Before I landed to Finland, I had a definite idea on what I will have to see in the future. I had shaped my imagination through Instagram posts, winter documentaries, travel blogs, and several videos about Lapland. My expectation was to play winter games in the snow, make snowmen, see Santa Claus with reindeers and huskies, walk on the frozen lakes and many more snow activities.
I was not known that Finland is a country which has high level of humanity and more surprising things rather than the polished images and thoughts I had stored in my mind. Below I have mentioned few comparatives on expectations vs reality in Finland according to my personal experience and opinion.
Myth about the winter wonderland
I had a deep passion to walk through powder snow until the knee deep and I loved to see the people stand in their gardens to remove the snow. I expected to wear heavy winter cloths during months of deep like the fairy-tale we heard in childhood.
When I experienced the first winter, I disappointed by realising that all Finland is not looks like Lapland. Since we live in south part of Finland, the winter comes like episodes in a drama, one day there is snow, next day slush, then ice, in some day’s sunlight. But I love this unpredictable weather, because it has its own beauty. When we have sunlight occasionally in the winter, everywhere is completely white and silent; the picture with white and sunlight can occur heavenly feeling to me. I’m still enjoying the winter wonderland feeling with more textures, characters and realism rather than the picture I had in my head.
Endless natural beauty with greenery texture
This is one of the expectations which Finland has fulfilled. When I arrived in Finland, it was autumn season and I had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature with lots of trees, high number of lakes, and especially clean air. The reality related to the nature is more than hundred presents than the expectation. When I walk even in the city, I get the feeling that I am not so far from a quiet forest or a calm lake. The streets are extremely clean and gives me a meditative feeling. Since we are spending the winter season now, I could be able to know some nature related phenomenon such as soft, white snow gathers on pine trees, songs of the little birds in the distant forest, the lakes waiting for the spring, the flowers are trying to bloom out from the buds and more.
Finns are obviously silent, but they are genuine
As I heard before coming to Finland, Finnish people don’t even have a small talk with others, don’t make eye contacts and no conversations with strange people. Obviously, they value their own personal space, and I also used to do that. Nobody looks for another person’s personal things, and they don’t speak with anyone unless the topic is meaningful. No-one disturbing you while walking, travelling in public transportation, shopping or any other daily tasks. The most admirable thing is Finns don’t waste their words; however, it should be noted that they are warm, genuine and funny people.
Patience for seeing northern lights
It was a dream to see the northern lights shinning across the night dark sky. But it is bit difficult to see the northern lights in southern areas of Finland, it feels kind of treasure hunting. We must have a cloudless sky with a strong solar system, and most specially the luck. When you fulfil these requirements and overcome the barriers you can see that magical show in the sky, I would say that the excitement is unreal. You can imagine the enchanter of this entire world.
Finnish Cuisine and Beverages
Before I taste the Finnish food, I was thinking that why Finns eat this food, why do they boil every food, where are the spices, and why people are in love with rye bread? Afterwards, I realised Finnish food is simple and feel people comfortable. Now I have a list of my favourite Finnish foods including cinnamon buns, riisipiirakka, rye bread with cheese spread, salmon soup, and I can’t forget about Fazer chocolate. Also, I always remember to have a coffee as a usual habit, even after I have my main meals. Finnish people have a close relationship with coffee, because of its warm and welcoming nature.
Text and photos: Chathuri Eramuduange Gedara, International Tourism Management student