Hei!!
Since arriving in Tampere, FInland people have repeatedly asked me, "So, which is better? Finland or Canada?" My typical response would be, "It is not a matter of which is better, rather how we can learn from each other to make both better." Truth be told, this was my answer because I did not want to upset anyone. However, after being here for 4 months and experiencing various challenges, I have come to the realization that some things are better here and others are better in Canada. And, if we are to improve both then "best practices" must be identified, studied, implemented, evaluated, redesigned, implemented, evaluated again, and integrated into each society once desired outcomes are reached. At least this is what I think. I preface the following by stating that I am not an expert in anything but my own experiences. I am also not criticizing but simply stating areas of experience that proved challenging or that did not sit well with my own ethical values. Lastly, I came here to learn and a significant part of learning is dependent upon one's ability to compare and critique. So, here goes...
Finalnd: The Good
1. The State. Most Finns that I have spoken with believe that it is only natural for the "State" to take care of its citizens. Questions of having to save for retirement or keep a "just-in-case-of-emergency fund" are so new that most people do not have retirement saving plans or extensive savings (Note: The argument that getting far ahead of the crowd is impossible because wages are not high enough and the cost of living is too high can also be reasons for not being able to save money). Many people also believe that you should work just enough to be able to obtain the basics (e.g., food, clothing, shelter) and have some fun. Why work for more if the State provides?
2. Inclusion. State support is for everyone, not just the poor. This belief seems to be held by many people and it is important to recognize the impact of this belief. Because social services/welfare are for everyone there is less stigma associated with using services. For example, all people with children are entitled to free childcare, not just those who cannot afford it. Likewise, because these services are available for everyone there are more people to support the continuation of these services. Thus, the hope is that these services will not be cut as they have been in many parts of the world.
3. Dignity. I am not sure if Finns see what they do as dignifying but to me it is. One of the things that has impressed me the most is how well maintained and decorated agencies are, especially in comparison to the ones I have seen in Calgary. For example, most agencies I have seen in Tampere look like some sort of upper-class Ikea showroom. The chairs and couches all match, the curtains match the general color scheme, the carpets and floors are what you would dream of having for your own home, and everything is clean. Most agencies are located within buildings that are residential and commercial. They are often flats (i.e., apartments) that have been converted into offices. There are no big signs indicating that this is an agency for "MENTAL ILLNESS" or "HOMELESSNESS" or "VICTIMS OF SOMETHING". Perhaps all of this is related to the above. That is, services are for all, not just for the marginalized. It seems that in Canada, at least in Calgary, there is a belief that money should not be spent on things like comfortable couches because that money should be going towards services and what would the public think if money was spent on non-essentials like curtains. Although this has been slowly changing in Calgary there is still much further to go. After seeing what is done in Finland I am ashamed of knowing that one way to pick out a non-profit agency in Calgary is to look for the buildings that are poorly maintained, inside and out, in comparison to those around it. A little dignity can go a long way.
4. Community. I admit that at first I was quite annoyed with some of the agencies I was sent to visit because all they seemed to do was provide coffee and food for cheap. On the surface, this is true. However, when one takes time to examine all of this deeper, it becomes quite obvious as to how essential these "cafes" are. We all like to go out and have coffee with a friend and catch-up on what has been going. Perhaps some of like going for coffee to people-watch or to simply feel like we are part of society. Regardless of what the reason is, at the end of the day it is social...we are looking for someone to interact with society. Over time, these cafes become a community. You begin to learn who the "regulars" are, you have your favorite place to sit, and the coffee "girl" or "guy" knows that you like whipped cream on everything. All of these things may seem trivial and non-essential but consider the fact that for some people this is as close at it gets to having a family and some feeling of belonging. What I like best about all of these places in Tampere is that everyone goes to these places. You do not have to have something "wrong" with you, rather, you just need to know where these cafes are located and you are welcome to come in. If we could pay for lunch at these type of places, how many of us would go have lunch at The Mustard Seed or The Calgary Drop-in Centre?
Finland: The Not-So-Good
1. Lack of color. This is perhaps the most shocking thing of being in Tampere. I have never been looked at so much in my life. I stand out everywhere I go and people look at me like I am some sort of alien. I cannot imagine being black or any shade darker than my own in this society. I think I would lock myself in my room and never come out!! This is especially shocking to me because I come from a city that is considered significantly less colorful than areas such as Toronto or Vancouver. You would assume that being looked at in this manner happens in Calgary to me but it doesn't. Not only do I feel completely out of place and unwelcomed here but I also feel insignificant. I imagine that other foreigners, especially those trying to make Finland their home, must feel this way too.
2. Lack of willingness to compromise. Finland seems to be a country bound by rules and laws. If a store is set to close at 6:00PM then the doors are locked at 5:55PM and there is no way you are getting in. If something is written down on paper it cannot be changed. If you do not know perfect Finnish, there is no way of getting a job. I find this extremely frustrating and almost backwards. There are always exceptions to the rules.
3. Lack of experience working with foreigners. Although this is a historical issue pertaining to the fact that Finland has only recently opened itself up to larger scale immigration and acceptance of refugees, it is still a negative working against anyone trying to enter this society. Daily practices are not foreigner-friendly and there is a general lack of understanding as to why some practices may cause distress. For example, Finnish people are very independent and believe that one must fend for one's self. This translates into services and professionals working within those services approaching foreigners in a manner that can be taken as cold, disinterested, and indifferent. Ultimately, this makes interaction with people and services difficult when one comes from culture that is more collectivist.
4. Belief in independence and individualism. As mentioned, Finns are very independent and there is a belief that even children must learn to be independent and individualistic at a young age. I agree that this is important but there must also be a balance between independence and dependence and individualistic and collectivist beliefs. Apparently, there are more Finns living alone than living with family or friends. A sign of success is to live alone. There is also a very high rate of alcoholism in Finland and there is a common joke that if you want to get a Finn to speak or show emotion just get him/her drinking. Perhaps the two are related...either way, I think it is a challenge for Finns to open up and I personally think that this is partially due to the belief that one must deal with problems alone. I do not claim that this problem does not exist in Canada but in comparison it seems greatly reduced.
Obviously there are many other good things and many other things that pose a challenge to Finland. Many of these issues exist in Canada. This is only a brief summary of some of the things have left an impression on me. I am sure more are to come.
Much love!!
Bug
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Home is where the heart is...
Hei!!
Only 11 days until home!! Yeah!! I am oddly saddened by the thought of leaving because I am going back to face the reality of fitting in family, friends, a case study and defense, work, furnishing a house, and finishing wedding plans. Not sure if sleeping or eating will have to be moved to the "If time permits..." category. However, I am looking forward to returning to my life. I am going back much more thankful and appreciative of the people and things that make my life so incredible.
Geoff arrived last Friday and it was quite the stressful day for both of us. Geoff had problems with his flights starting in Chicago and after being diverted to Vienna and Helsinki he made it to Tampere. Over thirty hours to get here!! I think both of us are secretly wishing we could stay in Finland simply to avoid the "gotta-get-home-for-Christmas" traveling madness!!
So far, we have gone to Tallinn, Estonia. We stayed for the weekend and it was wonderful. Jacqueline, the cool death exhibit at St. Nicholas' Church is gone!! I talked it up so much to Geoff and we get there and it was gone!! Naisten Pood!! There was an outdoor Christmas market with lots of locally made goods being sold. We ate at the cheese restaurant...words cannot describe the taste explosions that happened in my mouth!! Our server there was absolutely fantastic...the best wine service I have ever had!! We hit a couple of museums and walked around town. Geoff managed to find jeans for $20 CND!! We also ate at a medieval restaurant. Geoff had wild boar and a herbed beer and I had pork marinated in beer and a drink called "Healing drops with herbs"...it was very strong Estonian liquor!! I think I was slurring my words by the end of the meal!! All in all, a wonderful time. I think Tallinn will forever be ingrained in my memory because I shared it with two people I love dearly.
Tampere has proven to be a bit of a bust. I think this is partly due to the fact that Geoff is severely jet-lagged and I am getting a cold. Yeah!! Just in time for Barcelona (we leave in 2 days) and for traveling back home. We went to O'Connell's Irish Pub the other night and Geoff had some tasty Guinness; it apparently rivals the Guinness at the Jame's Joyce on 4th. This is where I found out that I now have a huge HDTV at home. Yup, in his haste, Geoff went out and bought a big television. The worst part of it all is that my mother has known for 4 months and she hasn't said a word!! I feel completely betrayed...I always knew my mom liked Geoff better than me!! Okay, totally kidding but let's just say that the shock still hasn't worn off. I am slightly scared to leave the country again...I could come home to a new car or a cage of fighting!! Jon, don't get any ideas!!
I apologize but I don't have any pictures to add because they are all on Geoff's camera.
I hope that the Christmas spirit has hit everyone back home and that someone will have pity on me and bake me some yummy Christmas cookies for when I get back. Oh, guess what?? I know my christmas present from Geoff...I am getting a puppy!! YEAH!! I am sharing this with the world just in case he decides to change his mind. He can't go back now!! I have always wanted a puppy for Christmas!
Much love!!
Bug
Only 11 days until home!! Yeah!! I am oddly saddened by the thought of leaving because I am going back to face the reality of fitting in family, friends, a case study and defense, work, furnishing a house, and finishing wedding plans. Not sure if sleeping or eating will have to be moved to the "If time permits..." category. However, I am looking forward to returning to my life. I am going back much more thankful and appreciative of the people and things that make my life so incredible.
Geoff arrived last Friday and it was quite the stressful day for both of us. Geoff had problems with his flights starting in Chicago and after being diverted to Vienna and Helsinki he made it to Tampere. Over thirty hours to get here!! I think both of us are secretly wishing we could stay in Finland simply to avoid the "gotta-get-home-for-Christmas" traveling madness!!
So far, we have gone to Tallinn, Estonia. We stayed for the weekend and it was wonderful. Jacqueline, the cool death exhibit at St. Nicholas' Church is gone!! I talked it up so much to Geoff and we get there and it was gone!! Naisten Pood!! There was an outdoor Christmas market with lots of locally made goods being sold. We ate at the cheese restaurant...words cannot describe the taste explosions that happened in my mouth!! Our server there was absolutely fantastic...the best wine service I have ever had!! We hit a couple of museums and walked around town. Geoff managed to find jeans for $20 CND!! We also ate at a medieval restaurant. Geoff had wild boar and a herbed beer and I had pork marinated in beer and a drink called "Healing drops with herbs"...it was very strong Estonian liquor!! I think I was slurring my words by the end of the meal!! All in all, a wonderful time. I think Tallinn will forever be ingrained in my memory because I shared it with two people I love dearly.
Tampere has proven to be a bit of a bust. I think this is partly due to the fact that Geoff is severely jet-lagged and I am getting a cold. Yeah!! Just in time for Barcelona (we leave in 2 days) and for traveling back home. We went to O'Connell's Irish Pub the other night and Geoff had some tasty Guinness; it apparently rivals the Guinness at the Jame's Joyce on 4th. This is where I found out that I now have a huge HDTV at home. Yup, in his haste, Geoff went out and bought a big television. The worst part of it all is that my mother has known for 4 months and she hasn't said a word!! I feel completely betrayed...I always knew my mom liked Geoff better than me!! Okay, totally kidding but let's just say that the shock still hasn't worn off. I am slightly scared to leave the country again...I could come home to a new car or a cage of fighting!! Jon, don't get any ideas!!
I apologize but I don't have any pictures to add because they are all on Geoff's camera.
I hope that the Christmas spirit has hit everyone back home and that someone will have pity on me and bake me some yummy Christmas cookies for when I get back. Oh, guess what?? I know my christmas present from Geoff...I am getting a puppy!! YEAH!! I am sharing this with the world just in case he decides to change his mind. He can't go back now!! I have always wanted a puppy for Christmas!
Much love!!
Bug
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Christmas around town
Hei!!
Ruchel and I decided to check out a small Christmas market near the centre of Tampere. It is near Tampella, apparently an old factory of either paper or shoes (can't remember which!!). The surrounding houses belonged to the owners of the company. The side of the houses facing the factory are plain while the side facing away from the factory is decorated with beautiful carvings and paintings. Apparently this was done to make the workers think that no one was making more money than needed. Not sure if it worked because I am sure at least one worker must have walked to the other side of the houses!! We managed to get some small goodies to bring back and we also enjoyed a very large crepe with strawberry sauce. We wanted to share one as they were quite large so we told the nice old man to please sell us one. He did...but he charged us for two!! He looked so nice!!
Decorated side of the house. Sorry, I didn't take a picture of the other side because it didn't look like much!!
The picture isn't very good but we came across some chocolate-loving sheep. They didn't want anything to do with us until I pulled out my chocolate. All of a sudden both of them were trying to get at my small piece!! I wasn't in a mood to share so they turned their back on me after a few minutes. Silly sheep!!
Never judge a book by its cover!!
Yesterday I went to the Mayor's Independence Day Reception at City Hall. It was quite a nice event. The mayor greeted all of the international students and he made a good effort to give his speech in English. There was also some opera singer who performed, however, I was too short to see!! The building is incredible and I could not stop taking pictures. Apparently, there are not many buildings like this one in Finland. Most buildings are not decorated as much as this...not sure why.
Ceiling in the lobby.
Chandelier in the main hall. Incredible!!
The table with Finnish finger foods. I have decided that salted herring is definitely not for me. I have tried it twice and I am now giving up. The rice/cheese/rye pastries were delicious and the "juice" was strong...I think it had a lot of vodka!!
It reminded me of Tony's move during his fight in Lethbridge. Is it called a suplex??
Beautiful sculpture.
Ruchel enjoying a Finnish pastry.
I want one!!
I think I could be in politics!!
Looking down into the main hall.
There are many, many more pictures but too much of a good thing is bad!!
Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the holiday season. Only 21 days left until Christmas!!
Much love!!
Bug
Ruchel and I decided to check out a small Christmas market near the centre of Tampere. It is near Tampella, apparently an old factory of either paper or shoes (can't remember which!!). The surrounding houses belonged to the owners of the company. The side of the houses facing the factory are plain while the side facing away from the factory is decorated with beautiful carvings and paintings. Apparently this was done to make the workers think that no one was making more money than needed. Not sure if it worked because I am sure at least one worker must have walked to the other side of the houses!! We managed to get some small goodies to bring back and we also enjoyed a very large crepe with strawberry sauce. We wanted to share one as they were quite large so we told the nice old man to please sell us one. He did...but he charged us for two!! He looked so nice!!
Decorated side of the house. Sorry, I didn't take a picture of the other side because it didn't look like much!!
The picture isn't very good but we came across some chocolate-loving sheep. They didn't want anything to do with us until I pulled out my chocolate. All of a sudden both of them were trying to get at my small piece!! I wasn't in a mood to share so they turned their back on me after a few minutes. Silly sheep!!
Never judge a book by its cover!!
Yesterday I went to the Mayor's Independence Day Reception at City Hall. It was quite a nice event. The mayor greeted all of the international students and he made a good effort to give his speech in English. There was also some opera singer who performed, however, I was too short to see!! The building is incredible and I could not stop taking pictures. Apparently, there are not many buildings like this one in Finland. Most buildings are not decorated as much as this...not sure why.
Ceiling in the lobby.
Chandelier in the main hall. Incredible!!
The table with Finnish finger foods. I have decided that salted herring is definitely not for me. I have tried it twice and I am now giving up. The rice/cheese/rye pastries were delicious and the "juice" was strong...I think it had a lot of vodka!!
It reminded me of Tony's move during his fight in Lethbridge. Is it called a suplex??
Beautiful sculpture.
Ruchel enjoying a Finnish pastry.
I want one!!
I think I could be in politics!!
Looking down into the main hall.
There are many, many more pictures but too much of a good thing is bad!!
Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the holiday season. Only 21 days left until Christmas!!
Much love!!
Bug
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Santa is expensive!!
Hei!!
I hope that everyone is doing well. It feels like it has been a long time since I last updated my blog...my apologies. The last week or so has been quite busy and most of it with limited internet access. Amazing how much I missed the internet!!
My trip to Rovaniemi began with saying goodbye to two of the most incredible ladies I have met on my adventure in Finland. Stephanie and Elaine opened their hearts and their home to me when I didn't know what to do. Finland was rather rough at the start and I probably would have gone home had it not been for them. I have no words to express how thankful I am to both of them. You ladies are amazing and I will never forget you. Thank you for all of the wonderful memories!! I hope that both of you are enjoying being back in Ottawa with your family and friends. I hope your trip back to Finland is safe and that you continue to spread your wings.
Stephanie and Elaine at our last dinner together in Finland. We had some pretty yummy Thai food!! And it wasn't done Finnish style!!
Ruchel and I on the other side of the table. Ruchel is another incredibly lady I have met out here.
The Canadian foursome.
My trip to Rovaniemi began in the most expected manner. After pulling my large suitcase all the way to the railway station (approximately 2.5km), I made it onto the train and found my seat. I was getting comfortable when all of a sudden there was a loud bang and it sounded like a body hit the floor. To my surprise (not really...this is Finland) there was a body on the floor. Some Finnish guy apparently had too much to drink and he fell out of his seat while sleeping. A sober person would probably wake up upon hitting the floor but I guess this doesn't hold true for someone who has indulged greatly. After 5 minutes of him not getting up I started thinking that something wasn't right...after about one hour I started thinking that perhaps this guy was dead. The ticket collectors walked over him repeatedly until this point. People were laughing and many, including myself, took pictures. The ticket collectors tried waking him up and it took quite a long time. He finally woke up after one of the ticket collectors smacked him really hard on the face. After some more laughter the train quieted and I tried to get some sleep. I have to admit that traveling cheaply is not that much fun...I completely understand why people get cabins with beds. Perhaps next time...
I couldn't resist!! He's not dead, just really, really drunk!!
Rovaniemi is a rather small town much like any northern town in Canada. Thankfully, due to its size I was able to find the guesthouse in which I was staying in rather easily. Unfortunately though, I had to pull my large suitcase up a sizeable hill in the snow to get there!! It's quite a good workout!! The family running the guesthouse are very nice and they have the most beautiful dog. She is a Laphound and I want one!! After arriving, having a shower, and getting dressed I headed off to find the Reception Centre for Asylum Seekers. My purpose in going to Rovaniemi was to visit the centre and learn about what they do and the conditions in which asylum seekers live. After getting significantly lost, I arrived at the centre about an hour late. The staff were quite welcoming and I was invited to join one of the workers who helps the children staying at the centre with their homework. I spent my afternoon helping two Nigerian girls spell words in English so that they could associate them with equivalent Finnish words. At the end of the day, I said goodbye and headed off to the bus stop. To my great disappointment I was the only other person there beside a drunk man in his 60s. He was yelling at me in Finnish and he kept coming closer as he yelled. I thought I should inform him that I do not understand Finnish in the hopes that he would stop yelling. Sadly, he also spoke English and he proceeded to tell me that he had a secret to tell me. I thought he was going to tell me that he was going to kill me...he had a very strange stare. I thought, "Well, there is a huge forest behind the bus stop and no one knows me here so no one would miss me until Friday when Ruchel expects me back in Tampere. By then, a bear or wolf would have eaten my body and no one will ever know what happened to me." Just as the tears were about to come Geoff called me and the drunk guy backed off. The bus came shortly after and one of the workers from the centre jumped on. He was very nice and he helped me find the guesthouse. I spent a quiet night reading and listening to music...the thought of going out late at night was too much for me to handle!!
Appetizer: Cream of mushroom soup (Chanterelle mushrooms) with rye bread
Main course: Traditional reindeer (pan-fried) with mashed potatoes, Chanterelle mushroom sauce, and lingon berry sauce.
Kritee's main course: Reindeer steak and grilled Salmon on a skewer with mashed potatoes and Chanterelle mustroom sauce.
Dessert: Creme brule with cloudberry sauce and a pineapple cherry. The best creme brule I have ever tasted!!
The next two days were spent at the centre, speaking with staff about their work, challenges, rewards, and beliefs. It was quite interesting to discuss beliefs because some workers did not like asylum seekers and felt that they come to take advantage of the Finnish system. One worker felt that asylum seekers should not seek asylum but rather obtain tourist visas or work/student permits to enter the country. He failed to acknowledge that most asylum seekers do not have the requirements necessary to obtain these permits such as money in the bank, traveler's insurance, a return ticket, etc. He didn't seem to think these facts posed any problem. Others believe that asylum seekers are in need of help and that they are good people caught in bad situations created by those in power in their home countries. Other workers didn't seem to care much and viewed this simply as a job. My final visit to the centre allowed me to see how asylum seekers are housed. The reception centre in Rovaniemi is quite different from the one that used to exist in Tampere. Most reception centres in Finland are old institutional buildings that require minimal renovations. Therefore, old hospitals, dormitories, and schools are typically used. The centre in Tampere was an old police academy. The centre in Rovaniemi is quite different in that asylum seekers were housed in flats (apartments) distributed throughout the less expensive areas of the city. Although this is a step in the right direction, that is, people are more physically integrated into society by not being segregated into one large, identifiable building, the flats are in rundown buildings, managed by landlords that do not care, and they are far from the centre. The flats are also a considerable distance from the office of the reception centre where asylum seekers can visit the nurse, social worker, advisors, and obtain their weekly financial benefit. The flats typically house two adults or families and most have two single beds, two chairs, and one small table. I understand that countries cannot invest large amounts of money on an undesirable population, however, having people live in substandard housing is not right either. Furthermore, asylum seekers are not supposed to be integrated into society. They are given the minimum requirements dictated by various treaties, directives, and conventions, which results in asylum seekers having Finnish language lessons twice per week and a quick overview of their rights and responsibilities within Finland. It is thought that their daily ventures such as shopping at the grocery store or taking the bus will result in integration. The issue with this is that it doesn't work and most asylum seekers spend years in various countries waiting for asylum to be granted, never really belonging anywhere. I cannot imagine jumping from one country to the next, hoping that some person in some office will actually read my file and find some compassion for my story and allow me to stay. I wonder if the people in these offices and the people creating all of these different life-determining treaties and conventions can imagine a life without any security, minimal rights, and extremely limited opportunities for living rather than simply surviving?
My last day in Rovaniemi was spent visiting the Santa Clause Village and the Artikum Museum. The Santa Clause Village is a tourist trap that consists of many stores selling virtually the same souvenirs, Santa's workshop, Santa's post office, and a marker identifying the Artic Circle. A picture with Santa costs 43 Euro, that is approximately $63 CND!! Crazy!! The $20 picture at the mall in Canada seems like a good deal now!! I thought that if I left Rovaniemi, the official town of Christmas in Finland, without seeing the Santa Clause Village that I would regret it. I do not regret seeing it but I do regret missing the 2:40PM bus out of there because I had to spend a whole other hour listening to twangy, nightmarish Christmas music that was being pumped out of every speaker in the village!!
The biggest snowman I have ever seen!! He may only have one arm but he is still the best snowman I have seen!! This is Lordi Square named after the winners of Eurovision (kinda like American Idol).
The knife store in the Santa Clause Village where I bought the knife my dad has been waiting for since January.
Crazy hat I found at the Santa Claus Village. Jacqueline, this picture is for you!!
The hard-working elves at Santa's post office.
At the Artic Circle. The light beaming from my arm is from a reflector. Apparently there is a Finnish law that everyone must wear a reflector. This law was apparently passed after too many people being run over by cars at night, especially during the winter. The police won't fine you but they can tell you to go buy one.
At the Artic Circle marker.
Continuation of the Artic Circle marker. You can see Santa's house and workshop in the background.
Goofing off at Santa's Village.
This store summed up the whole experience. Santa Village is just another place to shop.
The Artikum museum was quite a disappointment. I arrived and only had 40 minutes to see it, however, within 20 minutes I was ready to go. One exhibit was called the Ice Cave and it looked more like some weird spaceship from some children's television show. It had several experimental components, however, most of them were rather silly. One consisted of a hole in which you put your hand in to feel the effects of wind chill. Now, I'm not a genius or anything but this is the Artic Circle and standing outside is perhaps the best way to feel the effects of wind chill!! It didn't help that the wind in the hole wasn't cold. After this, I found another hole that was basically a box covered in tin foil with a television screen at the back showing a chunk of iceberg falling into the ocean. No explanation was attached to this one...not sure why it was there!! At this point, I was ready to go but then one of the employees said that there were only 20 minutes left and that I had to go to the other exhibit on the Saami people. Off I went. I found a very small corridor with some traditional Saami dress, weapons, daily living instruments such as bowls, knives, etc. I was hoping for more information but there wasn't much...I am hoping that I missed an entire section of the museum due to time. The last exhibit that I saw was about life in Finland in the 1800's and early 1900's. I left after finding a stuffed moose labelled as an elk and a bear labeled simply as a "bear" rather than Grizzly bear. I think that the Finns should learn from the Estonians because the museums in Tallinn are not only much better but most of them are free!!
After a long day, I jumped back on the train and tried to sleep until arriving in Tampere. It was the longest 10 hours of my life!! This train had a bar in one of the cars and this resulted in the whole train smelling like vodka and many drunk Finns yelling and wandering aimlessly around the train. I strongly considered jumping off the train and walking back to Tampere!! Obviously, this was not an option so I found some Robaxacet Platinum in my bag, took two pills, and hoped that they would kick in quickly, take the pain in my neck away, and help me sleep!!
This was my great adventure in the North. Perhaps partly a misadventure but I am happy to have gone.
My handmade calendar. I am coming home soon!!
Much love to you all!!
Bug
I hope that everyone is doing well. It feels like it has been a long time since I last updated my blog...my apologies. The last week or so has been quite busy and most of it with limited internet access. Amazing how much I missed the internet!!
My trip to Rovaniemi began with saying goodbye to two of the most incredible ladies I have met on my adventure in Finland. Stephanie and Elaine opened their hearts and their home to me when I didn't know what to do. Finland was rather rough at the start and I probably would have gone home had it not been for them. I have no words to express how thankful I am to both of them. You ladies are amazing and I will never forget you. Thank you for all of the wonderful memories!! I hope that both of you are enjoying being back in Ottawa with your family and friends. I hope your trip back to Finland is safe and that you continue to spread your wings.
Stephanie and Elaine at our last dinner together in Finland. We had some pretty yummy Thai food!! And it wasn't done Finnish style!!
Ruchel and I on the other side of the table. Ruchel is another incredibly lady I have met out here.
The Canadian foursome.
My trip to Rovaniemi began in the most expected manner. After pulling my large suitcase all the way to the railway station (approximately 2.5km), I made it onto the train and found my seat. I was getting comfortable when all of a sudden there was a loud bang and it sounded like a body hit the floor. To my surprise (not really...this is Finland) there was a body on the floor. Some Finnish guy apparently had too much to drink and he fell out of his seat while sleeping. A sober person would probably wake up upon hitting the floor but I guess this doesn't hold true for someone who has indulged greatly. After 5 minutes of him not getting up I started thinking that something wasn't right...after about one hour I started thinking that perhaps this guy was dead. The ticket collectors walked over him repeatedly until this point. People were laughing and many, including myself, took pictures. The ticket collectors tried waking him up and it took quite a long time. He finally woke up after one of the ticket collectors smacked him really hard on the face. After some more laughter the train quieted and I tried to get some sleep. I have to admit that traveling cheaply is not that much fun...I completely understand why people get cabins with beds. Perhaps next time...
I couldn't resist!! He's not dead, just really, really drunk!!
Rovaniemi is a rather small town much like any northern town in Canada. Thankfully, due to its size I was able to find the guesthouse in which I was staying in rather easily. Unfortunately though, I had to pull my large suitcase up a sizeable hill in the snow to get there!! It's quite a good workout!! The family running the guesthouse are very nice and they have the most beautiful dog. She is a Laphound and I want one!! After arriving, having a shower, and getting dressed I headed off to find the Reception Centre for Asylum Seekers. My purpose in going to Rovaniemi was to visit the centre and learn about what they do and the conditions in which asylum seekers live. After getting significantly lost, I arrived at the centre about an hour late. The staff were quite welcoming and I was invited to join one of the workers who helps the children staying at the centre with their homework. I spent my afternoon helping two Nigerian girls spell words in English so that they could associate them with equivalent Finnish words. At the end of the day, I said goodbye and headed off to the bus stop. To my great disappointment I was the only other person there beside a drunk man in his 60s. He was yelling at me in Finnish and he kept coming closer as he yelled. I thought I should inform him that I do not understand Finnish in the hopes that he would stop yelling. Sadly, he also spoke English and he proceeded to tell me that he had a secret to tell me. I thought he was going to tell me that he was going to kill me...he had a very strange stare. I thought, "Well, there is a huge forest behind the bus stop and no one knows me here so no one would miss me until Friday when Ruchel expects me back in Tampere. By then, a bear or wolf would have eaten my body and no one will ever know what happened to me." Just as the tears were about to come Geoff called me and the drunk guy backed off. The bus came shortly after and one of the workers from the centre jumped on. He was very nice and he helped me find the guesthouse. I spent a quiet night reading and listening to music...the thought of going out late at night was too much for me to handle!!
Appetizer: Cream of mushroom soup (Chanterelle mushrooms) with rye bread
Main course: Traditional reindeer (pan-fried) with mashed potatoes, Chanterelle mushroom sauce, and lingon berry sauce.
Kritee's main course: Reindeer steak and grilled Salmon on a skewer with mashed potatoes and Chanterelle mustroom sauce.
Dessert: Creme brule with cloudberry sauce and a pineapple cherry. The best creme brule I have ever tasted!!
The next two days were spent at the centre, speaking with staff about their work, challenges, rewards, and beliefs. It was quite interesting to discuss beliefs because some workers did not like asylum seekers and felt that they come to take advantage of the Finnish system. One worker felt that asylum seekers should not seek asylum but rather obtain tourist visas or work/student permits to enter the country. He failed to acknowledge that most asylum seekers do not have the requirements necessary to obtain these permits such as money in the bank, traveler's insurance, a return ticket, etc. He didn't seem to think these facts posed any problem. Others believe that asylum seekers are in need of help and that they are good people caught in bad situations created by those in power in their home countries. Other workers didn't seem to care much and viewed this simply as a job. My final visit to the centre allowed me to see how asylum seekers are housed. The reception centre in Rovaniemi is quite different from the one that used to exist in Tampere. Most reception centres in Finland are old institutional buildings that require minimal renovations. Therefore, old hospitals, dormitories, and schools are typically used. The centre in Tampere was an old police academy. The centre in Rovaniemi is quite different in that asylum seekers were housed in flats (apartments) distributed throughout the less expensive areas of the city. Although this is a step in the right direction, that is, people are more physically integrated into society by not being segregated into one large, identifiable building, the flats are in rundown buildings, managed by landlords that do not care, and they are far from the centre. The flats are also a considerable distance from the office of the reception centre where asylum seekers can visit the nurse, social worker, advisors, and obtain their weekly financial benefit. The flats typically house two adults or families and most have two single beds, two chairs, and one small table. I understand that countries cannot invest large amounts of money on an undesirable population, however, having people live in substandard housing is not right either. Furthermore, asylum seekers are not supposed to be integrated into society. They are given the minimum requirements dictated by various treaties, directives, and conventions, which results in asylum seekers having Finnish language lessons twice per week and a quick overview of their rights and responsibilities within Finland. It is thought that their daily ventures such as shopping at the grocery store or taking the bus will result in integration. The issue with this is that it doesn't work and most asylum seekers spend years in various countries waiting for asylum to be granted, never really belonging anywhere. I cannot imagine jumping from one country to the next, hoping that some person in some office will actually read my file and find some compassion for my story and allow me to stay. I wonder if the people in these offices and the people creating all of these different life-determining treaties and conventions can imagine a life without any security, minimal rights, and extremely limited opportunities for living rather than simply surviving?
My last day in Rovaniemi was spent visiting the Santa Clause Village and the Artikum Museum. The Santa Clause Village is a tourist trap that consists of many stores selling virtually the same souvenirs, Santa's workshop, Santa's post office, and a marker identifying the Artic Circle. A picture with Santa costs 43 Euro, that is approximately $63 CND!! Crazy!! The $20 picture at the mall in Canada seems like a good deal now!! I thought that if I left Rovaniemi, the official town of Christmas in Finland, without seeing the Santa Clause Village that I would regret it. I do not regret seeing it but I do regret missing the 2:40PM bus out of there because I had to spend a whole other hour listening to twangy, nightmarish Christmas music that was being pumped out of every speaker in the village!!
The biggest snowman I have ever seen!! He may only have one arm but he is still the best snowman I have seen!! This is Lordi Square named after the winners of Eurovision (kinda like American Idol).
The knife store in the Santa Clause Village where I bought the knife my dad has been waiting for since January.
Crazy hat I found at the Santa Claus Village. Jacqueline, this picture is for you!!
The hard-working elves at Santa's post office.
At the Artic Circle. The light beaming from my arm is from a reflector. Apparently there is a Finnish law that everyone must wear a reflector. This law was apparently passed after too many people being run over by cars at night, especially during the winter. The police won't fine you but they can tell you to go buy one.
At the Artic Circle marker.
Continuation of the Artic Circle marker. You can see Santa's house and workshop in the background.
Goofing off at Santa's Village.
This store summed up the whole experience. Santa Village is just another place to shop.
The Artikum museum was quite a disappointment. I arrived and only had 40 minutes to see it, however, within 20 minutes I was ready to go. One exhibit was called the Ice Cave and it looked more like some weird spaceship from some children's television show. It had several experimental components, however, most of them were rather silly. One consisted of a hole in which you put your hand in to feel the effects of wind chill. Now, I'm not a genius or anything but this is the Artic Circle and standing outside is perhaps the best way to feel the effects of wind chill!! It didn't help that the wind in the hole wasn't cold. After this, I found another hole that was basically a box covered in tin foil with a television screen at the back showing a chunk of iceberg falling into the ocean. No explanation was attached to this one...not sure why it was there!! At this point, I was ready to go but then one of the employees said that there were only 20 minutes left and that I had to go to the other exhibit on the Saami people. Off I went. I found a very small corridor with some traditional Saami dress, weapons, daily living instruments such as bowls, knives, etc. I was hoping for more information but there wasn't much...I am hoping that I missed an entire section of the museum due to time. The last exhibit that I saw was about life in Finland in the 1800's and early 1900's. I left after finding a stuffed moose labelled as an elk and a bear labeled simply as a "bear" rather than Grizzly bear. I think that the Finns should learn from the Estonians because the museums in Tallinn are not only much better but most of them are free!!
After a long day, I jumped back on the train and tried to sleep until arriving in Tampere. It was the longest 10 hours of my life!! This train had a bar in one of the cars and this resulted in the whole train smelling like vodka and many drunk Finns yelling and wandering aimlessly around the train. I strongly considered jumping off the train and walking back to Tampere!! Obviously, this was not an option so I found some Robaxacet Platinum in my bag, took two pills, and hoped that they would kick in quickly, take the pain in my neck away, and help me sleep!!
This was my great adventure in the North. Perhaps partly a misadventure but I am happy to have gone.
My handmade calendar. I am coming home soon!!
Much love to you all!!
Bug
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