Matkailun blogi

This blog post takes you on a tour of Pori’s history through its older buildings. I start my walk from Pori’s city center, at the market hall to Pori’s fifth district known today by locals as Viikkari.

The route covers approximately 1.2 km and showcases visible and traditional sites that have been disregarded over time. The temperature of -2 degrees Celsius displayed on my weather app as I took this walk on February 17 confirms the winter season is ongoing in Pori.

Interestingly, it also coincides with the winter break in Finland, popularly known as hiihtoloma or the skiing holiday. The city feels different during this period as the streets are quieter and the lack of leaves on the trees means it’s easier to clearly see the city’s architecture. The grey-coloured skies amplify the colourful buildings dotted along the route. Alongside me on this walk is my spouse who doubles as my cameraman today. His fingers are apparently numb from the cold while holding the camera.

Now join me as we move to the first two stops on the route: Pori Market Hall (Kauppahalli) and the Old Police Station. Pori’s first market hall was built in December 1927 and was influenced by a health care law to improve food handling hygiene and minimise the chaos of shopping in outdoor markets. The hall had space for 89 shops which included meat and cold cut shops, fish shops, flour and raisin shops, eggs, butter and cheese shops, and shops allocated to coffee, fruit, and colonial goods. Back then, the fish shops had water tanks with fish sold live.

This hall stretches from Yrjönkatu to Isolinnankatu while the building entrance connects to Pori’s first proper apartment building which was called “Hellman’s Skyscraper”. The building also had the first elevator in Pori, as it had at least five floors. The elevator was so popular that an elevator boy was later hired to manage elevator transportation.

As I stand at the entrance of the market hall, I can’t help but imagine the all-too-familiar smell of live fish and hot coffee coming together to form scents that smell like damp mud and toasted bread.

Our second stop is the Old Police Station completed in 1818 as a workhouse to accommodate the city’s most vulnerable poor who largely included elderly widows. However, the police regulations of 1839 had the goal of structuring Pori into an organized society by keeping it tidy and preventing domestic animals from wandering the streets, among other reasons. It is against this backdrop that the police station moved to Isolinnankatu 16 in 1884 and changed to a police department in 1899.

In 1961, all police operations in the building came to an end and were moved to the police department building located at Satakunnankatu. Looking at the Old Police Station today, it looks like a modest house and not like some of the stern police station, and this indeed makes sense when you consider that this was originally a workhouse!

We now move to our third stop which is the Appelqvist House located at Vähälinnankatu 2. This is one of the oldest wooden houses built in the mid-19th century by the Appelvist family. As I stand besides this house which survived the various fires in Pori and today is a kindergarten museum owned by the city of Pori, I am in awe how this wooden house has demonstrated so much resilience.

Moving on, we arrive at our fourth piece of everyday architecture. This time it’s the Heikinlinna, the first residential apartment to be completed in Pori’s fifth district. The building was designed by the architect Martti Välikangas. This building remained the only apartment building for several years in the fifth district, an area known for its wooden houses.

A few short steps away is our next stop which is a small-scale ticket kiosk built at the entrance of Sibelius Park in the 1930s, following the plans of master builder Kalle A. Myntti. The kiosk represents the practical architectural style of the time and curves from the sales window, while lacking any decorative components. It operated from 1934 to 1987. Across the city of Pori, there are six similar ticket kiosks. While I could not enter the kiosk, I cannot help but imagine how tiny and functional the interior would look like.

Moving from the ticket kiosk at the entrance of Sibelius Park, our next stop is the park itself! From around 1811, this park used to be a market area named Aleksanterintori for horse trading and use to have circuses visit the area.

The conversion of the area to a park began with planting in the late 1930s. To honour the 88th birthday of the composer Jean Sibelius in Finland, all cities were advised to name one of their parks, roads, or streets after the great composer, and so Aleksanterintori was renamed Sibelius Park. Within the park is a playground with equipment replicated from the park equipment of the 1950s. As I leave the park, I smile when I realise that a lively circus with clowns happened right where I am standing.

From the park I head to the Building Culture House Toivo located at Varvinkatu 19. Back then, it was a lemonade factory. Today, it is Satakunta Museum’s renovation center, providing expert advice to those who repair old buildings and house owners. It also shows how live at the fictional Korsman House looked like in 1951.

We end the tour at the Itätulli kindergarten built in 1926, one of Pori’s first buildings designed for kindergarten use. It was a two-story stone building in Pori’s fifth district. All the other buildings surrounding the kindergarten back then were single-story wooden houses, and so the kindergarten building was an impressive sight in the entire district.

The design of the building from its entrance to the steps inside, and the large and sheltered yard was done with children in mind. It operated as a kindergarten and later a daycare cen-tre up until the city sold the building in 2011. Today, it is currently unused but protected by the city’s local plan.

Having gone through a walk of about 1.2 km exploring almost 200 years of history through the eyes of everyday architecture, I have learned interesting facts about Pori’s history and the resilience of infrastructure. I strongly recommend this route when you visit Pori!

Text and pictures: Veronica Joseph, International Tourism Management student

We left our home in Bao Loc after 15 years. Now, we are starting a new life in Finland. It is a big journey for me and my three children. 

Our journey from Vietnam to Helsinki was very long. We spent 30 hours on three flights from Saigon – Hong Kong – Amsterdam – Helsinki. I moved here with my two sons (14 and 12 years old) and my young daughter (8 years old). My wife to join us in May.

A Long Journey: My Sons Are My Heroes

Expectation: I was very worried. How can I travel alone with three kids and many heavy suitcases?

Reality: My children were amazing. My 14-year-old son helped me with the bags. My 12-year-old son looked after his little sister. We even slept on airport chairs in Amsterdam together. I am very proud of them.

The Freezing Cold: A Warm Welcome

Expectation: I thought Finland is just a bit colder than Bao Loc.

Reality: When we arrived at Helsinki Airport, it was bright but extremely cold. My hands were frozen, and my ears felt like ice! While moving the suitcases to the taxi, I had to borrow gloves from the kind taxi driver. It was my first lesson: Finland is cold, but the people are very kind.

Finnish School: Learning to be Independent

Expectation: I hoped my kids would have less homework.

Reality: It is true! But the best thing is independence. In Vietnam, I never let my 8-year-old daughter walk far alone. But here, she walks to school by herself on the snowy roads. She is very brave. My children don’t just study books; they learn how to live.

Waiting for Mom: Our Warm Meals

Expectation: A quiet and safe place to live.

Reality: Finland is very safe. We feel peaceful here. Now, we are learning to cook and clean together. Our meals are simple, but we are happy. We miss the busy streets of Bao Loc and we miss Mom, but this time makes us stronger. We are counting the days until mom will join us.

Conclusion

Finland is very cold, but our hearts are warm. Moving here was a big decision, but it was worth it. We are happy to grow up together in this beautiful country.

Text and photos: Vuong Nguyen, student of International Tourism Management

I am Sadia and I am an international student from Pakistan. Before coming to Finland, I had many expectations about life, people, studies, and weather. Coming from a Pakistani joint family, living alone felt exciting and new. In this blog post, I share how my expectations compare with my real experience in Finland.

My Expectations About Finland

Before arriving, I thought life in Finland would be exciting and independent. I wanted to experience living alone and managing my own life. I knew the weather would be challenging, but I hoped I would get used to it with time. I also expected that the education system is well organized, with supportive teachers and a good culture.

People and Culture

I thought Finnish people would be same people in my home country, but I was wrong. They value silence and personal space, which felt strange at first. However, I learned that silence can be peaceful and matter a lot. Finnish people are very helpful, respectful, and kind when needed.

Study Life in Finland

I expected studying in Finland to be very hard, but in reality, it is easier than I thought. The study system is well organized, and teachers are cooperative and supportive. Although for me the study style was different at first, I slowly adjusted in it.

Conclusions

What surprised me the most is how organized everything is and how beautiful the nature is. I also feel safe here. The biggest challenges for me are the cold weather, language difficulties, and adjusting to a new study style in the start of studies.

Overall, my experience in Finland has been good. Some expectations were different, but mostly in a positive way. Living and studying in Finland has helped me become more independent and confident!

Text and photos: Sadia Bibi, student of International Tourism Management

Hello to my lovely readers and Welcome to my blog post! Before I get straight to the main content of this blog post, let me share with you my tragic story.

I had a couple of assignments from the Cultural Heritage in Tourism course, which I could choose between doing video recordings or crafting blog posts. I was thinking of staying out of my comfort zone by doing the videos just like the travel bloggers do on social media platforms. So, the day before the shooting I did the route survey for planning my trip and script for my videos, and I thought it’s going to be so much fun I was about to have.

But in reality, my dream didn’t come true on the -13 degrees Celsius day. My nose was running, so I kept sniffing during the taking. The weather made my voice turn bad and sound so desperate in those videos. Then, I ended up writing the blog posts instead because it may be more convincing to my readers to follow this walk.

Okay! – now let’s get back to my business here, the ‘Pori of Pipes’. – It is one of the walking routes to learn about the cultural heritage of Pori through its historic industrial stories and significant built cultural environment. There actually are many thematic cultural routes for you to learn about the historical stories of Pori (visit here https://storymaps.arcgis.com for other choices!).

For myself, I chose the ‘Pori of Pipes’ route because I enjoy the vibe around the Kokemäenjoki River and the surrounding architectures very much. So, I want to learn a bit more about it. If you want to learn about Pori too but still have no idea where to start, just walk with me through the ‘Pori of Pipes’ right now.

Check-in #1: the Rosenlew Museum

The Museum was completed in 1866, and this building was first used as a grain warehouse. In the history, the Rosenlew company was one of Finland’s biggest industrial companies. They produced everything from steam engines and machines to frying pans and yeast.

For the museum, I didn’t get a chance to check out inside the museum because it was closed. So, I plan to visit the museum again soon because I want to learn more about the Rosenlew Company and how the industry shaped everyday life in Pori for over 100 years

For your information, the Rosenlew Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and closed on Monday. Students are free of charge for the entrance fees.

Also, the museum is next to the Aittaluoto industrial area, which is the 2^nd check-in of this walk.

Check-in #2: Aittaluoto Industrial Area

Most of this area used to be agricultural land and workers’ homes. It later became industrial area in 1872 when a steam sawmill was built here. And because of the growth of the industries, those homes were finally replaced by the large factories.

Industry still continues here even today with sawmills, power plants, and factories. That’s why, I could see many big trailer trucks coming in and out on the day I visited.

From here, I walked across the Linnansilta Bridge, where I could see the frozen Kokemäenjoki River in winter and the wide-angle view of the Konepaja Area, the next check-in spot. It was very beautiful to me!

Check-in #3: Konepaja Area

This area is the Konepaja or the machine workshop area. It was founded in 1858 and was one of Pori’s first major factories.

In the past, there were many things built here like machines, ships, engines, and farming equipment. Some industries still operate here today. It’s too bad that I didn’t get a chance to spend much time here as the weather was getting too cold for me. So, I decided to walk to Puuvilla for having lunch at my favourite restaurant over there.

Check-in #4: Cotton Factory, Puuvilla Area

This huge cotton factory was built between 1899 and 1900 by a group of businessmen from Pori (Gustaf Efraim Ramberg, Bruno and F. A. Jusélius, Erik Mellin and John Bohm and A. Ahlström and W. Rosenlew & Co.).

At that time, the textile industry was ranked as one of the city’s largest employers. It provided jobs for over 2,000 locals in the 1930’s because Pori’s cotton products were exported around the world.

Sadly, a major fire in 1981 damaged the factory and caused production finally ended. Today, this beautiful brick buildings have new life as Puuvilla shopping center, offices, culture spaces, and a university campus.

I like spending time here and enjoy walking around wooden houses nearby Puuvilla. It gives me quite a different feeling, in a good way, than in the city center with modern residential buildings around.

Check-in #5: Riverside

During those industrial times, the Kokemäenjoki River played a crucial role to the people, the city, and the international trades as it carried everything like wood, machines, and other finished products. So, I think I could imagine how this riverside would be as the busiest place in Pori city. It was where ships, trains, and people all met here! – Goods were loaded, markets for fish shopping were held, and cafés served travelers. Also, boats carried people across the river for leisure.

After the last fire in 1852, only stone buildings were required between Valtakatu and the riverbank area. The expansion of transformation from a wooden town to a stone city began in the 1950s and 1960s. That’s why this area looks more solid and grand, especially when you see it from the Porinsilta Bridge.

Personally, I like the contrast of architectural designs and materials of the buildings on both sides of the river. At night, they are even more beautiful when the lights are on. This area of Pori city is, in my opinion, the most breathtaking spot in the region.

Check-in #6: Rosenlew Headquarters

This stone house is just across the street. It was built in 1854 by Fredrik Wilhelm Rosenlew and was used as the residence of the Rosenlew family and the headquarters of the Rosenlew company.

There were 25 luxurious rooms with marble, mirrors, and fine furniture inside. Offices and warehouses were added later for the company. The Rosenlew company operated here until 1986, but the building is used by many modern businesses today.

Check-in #7: The Palace of Junnelius

This impressive building is the Junnelius Palace. It was built in 1895. This architecture shows a lot about how wealthy families lived during the industrial time. The architect August Krook (the one who designed Puuvilla) took inspiration from Italy and used materials from across Europe.

The palace has three large floors and richly decorated rooms. It has been a home, a bank, a newspaper office, and today – it is Pori’s City Hall.

Check-in #8: Pori Old Electricity Company

My final stop is the old electricity plant which built in 1898. This building was important because it brought electric power to Pori. Also, there were a brewery and a dairy in this area. It shows how industries worked side by side in the past.

When I first surveyed this building, I was looking for the sign ‘Karhupanimo’ on the building wall, as seen in the website, but couldn’t find it. This building is used now as a housing agent office.

From this walking route, I learned how river, industry, and people have shaped the strong identity of Pori. I think that Pori will never stop changing, but its stories from the past will also keep being told.

Being honest to you, I love this way of learning so much!

Text and photos: Nithipha Chansa-Ing, International Tourism Management student

Before coming to Finland, I had heard that Finnish people do not like going outside during winter. At first, I did not really believe this. I imagined that people would continue their daily routines, just wearing warmer clothes. However, after moving here, I realized that this perception is mostly true. During wintertime, the streets are often very quiet, and it is common to see only a few people. Sometimes not even cars.

Originally, I planned to walk to school every day. In reality, walking from one place to another during winter is much more difficult than I expected. Snow, ice, and cold temperatures make even short distances challenging. As a result, I decided to buy a bicycle, which has become an essential part of my daily life in Finland.

However, cycling also comes with challenges. The bicycle can easily slip on icy roads, and even though I am confident in riding a bicycle, snowy conditions make it difficult. Coming from a tropical country, going outside in winter initially felt quite frightening. This experience helped me understand why there are fewer people outdoors during winter season.

One aspect of Finnish daily life that surprised me positively is traffic behavior. When drivers see a pedestrian or a cyclist, they stop and wait patiently for them to cross the road, even if they notice them from a distance. Compared to my home country, this feels very different. This level of respect and safety in traffic is one of the most admirable features of Finland.

Shopping culture in Finland is also very different from what I am used to. In beauty stores and brand counters, there are usually no sales staff closely following customers. People are free to test products and take their time before deciding whether to buy something. This creates a comfortable shopping environment. In my home country and in Thailand, sales staff often approach customers immediately after they enter a store, which can sometimes feel uncomfortable or stressful. Occasionally, staff may even react negatively if customers test products but do not make a purchase.

One small but noticeable challenge for me in Finland is related to doors. Many doors feel very heavy to open, and the keys are not always smooth to use. During winter, when hands are cold and full of bags, opening doors can become surprisingly difficult.

Overall, living in Finland has been both challenging and rewarding. While winter life can be tough, many perspectives of Finnish society, such as safety, respect, and independence have left a strong impression on me. Through these everyday experiences, my understanding of Finland has grown beyond my original expectations.

Text and photos: Zin Kyaw, International Tourism Management student

One of my favourite Finnish stand-up comedians Ismo Leikola once said: “The word “Finland” is not even Finnish. We don’t call our country Finland, we call it “Suomi” that’s nothing to do with “Finland”. So, who invented the word “Finland’? I don’t know… probably Sweden.

That joke stayed in my head long before I came here and always wanted to explore, and now that I live in Finland as an international student, I think it explains the country quite well. Finland doesn’t try to be loud or impressive. It doesn’t try to impress or convince you of anything. It simply exists quietly, and somehow that quietness slowly changes you.

Before Finland: Big Dreams and Big Curiosity

Like many international students, once I finished my Pathway studies at SAMK and received my residence permit, I was extremely excited. I searched almost everything about Finland online, the weather, culture, people, education and daily life.

I had already seen the news many times that “Finland is the happiest country in the world”, but to be honest I never imagined I would actually experience that country myself.

My name is Soe Moe Thu, and I come from Myanmar (also known as Burma), a Southeast Asian country where winter is around 20 degrees Celsius, and summer easily reaches 35 to 40 degrees Celsius. So, moving to Finland was not moving to another country, it was stepping into a radical change in every possible way “climate, culture, lifestyle, and mindset”.

Winter, Darkness and Silence

Every international student knows Finland is cold. I knew it too. I prepared winter clothes, watched YouTube videos and told myself I was ready. What I didn’t fully expect was the darkness. I arrived in December, and suddenly it was dark around 3 or 4 p.m. During my first month, after 4 p.m., I honestly didn’t know what to do, so I just went to my bedroom 😅.

The cold, the darkness and the silence slow everything down. At first, it feels uncomfortable and unfamiliar. But over time, I realized Finland was teaching me something important: slowing down is part of life here, not a problem to fix. Staying inside is not wasting time.

Are Finnish People Really That Serious?

Many people say Finnish people look serious and do not smile much, especially compared to people from warmer or more social cultures. At first, I noticed that too, then my wife said something very simple and it’s very true.

“It is very cold, nobody wants to smile. Everyone just wants to get home”, and honestly, that explains a lot. When it is freezing, smiling is not the priority. Survival is.

Finnish people may seem distant at first, but they are kind, respectful, and helpful. They would not talk unnecessarily, but if you ask for help, they will help you seriously and sincerely. They respect personal space, mind their own business, and expect you to do the same. Once you understand this, it feels peaceful rather than cold.

They also value rules and trust. Finland consistently ranks as one of the least corrupt and safest countries in the world, and this creates a strong feeling of security in daily life.

Studying in Finland: More Freedom Than I Expected

Before coming to Finland, I expected the education system to be very strict and exam focused. In reality, It is flexible, independent and trust based.

Teachers expect students to manage their own time, study independently, and think for themselves. This can be surprising and challenging for international students, who come from more structured education systems, at first.

One surprising thing is how teachers are friendly, flexible, and easy to approach. You can call them by their first names, ask questions freely, and even politely disagree. Which is almost unthinkable in many Asian countries, including mine.

The relationship between students and teachers feels equal and respectful. Here, hierarchy is low, and learning feels more human and equal.

Nature Is Not a Weekend Luxury

What truly surprised me is how much quality of life matters here. You can drink water directly from the tap and it tastes better than bottled water from some other countries. The air feels clean, public transport works, the cities feel safe even at night. My children go to school by themselves, something I would never allow back home.

Nature is everywhere. Finland has over 188,000 lakes, forests covering most of the country, and walking paths are not tourist attractions, but as part of daily life.

And a small but important detail for many international students from Asia. Bidet showers are common in Finnish bathrooms. That small comfort makes a big difference.

Understanding Finnish Happiness

Once, Norwegian YouTubers Helgi and Erlend joked that the “happiest Finn in the world” you may see on his face how happy he is. He would rather text than talk. When he’s not hiding from his neighbors, he spends most of his time in a very warm place “the sauna” where he is naked, relaxed, and completely content. It sounds funny, but after living here, I understand the joke.

Happiness in Finland does not come from excitement or loud joy. It comes from safety, stability, trust, equality, good education, and balance between work and personal life. It is a quiet kind of happiness, the kind you feel, not the kind you show.

What Finland Taught Me

As an international student, I am slowly getting used to Finnish quietness. I find it calming. Finland did not change me overnight, but slowly day by day, it taught me to slow down, to respect silence, and to appreciate simple routines. Now Finnish quietness no longer feels empty, it feels calm. And perhaps, that is the real lesson Finland teaches, that is what happiness looks like here. Not to be happy loudly, but how to be ok quietly.

Text and pictures: Soe Thu, student of International Tourism Management

When I think of Pori, I think of summer festivals, the Kokemäenjoki River, and the sandy beaches of Yyteri. This time, I wanted to take a different approach. I wanted to learn about the history of Pori and how it has shaped its development, so I decided to explore the Pipes of Pori cultural trail.

This walk is a bit different from the usual tourist attractions. It focuses more on industrial heritage including brick factories, old smokehouses, production buildings, and riverside sites. Here you can learn about the people and innovations that have contributed to the creation of modern Pori. When I started this walk, I opened the digital guide on my phone to use as a reference while walking through Pori and its industrial past.

Rosenlew Museum

I started my walk in front of the Rosenlew Museum, a former factory building that is now a museum. Rosenlew company was founded in the 19th century and manufactured a wide range of products, from agricultural equipment to household appliances. At one time, their company employed thousands of employees.

Inside the museum, I saw a lot of large machines, none of which I would call delicate – they were very functional, large machines that create an amazing amount of power to produce goods. I could definitely see and hear the machines that make the products and the many workers who have passed through this area over the years.

The exterior of the building, with its red brick walls and very tall chimney, represents the industrious nature of the people who work or have worked in Rosenlew. I couldn’t have chosen a better place to start my walk and get an introduction to all the industries in the city.

Aittaluoto Industrial Area

After leaving the museum, I walked to the Aittaluoto industrial area. Many historical industrial areas have been preserved and feel like they are standing still in time. The Aittaluoto industrial area is completely different and very much in use today. The large streets, wide open spaces, and metal building structures reminded me that industry does not just belong to history – it is also part of the present – day Pori.

What particularly stood out to me was how close the Aittaluoto industrial area is located to the downtown area. This relationship warrants consideration as it has shaped both the economy and presented the municipality of Pori as a vibrant and dynamic urban area.

Konepaja Area

Next, I went to the Konepaja area across the river. The experience of walking through this area was much more relaxed and peaceful than the bustling atmosphere on the riverbank. The industrial architecture of the era, with its large windows and the need for natural light for all the activities taking place inside the buildings, contributed to the change in mood.

As I walked through the area, I noticed the old bricks, old doors, and old tracks. Several of these buildings had been converted from their original functions to modern uses, creating an interesting combination of new and old. I paused and imagined the sparks flying from the machinery, the sound of steel and tools being used to create things, and the rhythm of all this production taking place in that space.

Puuvillatehdas, the Cotton Mill Area

My next stop was the Old Cotton Mill. The old cotton mill, commonly known as Puuvilla, stands proudly by the river. Built in the late 19th century, this mill was a large textile mill in the city of Pori and a significant source of employment. The old mill has been transformed into a modern complex containing enterprises, services, and learning institutions. This is a great example of reusing the past and giving it a new lease of life.

The red bricks looked stunning as they reflected in the water of the river where I was standing. The place seemed quite serene, with its industrial architecture and natural surroundings.

Riverside

The walk along the Kokemäenjoki River is one of the most important and beloved parts of the Pipes of Pori trail. It is not only a beautiful part of the city. It has facilitated trade and transportation since modern roads existed. Since water was needed for industrial purposes, factories were built along the river.

Now, the riverbank seems peaceful. There are people jogging, walking their dogs and relaxing on benches. I sat on a step along the riverbank and tried to imagine what it was like in the past. Those cargo ships, factory workers crossing bridges, smoke billowing from chimneys. The river is so powerful in this path because it connects all these things. It seems like a silent observer of the transformation of Pori into a livable city.

Rosenlew Headquarters

I walked along the river and admired the beautiful surroundings and visited Rosenlew Headquarters. The former Rosenlew headquarters is a crucial part of Pori’s industrial history. Factories represent hard work and production, but the headquarters represents the idea behind it all. Industry is not just about steel, engines, and machinery.

Industry is also about planning, management, and decision making. Plans were made, investments were approved, and policies were formulated from this headquarters, which later influenced Pori’s employment and economic development for many years. I stood in front of the headquarters and thought about the people who worked there. Their decisions were not just about a business. They affected the lives of the entire city.

Junnelius Palace

Just a short distance away from the Rosenlew headquarters, I found the Junnelius Palace. I was surprised to see it. The Junnelius Palace is a totally different sight from the factory buildings. This palace was constructed in the late 19th century in the neo-renaissance style. It symbolizes the wealth that was created through trade and industry. The intricate details and beautiful face of this palace reveal a different aspect of industrial success. It was amazing to see this palace after passing by brick factories and machine shops.

Pori’s Old Power Plant

The final destination on my Pipes of Pori route is the old power plant in Pori. This is what brings the whole story together. Electricity was an essential part of modern industry. Factories could not operate at full capacity without electricity generation. The structure exudes a sense of density and functionality that borders on a monument.

Standing there at the end of the route, I felt like I had finished a story. From the machinery at the Rosenlew Museum to the textile production, from the administrative offices to the architecture magazines and finally to electricity, everything ultimately depended on energy.

Walking the Pipes of Pori route has led me to change my perception of Pori. Now, Pori is more than a riverside city that hosts festivals and has beaches. It is a city of labor, innovation, and resilience. Chimneys, brick walls, and machine halls are more than just historical structures they are symbols of the people, effort, and vision that created modern Pori.

What makes this route special is its authenticity. It does not feel like a tourist attraction specifically prepared for tourists. You walk through the spaces, streets, and rivers that define a city shaped by industry and trade. In a few words, I recommend following the Pipes
of Pori cultural route to gain an insight into what Pori truly is. They tell the story of determination and industrial strength that built this city.

Text and pictures: Heshani Dissanayaka Mudiyanselage, student of International Tourism Management

Before I moved here to study at SAMK, my head was full of stereotypes about Finland. I expected a beautiful but ”frozen” country where people never talk and the sun never shines. But there is a huge difference between reading about a culture on Google and actually falling — literally — into it.

The Grocery Store Incident

I’ll never forget one of my first days in Finland. I went to the nearby K-Market and as I was reaching the cashier, I slipped on the floor and fell hard. My bags and all my stuff went flying everywhere. I remember the loud thud of my milk pocket hitting the floor and the sound of my coins rolling everywhere. In my home country, if this happens, ten people immediately run to you, grab your arms, and start asking a hundred questions.

But in that moment in Finland, everything went silent. For a second, I felt so embarrassed. I looked up, and nobody was touching me or rushing me. The cashier just calmly asked, ”Are you okay?” and waited for my answer. I was mortified. But also, strangely, I felt safe. 

At first, I thought, ”Why is no one helping me?” But then I realized something beautiful. They weren’t being cold or indifferent; they were giving me space to get up with my own dignity. They were worried—I could see it in their eyes—but they respected my personal boundaries so much that they didn’t want to invade my space unless I really needed it. That was my first real lesson: Finnish respect isn’t about being distant; it’s about a deep, quiet kind of care.

The University Reality

I expected SAMK to be very strict and formal. It’s the opposite. Calling professors by their first names was so strange for me at first, but it makes the atmosphere so much better. The focus is on practical learning, not just memorizing books. And the coffee culture! I’ve learned that in Finland, coffee is the fuel for everything.

Surviving the Dark

People warned me: ”You won’t see the sun for months!” Yes, it gets dark around 4 PM in the winter, which was not a shock and you learn to adapt. The city of Pori looks so cozy with all the lights. You just put on a warm jacket, grab a coffee, and keep going.

My Takeaway

Finland is a place where you are allowed to be yourself. If you fall, they’ll give you the space to stand up on your own, but they are there if you truly need a hand.

To me, that’s much more valuable than any loud or fake friendliness. Finland is a place that teaches you to be independent and respectful at the same time.

Text and picture: Azadeh Shoraka, International Tourism Management student

One day before leaving from my home country…

The suitcases were waiting for being closed with a lot of goods in it, some of them were trying to get rid of that suitcase as if they did not want to leave. Every corner of the house was with full of memories as if they were crying behind me.

This messy house was the reflection of my mind, thoughts, memories, relatives, friends, habits…  On the other hand, my messy mind had another side with a bright light such as my dreams, my future, my expectations, my family, safety, values, happiness… I decided to come to this white country months ago, but I did not know that leaving from my routine make me this upset.

I pushed myself to focus on my expectations to change my mood because I was moving to the happiest country in the world. I started to think about my dreams in this happiest country. I knew that my children would be happy and grow in peace. If a child comes to Finland as a tourist but had to stay there a bit longer, then s/he has right to go to a public school easily. Even reminding this respectful attitude towards the children was enough to make me relaxed. In this country parents do not have to think much on their children’s education. The education system of the country is shaping them according to capabilities of children.

Although I tried to focus on the positive sides of my moving, I could not stop myself thinking on some challenging situations such as language barriers of my children at school. They did not know any Finnish word, and I wondered how they would communicate with their teachers or friends, what if they would not be happy about moving.

In addition, my studies at the university would directly start and I was worried about not being able to be successful at the age of forties. I knew that Finland is one of the universities that there is no limitation on age of studying so that I tried to be calm down and just go on what I want.

Being in stress free environment, reaching my goals step by step by within my pace, having new knowledge that I have never heard before, meeting new people canalized me feeling excited and increased my curiosity for the university life. With this messy mind and full of emotion and information, I managed to close all suitcases to start my path.

First Wink

Finland welcomed me with an amazing view and surprizing weather that I did not get used to in my home country. The temperature was in minus degrees, and it was snowing. When I reached Pori, the streets were full of lights after Christmas.

The city was not noisy even though it was Saturday evening. It was not surprising because I had already known that Pori is only crowded and noisy in the summer times and Finnish people care about the silence except from the ice hockey matches.

Before coming to Finland, I searched that Finnish people also care trust more than anything, but while during looking for a flat and renting it, I understand that reliance is a lifestyle here and it could not be understandable by reading from any source. I could not believe when the estate agent gave me the four keys of the houses and let me go to see the houses on my own; or I could not believe when my landlord let us to live in the house without any payment because of the bank issues.

On the following days the weather continued to surprise me. I saw the minus twenty-two degrees and walked over the frozen river for the first time in my life. Don’t worry! I was not directly on the ice; there were bridges over the river. But, for a Mediterranean person, the feeling was amazing even in the middle of the bridge over a frozen river.

One week later our arrival to the city, my children started to school. Surprisingly, there were not paper issues, waiting for the official registrations or else. They just started their school with an e-mail, and they came back from the school with a big smile on their faces.

I was anxious about the language barriers, but it was not like I though. Here everybody knows English except from some of the elderly people. My children use English to communicate with their friends, and I felt relaxed about it. Everyday, they share something interesting for them after school and the desire of going to school can be seen from their eyes. Reality about the education life for my children is beyond my expectations. 

On the other hand, I started my courses with a nice welcome at the university. The university foresaw the possible challenging situations for the international students and took precautions for them. They were well prepared with student mentors in the orientation days. They were so kind and helpful like professionals.

Meeting new people, learning new things, being occupied with something that I like made me younger and more energetic. I have a lot of friends from all over the world with different ages. I never give up pushing myself for taking one step more to the front and I think Finland is the correct place to make my dreams come true in my own pace.

Text and photos: Eda Guvenc, International Tourism Management student