I almost stopped this blog when, suddenly, the
coronavirus scare made it seem disrespectful to offer up observations on life
in Finland. And the end of the scare is far from over. In addition, who knows
if I will even be allowed to stay – or want to stay – until the end of my term
in mid-June. However, I should continue, at least for the time being, out of
gratitude to my host country.
So how is Finland dealing with the coronavirus scare? The
response seems to be calm but concerned. Everywhere has appeared hand sanitizer
in strategic locations. Posters on proper cough etiquette have shown up in
trams, restrooms, elevators, etc. Public events are cancelled. University
classes are going online. Very mild stocking up has occurred (...but nothing on
the level of what is occurring in the US. There is milk, toilet paper, meat,
etc. easily available at the local store. As well as herring, salmiaki, and the
ryest of rye breads. One could survive on the latter foods, if desperate.) The
Finns have always been great at social distancing well before this crisis, as
any glance at a bus or tram stop during busy times would confirm. They don’t
wave their arms around and take up a lot of unnecessary space. Or make unnecessary noise such as talking to strangers. Nothing more
than needed. So all seems set in place for a long siege.
What to do in Helsinki when you want to avoid crowds, malls,
etc? Just step out your door and start walking. There are trails everywhere.
Finns get out and walk. They respect strangers and don’t bunch up. They don’t
care if it is cold and the wind chill is unwelcoming. Children are strolled (appropriately
clothed) at temperatures that drive Americans indoors. And the children are
often wearing protective sunglasses. The Finns have felt besieged many times
before in the past, and this is another opportunity for them to prove their sisu
(stoic and proud determination mixed with courage).
The following weeks should prove interesting.
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