loved this… I taught one semester each year at Aalto, and for the first five years it was always the fall-winter, the days of cold and darkness, but still, I loved those days (lived in Eira, down near the water on the sea captain’s street, Laivanvarustajankatu) - but finally, in my sixth year, I was teaching in the spring, and got to experience Vappu for the first time — it was fantastic, everything!
I was in Helsinki for Vappu this year. One of my Finnish friends sings in the Men's Choir that performs in the park on May 1 morning. I loved seeing all the caps, learning about the overalls and hearing the sublime voices with people of all generations standing together in those student caps drinking champagne & having picnics. So impressed with this Nordic country. USA could do worse than emulate some of the policies that make Finland the 'happiest country in the world' for 2025. There is a reason all 5 of the Nordic countries are usually in 1st place. They invest in their people. And it shows.
Really cool to get this window on Finnish culture. I enjoy your posts.
I agree, very interesting. Thanks Peter.
Thanks!
loved this… I taught one semester each year at Aalto, and for the first five years it was always the fall-winter, the days of cold and darkness, but still, I loved those days (lived in Eira, down near the water on the sea captain’s street, Laivanvarustajankatu) - but finally, in my sixth year, I was teaching in the spring, and got to experience Vappu for the first time — it was fantastic, everything!
And in Pori the subject of capping is a bear statue in front of the town hall, which is first washed with champagne/sparkling wine.
I was in Helsinki for Vappu this year. One of my Finnish friends sings in the Men's Choir that performs in the park on May 1 morning. I loved seeing all the caps, learning about the overalls and hearing the sublime voices with people of all generations standing together in those student caps drinking champagne & having picnics. So impressed with this Nordic country. USA could do worse than emulate some of the policies that make Finland the 'happiest country in the world' for 2025. There is a reason all 5 of the Nordic countries are usually in 1st place. They invest in their people. And it shows.