What can a foreigner expect in Finland? Do people speak English? Is it easy to get to chat with the locals? Is there anything I should know about the Finns so that i won't offend them with my English ways?
I'm coming for a visit
for the first time
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Näihin keskusteluihin ei ole vielä vastattu. Ole ensimmäinen.
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Vanhimmat
Please empty the wash water into toilet , NOT into kitchen sink. Thank you!
Finland is like all the Scandinavian countries: clean and relaxed. Because no one else in the world speaks Finnish we' ve had to learn other languages. Officially Finland is bilingual country, everyone speaks Finnish and most people also Swedish. People speak also English in Finland, especially young adults in the cities, older people seldom use English for example at work so they're much shyer to use it.
Usually it's quite easy to get to chat with people, but you might notice that some people are a bit reserved at first, like in any other country that doesn't have English speaking minorities.
So give us time and eventually we will open. : )
If you come to Helsinki it's very easy to go shopping and eat in a restaurant etc., because everyone speaks English. If you come from UK you will also notice that everything is much cheaper here than in your homecountry.
Good manners and good humour are appreciated in Finland like in any other Western country. There isn't anything special that you should avoid doing, just remember the basics: when abroad you are a visitor and you represent your homecountry. How would you want people to see and remember you? So, act accordingly.
Welcome to Finland! : )
Do not bring up, under any circumstances, Turun Sinappi! As you very well know, a Swedish company bought out the original manufacturer in 2001, and the production was moved to Uppsala. This is still a "third rail" issue here, if you know what I mean.
And should you be inconsiderate enough to gloat over that infamous purchase, you and your party will be vituperated mercilessly until the cows come home!
That other addition was not written by me and I wouldn't urge anyone to avoid talking about that subject which the other writer is talking about. But obviously there are people here who will lose their marples immediately, if one mentiones that patricular product, so take care! : )
I'm off to Austria now so incase there's more additional writing signed Finn., then it's not me.
I'm really pleased for Your reassuring words. (And for that fake Finn: Why don't you take your bloody Turun Sinappi and shove it where the sun don´t shine...!)
But back to the point. My main reason for the visit is to pay homage to the famous Tom of Finland, whose work I have always admired greatly. What about You, do You too fancy his masterly pen work? I have done some research online, but maybe You, as his compatriot, could give me some additional pointers? You know, how to find the best places to buy his drawings, the neigbourhood where he grew up, the bars he frequented, etc, etc.
I hope You enjoy Your stay in Austria.
Godspeed!
Just have too much offtime!