Share your experiences~!

[AnnabelleIeve]

Since one of my earlier topics has been helpful but slightly hostile, I decided to create a new topic just for people to share about their experiences in Finland. I'd like to hear stories(both the good and the bad!), your thoughts and opinions on the country, what you like to do in Finland, and if you're attending a university or have moved to Finland, why you chose Finland! Share what you want to share. I'm eager to listen~!

Come on~! I see you people visiting this thread and not writing a little something down~! Don't be shy

[AnnabelleIeve]

You people need a little encouragement~

I'll share what I like about Finland and why I hope to study and live there one day:

First off: REINDEER. Nuff said.

Secondly: SNOW! Now I've NEVER seen real snow my whole life. But fake snow is pretty awesome. I can only imagine the real thing...

Third: Now, being from California, a very industrial and agricultural state, the air/water quality is VERY poor. So, hey. Finland. Free fresh air~!

Fourth: Forests!! AND FREE BERRIES!! Can't really wander the great forests in California because they are on fire most of year... And I think it may be illegal to pick wild berries since they could be poisonous and no one wants to be sued.

Fifth: Culture! In California, there is a lot a Mexican culture and although we do have wicked Day of the Day parties, I always enjoy things that are different and Finnish culture is different. It's so drastically different you can't help but be jealous that you aren't right there in Finland hopping back and forth from the sauna to the pool and beating each other to death with branches and leaves(ok. not really to death, just a sauna thing~)

Come on, contribute to the thread!

[AnnabelleIeve]

I for one have tons of problems because of unemployment, does that help?

Hmmm...[~It appears yet another one of my threads has come to revolve around money and employment~]

Well. I cannot relate to issues that arise due to the inability to find employment. I can, however, listen to your issues and provide helpful tips on getting through difficult times. Although I don't know how well these tips will translate to accommodate a person living in Finland. I can try?

[AnnabelleIeve]

Appreciate your empathy. It's just things aren't always rosy. Besides, you asked about any kind of experience. Otherwise, Finland is a great place to live.

Well. Finland has actually always appeared in my mind as a place of advancement and opportunity. It's just so shocking to hear of unemployment that causes many issues in one's life. But I suppose, like any other country, it has it's ups and downs in regards to the individual's quality of life.

[Adrian42]

Walking on the frozen ocean!
In a proper winter like the last one, the Baltic Sea is frozen for several months.

The day in March a few years ago when we went to an outdoor ice skating rink in Helsinki at -8°C, and everyone was enjoying the hot weather after a month of -20°C night and day.

[jahasjahas]

Today, we took the bus to the Nuuksio national park for a nice picnic and some swimming in the Mustalampi lake. We then hiked a 4.6 km trail to the new Haltia nature center and enjoyed a quick beer/cider on the terrace overlooking the Nuuksion Pitkäjärvi lake. Then we took the bus home.

For something less specific, my experience is that it's too dark in the winter.

[AnnabelleIeve]

Appreciate your empathy. It's just things aren't always rosy. Besides, you asked about any kind of experience. Otherwise, Finland is a great place to live.

Straying from your misfortune in employment, could you maybe expand on what it is that makes Finland, in your opinion, a great place to live? Perhaps share some of your dislikes as well?

[AnnabelleIeve]

Today, we took the bus to the Nuuksio national park for a nice picnic and some swimming in the Mustalampi lake. We then hiked a 4.6 km trail to the new Haltia nature center and enjoyed a quick beer/cider on the terrace overlooking the Nuuksion Pitkäjärvi lake. Then we took the bus home.

For something less specific, my experience is that it's too dark in the winter.

I always feel a little jealous of Finns who can freely swim in a lake! In the United States, there are many horror stories about parasites and flesh-eating bacteria you get from swimming in the lakes, rivers, ponds. Any water, really... Anything like that happen in Finland?

Also, I very much like the dark(sensitive eyes) and I think it's fascinating how the days and nights change during the seasons in Finland. But does that only happen in the north or does it happen in the south of Finland as well?

[AnnabelleIeve]

Walking on the frozen ocean!
In a proper winter like the last one, the Baltic Sea is frozen for several months.

The day in March a few years ago when we went to an outdoor ice skating rink in Helsinki at -8°C, and everyone was enjoying the hot weather after a month of -20°C night and day.

My goodness~! I've never been anywhere that cold! It's amusing how although cold is warmer than cold-er, it doesn't make it warm weather. Warm-er, yes, but not at all warm! But I guess you take what you can get!

[Adrian42]

Today, we took the bus to the Nuuksio national park for a nice picnic and some swimming in the Mustalampi lake. We then hiked a 4.6 km trail to the new Haltia nature center and enjoyed a quick beer/cider on the terrace overlooking the Nuuksion Pitkäjärvi lake. Then we took the bus home.

For something less specific, my experience is that it's too dark in the winter.

I always feel a little jealous of Finns who can freely swim in a lake! In the United States, there are many horror stories about parasites and flesh-eating bacteria you get from swimming in the lakes, rivers, ponds. Any water, really... Anything like that happen in Finland?

Mosquitoes are annoying in summer, but they don't carry any diseases.

Apart from that, there are not really any serious dangers in Finland.

Also, I very much like the dark(sensitive eyes) and I think it's fascinating how the days and nights change during the seasons in Finland. But does that only happen in the north or does it happen in the south of Finland as well?

There are less than 6 hours between sunrise and sunset on Christmas in Helsinki.

[Oombongo]

It is not that cold in here..Only -30C once a while, and it is quite bearable. There is no such thing as cold weather, only bad clothing
Perhaps a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska during winters will give you some idea about the climate in Finland

[Upphew]

I always feel a little jealous of Finns who can freely swim in a lake! In the United States, there are many horror stories about parasites and flesh-eating bacteria you get from swimming in the lakes, rivers, ponds. Any water, really... Anything like that happen in Finland?

Every now and then pike bites someone, but most likely you'll step on broken glass or something. Good thing that beer is mostly consumed from cans now.

Also, I very much like the dark(sensitive eyes) and I think it's fascinating how the days and nights change during the seasons in Finland. But does that only happen in the north or does it happen in the south of Finland as well?

Oh it will happen south too...

[AnnabelleIeve]

It is not that cold in here..Only -30C once a while, and it is quite bearable. There is no such thing as cold weather, only bad clothing
Perhaps a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska during winters will give you some idea about the climate in Finland

Another thing I like about Finland~! It would give me an excuse to wear heavy clothing.

[AnnabelleIeve]

Oh it will happen south too...

Sweet.

[Pursuivant]

California's got snow... OK, so you need to go the Big Bear in the winter, but still... sheesh, go to Seattle for the weekend. Forests, rain, forests, rain...