to India. Hope she enjoys her stay in India and has a great time.

[@JohannaNorth]

Thank you so much for all the kind words ☺️ I’d love to make more of like professional videos someday, in a less personal way and channel! But for now, i won’t be forgetting to share our adventures even if it is some months later than the actual events 😊 We have some cashew trees near our Kerala home too! Though I’m sure not quite as abundantly as in the goan region. I’ve never before got to taste the fruit however, the monkeys always get to the fruits first and everything just ends up down on the roads! 😅

[@Northstar2]

@ 11:50 of the video onwards, annika has the same profile as her finnish grandma, what a marvel nature is.

[@Helen77SouthAfrica]

Annika enjoys the pool 🏊‍♀️ and time 🕰️ with your sister ♥️👋👋👋👋

[@AnupSingh-pj2dg]

Nice family👪 and very beautiful😍✨❤ video👍 ji

[@preetharexy5149]

Hearty welcome to India to nina, ❤

[@nt9476]

What a wonderful childhood you are giving Annika. All she needs is a sibling.

[@high16200]

Hi Johanna, thank you for sharing a very nice and cozy gathering with your sister in a beautiful setting and the star of show is always Annika, she is a great kid. I enjoyed watching.🙏🙏🙏🙏💓💓💓💓

[@vedicwarriorOriginal]

The elephant impression by Annika at the beginning was the cutest thing ever. 😍 Also, cute how she calls the cat at 12:09. 🤣👍🕉🙏 BTW, that kayak ride was looking so serene and tranquil. Must do on my next visit o Goa. 👍

[@JohannaNorth]

Definitely recommend looking more into the inland Goa too with the beautiful river and hill areas 😊

[@vedicwarriorOriginal]

@@JohannaNorth Absolutely. Far away from the madding crowd! LOL. Thank you! 🙏

[@baazinews1027]

Nice, Awesome. I'm From India and I visited Finland in 2007, Long Ago. Loved it there for 2 months i visited.

[@mdhiman8618]

Nice video.. Happy birthday to Annika

[@nutcracker5094]

Many many Happy to you Annika, may god bless you, love you 🎉

[@sanjaysanj6688]

Anika got some moves for sure .. 🤩💃😂

[@sarangrao3677]

Happy birthday Annika

[@padmajapadma9128]

Happy family Lovely sisters cute Anika god bless you super video bro ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🇮🇳 Thelangana Hyderabad 😍

[@anantgawai440]

So sweet baby Annika

[@justrandomthoughts4233]

Im watching you guys after so long! So nice to sse Annika all grown up and now even speaking wow!!! She is so adorable 😍😍😭

[@JohannaNorth]

Hope you’ll be enjoying the videos after a break! 😊

[@justrandomthoughts4233]

@@JohannaNorth for sure! Catching up with all the amazing content I missed ❤️

[@RajeevKumar-mu9wb]

Welcome to your lovely sister ................love to sweety Annnika...........From Delhi❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sunilvirmani]

U guys r sooo amazing...my eternal best wishes

[@ashishvangjassawalla3515]

Thanks for such beautiful blogs ❤

[@MohinderSingh-vm3em]

What a incredible place to tour

[@education_elevation]

If you're still in Goa, I would highly recommend staying in Junas Waddo in Mandrem. I've seen almost all the beaches in Goa, but this one stands out for it's white sand and peaceful vibe. You should also go to Tiracol fort at the Goa Maharashtra border. The fort is now a heritage hotel. The view from there is stunning.

[@JohannaNorth]

It was in February that we visited Goa 😊 we love going there for relaxing family holidays so I’m sure we’ll have many more chances to explore in the future!

[@gaurisingh3985]

You always find these amazing gems around India...I now have a long list based on places you've visited😊. So lovely to see Nina again (though I know it's an old recording). Hope she and your mom are doing well in Finland 💕. Love the dance party and especially Annika's moves😍

[@JohannaNorth]

Make sure to watch the next video too, I’ll be sharing more about the homestay! We absolutely fell in love with the place and hope to visit again in the future, maybe in a different season like monsoon 😍 everyone’s well in Finland!

[@aakritirijal4522]

I hope when she grows up, she will feel blessed every time she watches these! #Lovely

[@krisk4868]

Annika is very cute, reminds me of my kid. Just enjoy this part in your life and your kids life it's not going to come back

[@robertpatel4302]

Annual is clever girl,I can see she is going to do well,Nina is beautiful🤗😍

[@hirakjyotitalukdar2676]

Love your vlogs ❤❤❤ 😊 wellcome to northeast India 🎉 wellcome 😊

[@DannyYatom0909]

Lovely child ❤️ 😍 💕

[@emmaandoy6898]

Wowwww at last something new again came…. Starting to watch but let me comment first 😅…. At last a vlog with your sister… been waiting so long with the cutie Annika and Auntie ❤❤❤…..

[@JohannaNorth]

To me the one week gap in posting new videos feels like a very short time while working on the videos and taking care of Annika 😅 hope you enjoy the Goa series!

[@ravikumar-tb1gy]

Nice vloggggg

[@ashishvangjassawalla3515]

Annika is a well behaved and disciplined child.

[@juliewest6114]

Love your video

[@infynvn]

By the way , you and your sister both are beautiful :D

[@RajeevKumar-mu9wb]

The lady shop owner is awesome host..........

[@scs27562]

Love to watch Anika.

[@niranjanthakur1431]

Welcome to India

[@prashantmore3361]

Very nice vlog.

[@roochitanaleen6666]

Beautiful vlog 👌👌👌 just loved the cool vibes and especially Arnika and all of you rowing with such a beautiful scenic background of the river and the morning crimson sky, just surreal

[@JohannaNorth]

I’d love to see that river scene during monsoon too 😍

[@tubeamv4275]

Love Anika❤

[@bharathsf]

Hope Your sister enjoyed India

[@JohannaNorth]

We all had a great time in Goa ☺️

[@sheikhtarik3840]

Welcome to India अतिथि देवो भव:

[@marisolsharma1421]

HELLO EVERYONE’S ..AMAZING YOUR SISTER AND HER SISTER JOHANNA IS SO BEAUTIFUL ……..JOHANNA CAN’T WAIT HAPPY SEE COMING ARRIVED INDIA FROM HER SISTER SO SWEET❤ ……….YOUR SISTER LOVES TEACH DANCE WITH NIECE VERY FUN …. ❤…….. WE ENJOYED SEND GOOD TIME EAT AND BEER DINER FOR RESTAURANT NICE ❤

[@yanzes5915]

If possible do visit leh ladakh. You and your family specially little annika will love and enjoy every part of ladakh and i can bet on that ❤

[@srishailampallela6947]

I love your family but I love annika so much

[@madhukeloth9379]

Welcome neena india❤

[@RDnAC]

What a beautiful paradise that vacation spot is. It kinda reminds me of Hawaii especially with all the fruits. I love your sister’s energy - the dance scene was great. The suitcase of books given by the other Finnish people was amazing. I wish I was there with you all. Happy 2 years B-Day A.

[@kingslayer120]

Where are you from? You ain't indian

[@JohannaNorth]

All the tropical destinations must be having an amazing variety of fruits! In Finland we only have apples, plums and berries natively i think 😅

[@kingslayer120]

@@JohannaNorth How you guys met? Was he in finland when you met?

[@JohannaNorth]

@@kingslayer120 i have shared our love story in a previous video on the channel 😊

[@madhavkopalle]

Annikas favorite 'saturday night fever dance' style had me dancing to old disco songs. Way to Go Annika. I grew up there for 35 years before moving to Bangalore. All delicious are yummm

[@JohannaNorth]

Vinod had lived in Goa too as a kid and has very fond memories ☺️

[@madhavkopalle]

​@@JohannaNorth where in Goa?

[@JohannaNorth]

Vasco

[@Helen77SouthAfrica]

Hello Johanna Vinod and Annika 👧🏻♥️👋👋🌞

[@libertyismyindefeasiblerig3838]

Annika has grown 😊😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Kerala_story_]

Annika so cute

[@sanjeev.v846]

❤

[@Drinksonboard-uh2qx]

❤❤cool

[@kumekhan3136]

Hey my favourite....I m ur great fan

[@JohannaNorth]

Thats so lovely to hear, thank you 🙏

[@Annabhawan]

Ai mikä ihana paikka 😍 Varmasti paras mahdollinen lasku Intiaan siskollesi. Olisiko sulla linkkiä Pirkon ja Savion paikkaan? Olisi jännä yöpyä tuolla, vähän vaihtelua hotellimajoitukselle. Ja mikä ihana kirjakasa!! Paras lahja ikinä.

[@JohannaNorth]

www.olaulimgoa.com oli kyllä tosi hauska, kun sattui vielä olemaan muitakin suomalaisia perheitä paikalla vaikkakin Pirkko sanoi, että yleensä vieraat ovat intialaisia! Mutta tosi ihana paikka tosiaan, aiotaan ehdottomasti itsekin mennä uudelleen ja varmaan viedään äiti hänen seuraavalla Intian reissulla sinne 😊 itse tykkään kyllä varmaan eniten tällaisesta paikasta Goalla, airbnb jälkeen 😍

[@Annabhawan]

@@JohannaNorth kiitos vinkistä, kuulostaa ihanalta! Niin huippua tavata suomalaisia, kun asuu Intiassa.

[@ChakrieeeChakrieee]

LOtzzzz Offf LUvvvvvvv💗💗💗😇🌿🌿🌿

[@arvindgoudar1586]

Beautiful early morning shots were soothing. Plus the warm family moments, both priceless !!!

[@mitaganguly3948]

Your sister reminds me of your mom. More of the same mannerisms.

[@JohannaNorth]

Often people who get to spend more time together do unconsciously copy each other’s manners 😊 at home in Finland, i’ve actually always been thought to be the one who is more like my mom, while my sister resembles more our dad 😅 but i’ve actually developed a lot of indian mannerisms living in India, like the famous indian head wobble 😂

[@ramkrishan7747]

Anika dance is next level

[@ssam3826]

Annika is 2 🥰🥰...big girl ❤️. Seeing you after a long time...your other sister? Hope she has a good time here.

[@JohannaNorth]

Nina is my only sister 😊 we all had a great time in Goa!

[@ssam3826]

@@JohannaNorth Ok nice

[@subramanyamyerragundla6703]

wheres it is goa..................please............. we need to visit over there

[@ioannavoudouri308]

❤❤❤😊🙏😊

[@neeragupta6033]

Nice to see Nina on Aanika 's birthday. Aanika recognised her aunt,but felt little shy, and then the way Annika dance that was amazing,this hair cut suits her. Happy Birthday dear Aanika. May God bless you with many more happiness and love from every one ♥️

[@JohannaNorth]

I think she just got quite overwhelmed with feelings after just having endured a very exhausting drive with vomiting and all - she didnt have the energy to cope with the happiness 😅❤️

[@user-vu5dp5pj8z]

U Finlander your heritage is India my heritage is in Finland .

[@anadraj9105]

👏🙏👍💐🌹⛳

[@Praveen1991917]

From comments section, I came to know that you went to watch IPL final, but you didnt get the chance to watch it due to rain. In India, watching cricket at stadium is an experience you shouldnt miss. I hope you wont miss World cup this year in India. The whole cricketing world will come here to experience it. I hope you wont miss it this time.

[@JohannaNorth]

We didnt go to watch the game live, but first tried to watch it with friends at a game party on the original Sunday evening, but obviously the game got cancelled then. and we also tried watching at home on Monday but I didnt see GT’s inning as I was putting Annika to sleep and cooking, and CSK unfortunately only got to play after midnight which is way too late for a tired toddler mom 😅 i do hope to see a T20 match live one day though, preferrably of international cricket

[@carolgoergens9275]

Do the dogs belong to someone I noticed they have collars on! Beautiful Annika loves the animals it is so sweet ! This property is very pretty, can you share the link for this place

[@JohannaNorth]

www.olaulimgoa.com

[@spetsnazGru487]

may be reflectors to protect the dog from vehicles during night.Its done by dog lovers all over India.

[@shilparamani3368]

Does annika go to preschool now?

[@jayanchada859]

If visiting outside India- do visit Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand region

[@JohannaNorth]

Maybe we’ll one day explore more Asian countries, but currently we’re saving all our foreign vacation opportunities for going to Finland 😊 Thailand would be especially great to visit as a family though!

[@aghilanmayan97]

Hai sis😇HAPPY SUNDAY... Can you tells about you're IPL FINAL experience? I LOVED IT 💛-CSK FOREVER ....MS DHONI ( THALA) LIFTING JADEJA IS A WONDERFUL MOMENT😍overall a awsome match.... 🎉

[@JohannaNorth]

Not much to say about it, since I unfortunately didnt get to see the match at all due to the rain delay. It’s impossible to stay awake until after midnight with a small toddler to take care of. I needed sleep more than to watch the game 😢

[@aghilanmayan97]

@@JohannaNorth 😅Ohh what about vinod bro does he watch the match or?

[@LOMASH29]

What is your sister name ...?? She look very pretty.

[@kumekhan3136]

Have any plan for coming in jammu and kashmir

[@JohannaNorth]

Not currently, but Kashmir is topping both of our bucket lists for indian travel ☺️

[@rakeshkumarrout2629]

Anika stole the show.

[@Capt.MacTavish]

is this re-upload?

[@JohannaNorth]

No, it has a quick recap in the beginning

[@yosup125]

hello

[@laniegayat1791]

Annika...you've grown too fast.....

[@factfinder9718]

Since Annika speak English, how she will have local friends ? Local kids speak local language.

[@ujjwal770]

gm

[@shantanushekharsjunerft9783]

The Finns do a remarkable job with childhood education, we should shamelessly copy it in India 😃!

[@sanjoyghosh2113]

Does Annika also speak Finnish ?

[@sanjoyghosh2113]

Love her dancing style !!

[@JohannaNorth]

Yes, it’s her mothertongue after all 😊

[@Noname123rr]

😂

[@GamePlay-cs1ml]

Bechaare Annika and her papa became sandwich🍔 d😂 anika jabardasti yae karo vo karo she is more happy with her papa behen se jyada Johanna ka excitement jiyada hi😂

[@rextitaniumofficial]

For a second I thought are they being racist, but then I saw the name in subtitles

[@goutam5299]

Nordic people are so tall

[@GamePlay-cs1ml]

Happy birthday bolke bachche ke samne drinks lena...

[@richaprasad9837]

Annika and Tati dance 🥹❤️

[@GamePlay-cs1ml]

Boring vedio only annika part is ok for annnika 🎉❤ remaing is😂

[@chandrakantchaudhari9949]

Goa marathi hindu states not christians go british

[@kev_naughty]

Dude!! We are all human. Be polite.😢