In the footsteps of Väinämöinen

Väinämöinen, old and truthful, now arranges for a journey, to the village of the Northland, to the land of cruel winters, to the land of little sunshine, over the plains of Kalevala. After reading these lines, I too wanted to journey to the dark Pohjola, and live the life of the northerner.

It was in October 2003 when I arrived in Rovaniemi to work with the Snow Show team through a CIMO exchange program. The landscape, the snowy forests and the northern lights looked familiar, but when a sea of sapphire eyes came to welcome me I knew I was in the Land of the Finn.

So there I was, a trainee learning to make a cultural project become reality. Being a law graduate I was a lot more interested in the administrative side of things rather than art, therefore my job as assistant to the coordinator was just perfect. Our team was located in the Eero Rovaniemi Office. The Laplanders were very helpful and understanding. They welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home. Thanks to them my experience was very fulfilling. They made me discover the joy of taking a sauna, the sweet taste of glögi, the mystical melodies of Tiernapojat…

A few differences

When I was asked to write an article on my exchange program I didn't know where to begin. Such adventures I went through I could write a book. I have tried to sum up what touched me the most.

A few cultural differences did strike me, but as they were mostly improvements they were easily included as part of my everyday life. Indeed I was quite impressed by Helsinki's public transportation system (two thumps up for the easy accessibility to women with prams!), the free internet cafés, the heated sidewalks and even if it is just for show, I simply love those torches at the entrance of many businesses. It was also nice to shop without the salesperson following you just behind your back. Actually the only thing I had difficulties with, aside from the language barrier, was the food selection. As my Finnish friends explained to me; Finns ate to live, not the other way around.

Surprising similarities

But not everything was so different and I was surprised at the many similarities shared by our two nations. The Sàmi's claim for control over what they consider their land sounded like a distant echo to my ears. While attending a reindeer separation in Vuotso, I could measure the important impact the invasion of tourist industry has on their traditional way of living. I could also recognize amongst the Finns, the traces left by being a minority for so long. So many of them came up to me to discuss this political issue, which is probably where French-Canadians and Finns bond the most after prizing Saku Koivu's good role as captain of the Montreal Canadians.

Overall living in Finland spoiled me. Their orderly and quiet way of living suited me so well. There are strong taxes yes, but they are nicely redistributed. I believe an appropriate balance has been reached. But a visitor has two ways, to come and to leave. I had the chance of meeting many Finns from various backgrounds and ended up learning a lot more than just coordinating a project. I also picked up a few habits I brought back home; I text message, I sort out my plastic bags, and every time I look at the sun I smile.

By Charlyne Pelchat