Share your experiences~!

[Flossy1978]

That's true Pursuivant... LOL.

[Jessa]

You seem to be rather delusioned or something.

She's from California, what do you expect?

This wins my cookie for the day.

OP, if you cannot find value in the things that ALL the users are saying, you really shouldn't be leaving mummy and daddy's nest any time soon. While you might think people are being big meanypants to you, it's called brutal honesty. Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, ESPECIALLY not in Finland most of the time. And most of the Finns I know don't sugarcoat, so don't expect people to pull punches for Princess. And just because you might have more knowledge about Finland than the average person, that doesn't mean you can practically apply it to coexisting with natives in Finland.

As has been mentioned one way or another, the only true test of compatibility with Finland is to try it in person. We can tell you everything- every little detail, from the weather to the school system to the food to the music to the transportation, on and on and on, but it won't really mean anything if you simply are incompatible. As Upphew mentioned, the information you gather will help cushion your culture shock, but it won't eliminate it. You still just need to come here and trial it out, and use the info you gained to help you acclimate.

And don't underestimate the Finnish language. I assure you, it is not as easy as you think it is.

[Pursuivant]

being big meanypants

I rather visualise myself going commando doing a helicopter

[Jessa]

being big meanypants

I rather visualise myself going commando doing a helicopter

Voi luoja.

[Upphew]

being big meanypants

I rather visualise myself going commando doing a helicopter

Why I see Ron Jeremy when I try to visualize you doing that...

[Rick1]

Always thought that minimum age for Munkiniemi, Tapiola etc. was 65 years

[Liam1]

Wow - why is everyone pouncing on this poor girl (also in her other thread)- well beyond the good natured sarcasm normally given.

I've seen just as many slightly vague / rose tinted questions from others and even a few posters that have then insulted the regulars if the answers were not what the hoped for. However I've not seen such aggressive responses before.

For the record my Experiences.

1) Weather is nice all seasons AND the Finns make use of it (ski tracks, mushroom picking, running/hiking trails, boats to islands etc)
2) Very safe whether for a family (my kids do what I did 35 years ago in the UK and just go ot to play, despite us living in urban Espoo) or adults at night
3) Everything works! People do what they say, buses run on time, few traffic jams - believe me for those have lived in France, Belgium even UK this is appreciated!
4) People are very honest and straightforward - you never feel you are getting conned on an individual basis (there is a "but" see negatives)

Negatives
1) It's just expensive! And for no "acceptable" reason! - Not like Norway where wages are high or even in isolated parts where distribution adds to costs. Basically feels like foreign brands / local retailers cream off profit as consumers accept it and competition is low. There is also a tolerance that "luxuries" should cost the earth - like cleaners, dry cleaning, getting a doctor appointment in the same week that you are ill (so private), cars (tax) and real luxuries (jewelry, nice clothing, eating out)! Looking at wage rates, it's not that labour rates are so high (and often you get e.g. Estonians doing the work). I personally think it is a bit self defeating because many buy mail order or when abroad.

Quirks
1) Finns - they have a strange attitude to money - but you know that by now! You feel the disdain if someone feels that you have too much / more than them. A friend of mine is fond of telling a story about how Finns are the most impolite and most polite drivers in the world. Just depends whether he is driving his New BMW X5 or his 10 year old Ford!!
2) Daylight / night can take getting used to as it is so extreme in summer and winter. Nov is just a bit grey / rainy (like Manchester year round)
3) Socialising - most Finns that I know still knock around with friends from school / uni and a re polite but not that willing to open up to newcomers. Probably different at university, but I'm an old ex pat living and working in Espoo Surburbia!

Oh and it's sometimes difficult to forget - language. Though modest 99% of Finns in Helsinki are speak very good English. Makes life and TV viewing simple!

[AldenG]

Wow - why is everyone pouncing on this poor girl (also in her other thread)- well beyond the good natured sarcasm normally given

[Pursuivant]

why is everyone pouncing on this poor girl

Firstly, she ain't poor and I'd pounce her (especially if she came trick&treating in a costume at halloween), but then again I am a lecherous old perv.

[AnnabelleIeve]

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[AnnabelleIeve]

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[AnnabelleIeve]

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[Adrian42]

1) Finns - they have a strange attitude to money - but you know that by now! You feel the disdain if someone feels that you have too much / more than them. A friend of mine is fond of telling a story about how Finns are the most impolite and most polite drivers in the world. Just depends whether he is driving his New BMW X5 or his 10 year old Ford!!

Definitely thinking about buying a beaten up old mustang to take to Finland

You would be the only one on the street with a US car - such a car would definitely make you known throughout town as the crazy rich girl from the US.

Ford also has decent European cars, but they are completely different from their US cars.

[Pursuivant]

I know how to walk on ice: CLEATS!

I thought you said you were over 18, not over 81

[AnnabelleIeve]

I know how to walk on ice: CLEATS!

I thought you said you were over 18, not over 81

How does wearing cleats make me old? Cleats are what you wear for grass sports! Doesn't seem like old people play much sports