Published: February 24th 2007
January 11th 2007
January 11th 2007
I lost count on the times that I have been asked this question. I could almost sense when someone was about to ask it. People asked me, "Why choose to study in FINLAND?" so many times that my travelling partner Joel could not help himself but laugh everytime someone asked me that question. It was really absurd. So one would think that after hearing such a question so often that I would h... Read Full Entry
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About me:
23 years old.
Born and bred in Perth, Western Australia.
Law and commerce graduate. Now working full time.
My life rotates around music and sport.
Also love to read, eat food, and generally do stuff.
... full info
| Joined | April 21st 2006 | Trips | 3 |
| Last Login | May 20th 2012 | Followers | 17 |
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Finland
Finland was a province and then a grand duchy under Sweden from the 12th to the 19th centuries and an autonomous grand duchy of Russia after 1809. It won its complete independence in 1917. During World War II, it was able to successfully defend its f...more info
Justin's Travel Map
Map Legend: 18%, 48 of 263 Territories
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Finland and other adventures
December 12th 2005 -» January 26th 2007
NZ and Shanghai
July 4th 2007 -» August 18th 2007
Asia Overland
January 6th 2009 -» April 9th 2010
December 12th 2005 -» January 26th 2007
NZ and Shanghai
July 4th 2007 -» August 18th 2007
Asia Overland
January 6th 2009 -» April 9th 2010
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Top Photos
Drunk Student on Vappu
He managed to steal the "Ceremonial Toothbrush" whilst at it... don't ask, it's a strange country.
The Party Ferry
Romain with a Finn... a drunken Finn... a lost drunken Finn... a lost EXTREMELY drunken Finn.
Ice Hockey
Turun Palloseura v Helsinki IFK
Outdoor Ice Hockey at Parkki
I.e. Park
Bronze Medal Performance
Grzegorz and his ice hockey captain after taking out the Bronze Medal in a Finland-wide amateur tournament
The Party Ferry (2)
Romain (left) and Lukas (right) with three Finns we randomly met. Note the Gothic tendencies of 2 of them, like I explained earlier.
Sauna
Finns conversing outside the sauna one night at Ruissalo
Ice hole swimming
A bad photo, but just proof
Comments
Date: 26th February 2007
I know that girl!
Ha ha, Funny to reading a blog from an australian and to find an old school mate of mine in one of your pictures. Eeva was in the same high school with me. Funny. Im off to Sydney in two weeks. Yippee!
From Blog: Why Finland?
I know that girl!
Ha ha, Funny to reading a blog from an australian and to find an old school mate of mine in one of your pictures. Eeva was in the same high school with me. Funny. Im off to Sydney in two weeks. Yippee!
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 6th May 2008
International Significance
In the mineral processing industry, the company Outokumpu is very internationally significant.
From Blog: Why Finland?
International Significance
In the mineral processing industry, the company Outokumpu is very internationally significant.
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 30th May 2008
Wonderful story
As an Austrian who has not only been together with a beautiful Finnish girl for almost five years, I've also been working in Helsinki now for over two months. I've had similar experiences during my many stays in this wonderful country and I have to agree with you. Fins are crazy!!! CRAZY!!! Give them booze and all hell brakes loose. Literally. I've been a witness :-) But like you said yourself, these people are wonderfully kind after you spend some time with them. Not everything is golden but that goes for every country. However the biggest challenge (despite my countless short stays) - to survive the harsh Finnish winters with basically NO SUNLIGHT - lies still ahead of me. Thanks again for sharing your wonderful everyday occurrences . Good luck with finding your own Finnish girl - I certainly have.
From Blog: Why Finland?
Wonderful story
As an Austrian who has not only been together with a beautiful Finnish girl for almost five years, I've also been working in Helsinki now for over two months. I've had similar experiences during my many stays in this wonderful country and I have to agree with you. Fins are crazy!!! CRAZY!!! Give them booze and all hell brakes loose. Literally. I've been a witness :-) But like you said yourself, these people are wonderfully kind after you spend some time with them. Not everything is golden but that goes for every country. However the biggest challenge (despite my countless short stays) - to survive the harsh Finnish winters with basically NO SUNLIGHT - lies still ahead of me. Thanks again for sharing your wonderful everyday occurrences . Good luck with finding your own Finnish girl - I certainly have.
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 20th December 2008
Feeling the same
Hey Justin, I think you very well expressed all the feelings that I have myself about Finland, Finnish people and Finnish culture. What I call "the Finnish soul". Me too, people all the time ask me, why Finland?, why do you like so much Finnish people?, and I also don't have a good answer for that questions, but the first think I usually think about is "I don't know...Finnish people are so unique (strange?), but so nice". Now, I'm really happy that I found a "Finnish connection" here in Paris :) Cheers!
From Blog: Why Finland?
Feeling the same
Hey Justin, I think you very well expressed all the feelings that I have myself about Finland, Finnish people and Finnish culture. What I call "the Finnish soul". Me too, people all the time ask me, why Finland?, why do you like so much Finnish people?, and I also don't have a good answer for that questions, but the first think I usually think about is "I don't know...Finnish people are so unique (strange?), but so nice". Now, I'm really happy that I found a "Finnish connection" here in Paris :) Cheers!
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 25th February 2009
I loved it
Hi! I loved reading your article, I have never been to Finland, though I have a finnish friend who falls in your category of crazy =) I definitely have to go... It was very pleasant to read this
From Blog: Why Finland?
I loved it
Hi! I loved reading your article, I have never been to Finland, though I have a finnish friend who falls in your category of crazy =) I definitely have to go... It was very pleasant to read this
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 13th April 2009
Thanks
Hey, was reading through your Finland-memoirs, great fun, thanks! But it did make me sad that I couldn't spend more time with you that year (being "inhumanely busy":D. I have to correct, though, that I wasn't president of the whole law society, just a smaller branch and some major happenings). But I'm so glad you had fun and many great experiences! So now that I actually have a normal work rythm and VACATIONS (!), it would be great to see you in Australia sometime in 2010 when you get back there. Have fun in on-going travels! Be safe! Greets, Eeva
From Blog: Why Finland?
Thanks
Hey, was reading through your Finland-memoirs, great fun, thanks! But it did make me sad that I couldn't spend more time with you that year (being "inhumanely busy":D. I have to correct, though, that I wasn't president of the whole law society, just a smaller branch and some major happenings). But I'm so glad you had fun and many great experiences! So now that I actually have a normal work rythm and VACATIONS (!), it would be great to see you in Australia sometime in 2010 when you get back there. Have fun in on-going travels! Be safe! Greets, Eeva
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 1st May 2009
My home country
Stumbled on your article and absolutely loved it. I left Tampere as a child in 58 and have not been back but your delightful description has truly inspired me/. The girls look just like my daughter. I must come back to my roots for a homecoming. Thank you
From Blog: Why Finland?
My home country
Stumbled on your article and absolutely loved it. I left Tampere as a child in 58 and have not been back but your delightful description has truly inspired me/. The girls look just like my daughter. I must come back to my roots for a homecoming. Thank you
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 2nd July 2009
Why Finland? women, doh!
Why Finland? Obviously because of the women!! happy travels justin! im enjoyin perth for now! :-)
From Blog: Why Finland?
Why Finland? women, doh!
Why Finland? Obviously because of the women!! happy travels justin! im enjoyin perth for now! :-)
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 4th October 2009
I guess this is a bit late, but I loved reading this! I am a hopeful to exchange to Finland next year and I'm just so excited! Like, Finland is just one of those countries that.. well, you aren't sure why you love it but you /just do/. And so I hope I end up loving Finland just as much if not more than I do now. Thanks for writing this!
From Blog: Why Finland?
I guess this is a bit late, but I loved reading this! I am a hopeful to exchange to Finland next year and I'm just so excited! Like, Finland is just one of those countries that.. well, you aren't sure why you love it but you /just do/. And so I hope I end up loving Finland just as much if not more than I do now. Thanks for writing this!
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 14th January 2010
What an exceptional article!
I loved your article. I think this was the first time I ever read such an long articly here form the start to the end, every word. Agree on most of the things but hey, finns ain't that bad with alcohol, right? right? Oh, I need a drink.
From Blog: Why Finland?
What an exceptional article!
I loved your article. I think this was the first time I ever read such an long articly here form the start to the end, every word. Agree on most of the things but hey, finns ain't that bad with alcohol, right? right? Oh, I need a drink.
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 21st January 2010
Awesome!!
Hey I read this and wanted to tell you that I've also become interested in Finland! I was a FES in Italy and meta Finnish girl who became one of my best friends! Awesome language as well!! Thanks!!~
From Blog: Why Finland?
Awesome!!
Hey I read this and wanted to tell you that I've also become interested in Finland! I was a FES in Italy and meta Finnish girl who became one of my best friends! Awesome language as well!! Thanks!!~
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 11th February 2010
i m her
i like this contry because it have nice girls and snaw
From Blog: Why Finland?
i m her
i like this contry because it have nice girls and snaw
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 9th May 2010
Yay :)
Always nice to read about someone liking finland :D come to Pohjanmaa next time :D
From Blog: Why Finland?
Yay :)
Always nice to read about someone liking finland :D come to Pohjanmaa next time :D
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 29th May 2010
did u visit hanko its a very beautiful place in the summer
From Blog: Why Finland?
did u visit hanko its a very beautiful place in the summer
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 6th June 2010
Great article. I loved it. Very informative. I've wanted to visit Finland ever since a Finnish exchange student moved into our neighborhood in 1979. I was 19, she was almost 17. I suddenly became very interested in Finland. Her name was Liisi. I think of her often. Thanks again for the excellent article. I'm going to read it again.
From Blog: Why Finland?
Great article. I loved it. Very informative. I've wanted to visit Finland ever since a Finnish exchange student moved into our neighborhood in 1979. I was 19, she was almost 17. I suddenly became very interested in Finland. Her name was Liisi. I think of her often. Thanks again for the excellent article. I'm going to read it again.
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 10th June 2010
Wow
Thank you so much for this text! I'm actually going to study in Jyväskylä for 4 years, starting this August and you just so sum up my reasons to do so. (Though not every single one applies to me - living in the German Alps, snow is not something that unusual actually for example ;D) I hope you don't mind me linking this page to my own blog - I'm having my share of "Why Finland?" questions here too ;) Anyway, thanks for a great read and greats from Bavaria!
From Blog: Why Finland?
Wow
Thank you so much for this text! I'm actually going to study in Jyväskylä for 4 years, starting this August and you just so sum up my reasons to do so. (Though not every single one applies to me - living in the German Alps, snow is not something that unusual actually for example ;D) I hope you don't mind me linking this page to my own blog - I'm having my share of "Why Finland?" questions here too ;) Anyway, thanks for a great read and greats from Bavaria!
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 20th June 2010
i am ianna from philippines, and i am planning to travel finland my first trip ever this july 16th. i just hope finnish embassy will give me visa or my dream vacation is torn apart!lol i am planning to go to sauna and butt naked that is so awesome and jump out the lake'
From Blog: Why Finland?
i am ianna from philippines, and i am planning to travel finland my first trip ever this july 16th. i just hope finnish embassy will give me visa or my dream vacation is torn apart!lol i am planning to go to sauna and butt naked that is so awesome and jump out the lake'
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 23rd June 2010
Thats... so true.
That was a great article, i gotta say. I'm from Turku myself, and it was much fun reading this. I noticed specially the hockey field in that picture. I go there every year! Maybe we met, who knows... Good to hear that we finnish girls have a good reputation ;)
From Blog: Why Finland?
Thats... so true.
That was a great article, i gotta say. I'm from Turku myself, and it was much fun reading this. I noticed specially the hockey field in that picture. I go there every year! Maybe we met, who knows... Good to hear that we finnish girls have a good reputation ;)
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 14th October 2010
yes i was in finland 2 8 days and was for me realy like (hell)i see it only racist femenism and sexism and 0 culture..finland is mental hospital lol
From Blog: Why Finland?
yes i was in finland 2 8 days and was for me realy like (hell)i see it only racist femenism and sexism and 0 culture..finland is mental hospital lol
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 27th May 2011
Noonoonoo, got some parts wrong!
I don't agree we being quiet, it's very common amongst old people but the young are different! You should have spent more time partying in Helsinki, or attended an afterlarp sauna! That I could add to your list of things you can do in Finland, the community of larpers in Finland is significant and totally the strangest thing you've ever tried would be taking part in a Finnish larp.=)
From Blog: Why Finland?
Noonoonoo, got some parts wrong!
I don't agree we being quiet, it's very common amongst old people but the young are different! You should have spent more time partying in Helsinki, or attended an afterlarp sauna! That I could add to your list of things you can do in Finland, the community of larpers in Finland is significant and totally the strangest thing you've ever tried would be taking part in a Finnish larp.=)
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 2nd June 2011
:D
Hi:) Amazing text:) What you wrote is so true and exacly what I think. Last year I've been an exchange student in Joensuu but I also travelled around Finland a lot. That year was the best time of my life! I have amazing memories... people, sauna, ice-swimming, snow fights, biking to Uni in -28 degress, beautiful landscapes (and Lapland!), tasty glogi and horrible salmiakki and many other. I still miss EVERYTHING a lot! I also don't know why I decided go to Finland but that was the best decision ever! Greetings:)
From Blog: Why Finland?
:D
Hi:) Amazing text:) What you wrote is so true and exacly what I think. Last year I've been an exchange student in Joensuu but I also travelled around Finland a lot. That year was the best time of my life! I have amazing memories... people, sauna, ice-swimming, snow fights, biking to Uni in -28 degress, beautiful landscapes (and Lapland!), tasty glogi and horrible salmiakki and many other. I still miss EVERYTHING a lot! I also don't know why I decided go to Finland but that was the best decision ever! Greetings:)
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 21st July 2011
Amazing
Nice piece! couldn't agree more with your piece.I have been living in Lapland for the past two years and its a unique experience to live and experience Finland,amazing!
From Blog: Why Finland?
Amazing
Nice piece! couldn't agree more with your piece.I have been living in Lapland for the past two years and its a unique experience to live and experience Finland,amazing!
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 6th October 2011
World Wife Throwing Championships
Great story! But I think he mixed world wife carrying championships and rubber boot throwing :D
From Blog: Why Finland?
World Wife Throwing Championships
Great story! But I think he mixed world wife carrying championships and rubber boot throwing :D
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 12th October 2011
Thank you!
Just stumbeled over this- read it all. And to the tones Aki Sirkesalo I just could not help to shed a tear of joy! I\'m born and lives in Sweden but with heritage from Finland. Was there 2 times this summer (unfortunally just a cruise and day trip in Helsinki each time ; ) Could not agree with you further! It\'s truly a great country and amazing people. We have quite a lot of finns here. Anyhow, fantastic blog and I wish you the best of luck!
From Blog: Why Finland?
Thank you!
Just stumbeled over this- read it all. And to the tones Aki Sirkesalo I just could not help to shed a tear of joy! I\'m born and lives in Sweden but with heritage from Finland. Was there 2 times this summer (unfortunally just a cruise and day trip in Helsinki each time ; ) Could not agree with you further! It\'s truly a great country and amazing people. We have quite a lot of finns here. Anyhow, fantastic blog and I wish you the best of luck!
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 4th January 2012
Thank you for your lovely review. I'm going to Finland in April and this blog made a lot of things clear to me, thank you.
From Blog: Why Finland?
Thank you for your lovely review. I'm going to Finland in April and this blog made a lot of things clear to me, thank you.
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 12th January 2012
Your writing felt like personal compliment
It was so nice writing bout us and our country :) And true. You will never know Finland if you just see Helsinki, you have to go deeper. Just like finnish people. And yes, even when we hate the neighbours, we are WE when someone says something nice bout finland ;) Strange people we are.
From Blog: Why Finland?
Your writing felt like personal compliment
It was so nice writing bout us and our country :) And true. You will never know Finland if you just see Helsinki, you have to go deeper. Just like finnish people. And yes, even when we hate the neighbours, we are WE when someone says something nice bout finland ;) Strange people we are.
From Blog: Why Finland?
Date: 6th May 2012
Rauma - a year on
Hei! My partner & I came to Rauma, Finland (from England) practically a year ago now, with my partners work, & we don't ever want to go home! (both mid to late 40's, but rock orientated, & totally young at heart!) Finland is a place you would never think of coming to, but once here, you don't want to leave... reminds me of cornwall, when I lived there in the 70's... but more honest... Bikes are left everywhere without chains, flower pots on doorstops - in the middle of town, christmas trees just left in the middle of the town square to be sold the next day... The people are especially friendly in the pubs here, & love to practice their english on you... to the extent that a year on, I think I have a finnish vocabulary I could count on two hands... which I am very ashamed to admit! We have about 4 different sets of visitors coming from britain in the next few months, & I'm hoping they all love it as much as we do... keeping my fingers crossed we're going to be here for quite some time yet!
From Blog: Why Finland?
Rauma - a year on
Hei! My partner & I came to Rauma, Finland (from England) practically a year ago now, with my partners work, & we don't ever want to go home! (both mid to late 40's, but rock orientated, & totally young at heart!) Finland is a place you would never think of coming to, but once here, you don't want to leave... reminds me of cornwall, when I lived there in the 70's... but more honest... Bikes are left everywhere without chains, flower pots on doorstops - in the middle of town, christmas trees just left in the middle of the town square to be sold the next day... The people are especially friendly in the pubs here, & love to practice their english on you... to the extent that a year on, I think I have a finnish vocabulary I could count on two hands... which I am very ashamed to admit! We have about 4 different sets of visitors coming from britain in the next few months, & I'm hoping they all love it as much as we do... keeping my fingers crossed we're going to be here for quite some time yet!
From Blog: Why Finland?
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Al
non-member comment
Beatiful
Magnificent article!
From Blog: Why Finland?