My Thoughts and Impressions

I like Finland. I love the solitude, and the weather. I love just how quiet and peaceful their neighbourhoods are. Not many wailing toddlers, no rude kids, but quite a lot of drunks. Haha!

Although most of their buildings are quite old, they have their fair share of new buildings and shopping centres that are filled with international brands. Don't fret that you won't be able to find your favourite Estee Lauder's fragrance, or your favourite Gucci bag, because Finland's shopping centres have those brands.

Perhaps the only thing that I didn't like about Finns is the way they pushed past you without saying "excuse me" or "sorry". If you are walking too slow or blocking their way, they simply reached out a hand, pushed your shoulder aside, and squeezed through. I find that extremely rude, although Reko said it was just "normal". Some would actually used their hand to push you aside, while some simply just forced their way through.

Also, one shouldn't try to visit Helsinki on their own, because there's absolutely no English instructions anywhere. Lapland is a lot better, a lot more tourist-oriented, with English words on restaurant menus as well.

Taking cab is a no-no, unless you absolutely have no other choices. The cab trip from Ivalo airport to our log cabin cost a freaking EUR51. That's like what... S$110?! I still had the receipt with me, but I'm just too lazy to go scan it >_>;

Reko's mother is just such a kind and generous soul. I felt so bad for making her spend so much on us when we were there. She paid for almost all our meals, as well as that ridiculously expensive but lovely log cabin at Lapland. I've never seen her angry or lost her temper, and she was always trying to speak in English so that I wouldn't feel out of place. She went out of her way to boil carrots for me, just because I like them soft.

His sister is just as nice and friendly towards me. Although we are of the same age, I felt she's more matured than I am in every way. And she can cook very well, and make very yummy desserts! I'm still amazed at the fact that she had finished her nautical studies, and she's really one of those vessels' onboard crew. She's now getting sea experience so that she can ultimately become a Master -- that's what she studied for, anyway. I was so impressed and awed by her.

Reko's brother-in-law is a man of few words, probably because he doesn't speak English. But he was really nice enough to specially drive us to the airport on the day we had to come back. He didn't have to, really, but he did. It was very nice of him.

His Dad... I wish I had the chance to know him, to talk with him, to know what kind of person he is... I'm sure I would have enjoyed his company. =)

I would very much like to visit Finland again. In fact, I had made a promise with myself that I'll visit Finland every season. Now that I've visited Finland in winter (end of winter, to be exact), I have spring, summer and autumn to go. And of course, if possible, I want to go back during winter again, just for the snow and reindeer meat! Perhaps I shall aim to meet Santa Claus in person next time. XD