During the years I taught overseas, my Finnish students and parents would constantly tell me how wonderful Finland was. I had to hear it year after year. The only thing I could say is, “Yeah, Finland sounds great, but nothing compares to the United States’ world-class fast-food industry.” Bragging about Chipotle Grill and McDonald's, however, could only carry my argument so far.
Yes, Finland, “The Land of a Thousand Lakes,” has extremely clean forests, lakes, and open spaces. It is one of the cleanest countries in the world. Their free education through graduate school ranks at the top of global educational rankings. I know that they have an affordable, high-quality medical system. Nobody ever worries about medical care in Finland. I don’t need to be told about their very low crime rate or the trust they place in their government. They have a work-life balance that is the envy of the world. Finland has also topped the World Happiness Report multiple times.
But now that I have been there, I know that you can’t get a good burrito or chili cheese dog anywhere in the country. And, they are just too damn happy.
Finland borders Sweden, Norway, and Russia with a coastline along the Baltic Sea. It has a population of 5.6 million, and its capital is Helsinki. We visited Helsinki in July 2008.
Government Palace, built 1822
On the three warm days in the summer, everybody goes outside
The very high-end Kappeli Restaurant. The building was orginally built in 1867
Pohjola House, built 1890
Is this what I have been looking for?
The tram is a fast and cheap way to see and get around the city.
Helsinki Cathedral, built in 1852. The statue in front is Alexander II of Russia, reflecting Finland’s history under Russian rule at the time the cathedral was built.
Downtown Helsinki
Havis Amanda Fountain in Market Square, 1908
Sitting behind Esplanadi Park is the Pohjola House, a residential and commercial building
Esplanadi Park is Helsinki’s most famous promenade
Glenna finds the biggest shoe sale ever
Yes!!! No pickled herring or salmon soup tonight
