I think we’ve all dealt with illiteracy before in one form or another. I’ve come to hit this wall extremely hard in Finland. Finnish is a language which resembles no other language other than its own. It is a language which is completely useless outside its own country. The sounds of it are like a drunk russian with a lisp. Making you do sounds and things I’ve never done before, and I’m pretty sure my tongue pulled a muscle on some words. I knew it was coming, but its the biggest culture shock I’ve ever know.
The trip to Rovaniemi was long, hard, and exhausting. My flight to Amsterdam was set back by two hours due to a mechanical issue, and even when I was on the plane, my 70 some year old neighbor from Florida had more stories than all the Chicken Noodle Soup for the Soul books combined. On top of that he couldn’t hear, so trying to talk with him was pointless so I just listened. Getting off my final plane in Rovaniemi from the 24 hour travel day was filled with mixed emotions. Excited, nervous, sad, but everything was quickly resolved when my friend Paula arrived at the airport dress from head to toe in snow gear and all I could see was her face. I knew it was her since she was the only finnish person walking in with a smile.
Walking outside the airport was interesting since I’ve never experienced -20 F before. Paula told me, “You may want to put your hood up.” I obliged, but the cold was not as bad I though it would be. When we arrived to my apartment Paula unzips her coat reaches inside the pocket of her sweatshirt and pulls out two bananas. I’m not sure why she was keeping them in her pocket, she mentioned something so they wouldn’t freeze. I didn’t question the gift as this was the first food I’ve really seen in Finland. Paula gave me several things that I would need while I’m in Finland. A pillow, comforter, pots, pans, mixing bowls, seasonings, and some food so I wouldn’t go hungry. I took a sleeping pill since I was still on Michigan time and I was soon fast asleep over 4,000 miles from home not even sure of where the University is. Those were worries for the next day though.
The next day I wake up at 7:15 local time and took a shower, ate a banana put on my cold gear and head for the school. I run into several different kinds from everywhere in Europe. Belgium, Austria, Germany, Italy, and some countries I’ve never heard of before. The -20 F weather at first didn’t seem so bad until about 20 minutes in when we started to cross a bridge. There was a slight breeze which caused so much pain on exposed skin. It felt as it was -50 outside. Nobody talked on the bridge. Once we got to the school people were laughing at me since my eye lashes, eye brows, and my had were all white from freezing. Princess they called me. Once inside they began with orientation, to introduce us all they decided to go by country. They started with the largest first and who received that honor? You better believe it was the United Fuckin’ States of America. I stood up proud like everyone should for their country and I told them to respect the back to back world war champs. I didn’t do that because it would be cringe worthy. Instead I talked about Michigan and how we are unique. The rest of the day was long and boring with silly talk about how to conduct ourselves while we are there. It was easy, I was tired though. The three hours of daylight came and went as fast as deep fried candy bar in the states. I have friends from all over the world here, I have finnish friends. I’m doing fine, all is well.
Before I end I would like to say so much has happened these past few days, and I can’t cover it all. Though this is the import stuff. I would really truly like to thank my friend Paula for helping me out so much since I’ve gotten here. She truly amazing. Until next time, take it easy.
Kind Regards,
Weston
Weston R Brooks 