Kekkonen, Kekkonen, Kekkonen...

Sometimes you just “get it.”

Because this is my third time in Finland (2011: 10 days, 2013: Aug-Dec, 2020: Jan-Jun) I realize almost every day that I am understanding some things without first being confused or having to think. Of course I have studied the language, read about the culture, examined the history books, and such. So I have prepared myself, and it eventually pays off. It is quite a pleasure to come across a situation where you just “get it.” Such events make you feel less like an outsider and more worthy to be here.

I often go by the former house of Finnish presidents, especially that of Urho Kaleva Kekkonen (1900–1986) who served almost 26 years as president and lived in that house from 1956 until his death. The house is now a museum (which I have visited), and on the fence outside is spelled out:

Kekkonen, Kekkonen, Kekkonen… 

-- which makes me subtly smile each time I pass. And that smile is because I “get it.” It is not that the museum needs to advertise itself by repeating his name several times. Instead, it is a popular culture reference that Finns share, unknown to others unless they are fortunate enough to “get it,” too.

Sorry, I am not going to explain it. It is worthwhile to earn such small insights, and I don’t with to ruin anyone’s chances to do so.

McVegan and Me

I just had to do it. I had to go to a McDonald’s to try a McVegan. But I had an excuse, or two. First, I have always been curious about this product since it debuted in Finland (in Tampere) in 2017 and has not yet made it to the U.S. The McVegan thus has an appeal to me because of its connection to Finland. And second, since I was on a quick trip to Rovaniemi, which is 438.02 miles north of Helsinki, and just a few miles south of the Arctic Circle, I had the “why-the-heck-not?” reason. After all, until 2013, the Rovaniemi McDonald’s was the northernmost McDonald’s in the world – until Murmansk in nearby Russia took that title. Murmansk is not on my to-do list, so I took advantage of Rovaniemi. 

I will apologize now for having gone to McDonald’s because, this time around, I have doubled-down on eating more traditional Finnish, and I have done well here even though I am vegetarian. But this is an aberration and will not be a habit. And now, back in Helsinki, I no longer have an easy excuse -- unless I get a desire to try that intriguing Piquant Veggie sandwich I saw advertised.

By the way, the McVegan was not bad, not bad at all.

• McVegan 
• Piquant Veggie

Another time around in Finland

I waited for over a month, but I will not wait any longer.

I last blogged on my August-December 2013 experiences in Finland on January 25, 2014. I did not expect to be back here as I am (from January to June 2020), in the same role as a Fulbright scholar teaching for Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. And I never expected to continue this blog.

My original blog was all about the cultural lessons I learned, mixed with the observations I made. What else would I have to add now, after all these years and all my experiences since? After a month into my second stay, I need to renew this blog because I feel much more capable this time around – but I also can feel just as perplexed, just as confused, and ever so slightly embarrassed in many situations. Yet, I am also starting to understand more and to “get” more things (language, body language, customs, etc.). I am sort of in between.

However, I never expected to continue this blog by first…talking about doors. 

Finnish doors are again my nemeses: See September 21, 2013: "You have a 50/50 chance to succeed"

https://hellinghelsingissa.blogspot.com/2013/09/you-have-5050-chance-to-succeed.html

I still fail to open them correctly about 25% of the time (improved from my 50% average in 2013). Do I push? Do I pull? Do I turn that lock-like thing and push or pull? Does the door open automatically when I approach? Do I hit a button or bar on the wall? I have to ask myself all these questions almost every day unless I am fortunate to be in a tourist spot where doors are labeled  with clear instructions in Finnish-Swedish-English. Otherwise, I am again resorting to observation of others who precede me or memorization if I have come this way before.

Note: It is not just me. I know that for sure now. This month I have purposely observed other foreigners navigating unlabeled doors. They fail, too, and are just as frustrated! I have even observed a few Finns struggle with doors. I feel a bit better. It is the construction, in my opinion. Some doors do not have visible indications on the way they move. That must be it! How can someone of my age still fail so often at this basic task?

Well, I am back, and this time I am going to master doors of all shapes, sizes, and weights (yes, some Finnish doors are not made for the weak). In the next few weeks I will actively research this door phenomenon and report back later. In the meanwhile, my efforts to understand all around me will continue....