In many people’s blogs or tips and tricks about Finland, they claim to know all about Finland, after living in Finland, learning Finnish, and gaining many personal relationships with Finns, I have learned about Finland first hand. I found myself frustrated when reading other blog posts claiming they have found the best way to visit or experience Finland. I found that many of the items, were not actually Finnish or lacked the main tradition or the reason why the Finns did or ate such a thing. They clearly grasped the surface level, or pointed out the famous tourist spots, but I want more for you. I want this blog to allow you to actually feel Finland and understand the people and the culture there. So here are 3 well kept little secrets!
1. Finnish Pickles and home-grown veggies
This might seem silly, but it is well worth it. For this you really got to know a local to raid their garden for their yummy home-grown carrots and potatoes. But they pickle a lot of things! Beets and cucumbers are at the top of the list! You can even get the Finnish of version of a pickle. It is kind of similar to a dill pickle, but mixed with the Russian version of a pickle in the grocery store. They have these 5-gallon buckets with the pickle juice and you just pick it out and buy it, and you will be so excited to go back the next day!
Just like us Americans, Finns love their lake days! They have these cute summer cabins on the lake to stay at! They go fishing and swimming, and also eat the yummiest things! You could rent one, or meet a local and spend the week with them!
This is the ultimate Finnish culture inside of a necklace, earrings, or a bracelet. This brand is not very well known to many outsiders but sort of like a right of passage for the Finns. Many people will get them for important dates, weddings, birthdays, graduations, etc. It’s a little piece of Finland to always be with you.
So overall, ditch the boring lists and tricks you’ll find all over the web, and listen to this girl. From firsthand experience, trust me, you won’t regret it. Meet someone local, make a friend, but whatever you do, experience Finland and their culture, don’t just visit there.
Comments