Hesburger's fish!

Once again, another day full of exciting and new, and of course interestingly done, things. We actually have created a saying, “That’s so Finnish”. We use it if something closes really early, or something costs a lot of money that shouldn’t, or really if something is done in a weird way. When I say weird, I mean uncommon for me, the Scot, and the Latvian-and we pretty diverse! The Finns just seem to do things differently. I have really enjoyed seeing the Europeans have a hard time adjusting too. Ok I know that sounds mean, but let me explain. Of course I, an American, is going to have a hard time. Silly America does EVERYTHING differently from the rest of the world. Recently I have learned that the UK does as well, so I don’t feel as bad. Anyways, I knew it was going to take a couple weeks to learn the new system. I think I just assumed that the Europeans would just everything. However, we are all learning very quickly that the Finnish culture is very interesting. An example of one of my adjustments is making eye contact. I always make eye contact with an person on the street and just do the “no teeth, hey how are ya, smile”. The Finns actually hate eye contact. Although I have learned this, I still smile at everyone I pass on the street, even though they act like I am not there. Basically, I have been rejected. Then I just feel awkward because I feel like I am staring at them. I mean come on, can they not tell? It is funny when someone does make eye contact with you. You just know they aren’t Finnish!
This other international student from Germany, Fabian, asked if I wanted to go to church today. He found this English speaking church that started at 2! So, me, Fabian, and the American from Atlanta who knows Anne McKee’s daughter, Joanna, all went to church this morning. Unimportant side note-it was the first time I have been outside without my snow boots. I was just wearing black flats (The Finns do it all the time), and I survived! I was proud, so I had to share. Ok, back on track again. We went to the International Evangelical Church. Yes, I went to an evangelical church. Let me just say yes it was different, and not what I am used to. A visiting pastor from Malaysia spoke about passion for Jesus. I actually really enjoyed the sermon. We sang hymns, which of course I was not used to, and I had to go to the alter for communion. I think that was the only time I felt a little uncomfortable. They served those plastic disc things that taste like Styrofoam and wine. Sadly, the thing that stands out most is the little kid running around the room at the end of communion. He was so cute and had so many coats on, he looked like the tire man! He even went right up to the start of stage…. And no one stopped him! Oh I could not help but laugh. I guess you had to be there, but it just seemed so out of place, yet no one seemed to react but me. After church we stayed for coffee and tea. I like Europe, they serve tea too! I felt so European when I was getting my tea too- the saucer, sugar cubes I you put in with a tiny spoon, and a side plate for bread! Then, the pastor made everyone who was knew stand up and say their name! AWKWARD!
For lunch I had Finnish fast food, Hesburger! It had a fish tank inside! Why, I cannot tell you. It was weird to order a fried salmon burger at a fast food place, but it was good.
Abbie and Krista are so sweet and washed my clothes today while I was at church. Sadly, they were having problems. The laundry room is 1. super creepy 2. full of weird machines I have ever seen before 3. very difficult. We had to dry our clothes for two hours and they still were damp. I have a line hanging in my room of my clothes!
Last night I talked to Bean on my new cell phone! I only 11 minutes, so sadly I ran out in mid convo. But it was really great just to hear his voice (sorry I am cheesy). For the past couple days we have been planning for me to come visit, but it isn’t going to work out. Although, just so everyone knows, he is having fun in Ireland and Whales.
I really feel like I doing freshman year all over again. Everyone is hanging out with everyone.
Although little clicks have formed, we are all hanging out with each other and meeting new people everyday. Today I met a girl from Knoxville who went to Farragut High school! I think was a little more excited about that than she was. A bunch of us just watched a movie tonight. This random guy named Howard (although he was Asian, so his name threw me off) just met us in the hall and watched the movie with us. It is just neat to me how we all stick together, even if we don’t know the person, because we are all going through the same thing.
One neat thing the Finns do is sort their trash! It is actually kind of pain to do with only two trashcans in your room, but I love it! They even sort it in the cafeteria. You have mixed waste (everything else), bio waste (food), paper, cardboard, and glass. They don’t recycle plastic, which I find really odd.
Since I don’t have a TV, I was unaware of the Russia gas incident. Thanks to those who were concerned and informed me of it (Heather Felton). I have not been affected directly. My room is never toasty and always a bit chilly.
My final statement today is about Tennessee. Whenever some new I meet finds out I am from the US (which always happens pretty quickly) they usually have a story about how they have gone there or want to or know some one….. Then they always ask what part. When I say Tennessee, they always go, “AHHH!” like it is the most exciting state or something. It is really funny. Most internationals know Tennessee for Whiskey and cowboys. Although you find those random ones who know almost too much about Tennessee. One person I met knew the names of two Grizzlies players. I could not even tell you one name of a player! If for some reason the person doesn’t know anything about the lovely state, I just say Elvis, and then they know.