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....