Some
interesting things about Finland:
Great water pressure
in the showers and sinks. Hot water is HOT! There is an override button on all
faucets to get even hotter water. We never had the nerve to push it.
All WC (water
closets) are clean with interesting fixtures. Loved the cotton towel dispensers
like the old days here. Interesting flushers and dryers – especially in Iceland
where the faucet has “horns” which is the dryer.
Water, water
everywhere but not a drop to drink. Finland has lots of lakes and delicious
drinking water but I didn’t see a public drinking fountain anywhere.
Statues – lots
of them everywhere – many with fountains
Guard
rails – extreme lack of – guess the Finns are smart enough to be
careful
Trams, buses, Metro – all free
to anyone pushing a stroller. “Baby” must be under seven.
Public
transportation runs on time and often
All menus note
gluten-free, dairy-free etc. and list ingredients. Very helpful.
Food is
expensive but very tasty. Lots of fish and berries
Lots of churches -- mostly Lutheran.
Playgrounds
everywhere. We noticed an absence of
warning signs. Guess Finnish parents are smart enough to watch their children
and not do silly things on the equipment. All are fenced with child-proof
gates. Lots of fun!
Biking
trails everywhere – along the road and through natural areas. Lots
of bikers. Remember to look first before crossing! Walkers on the inside and bikers on the road
side.
Finland is supposed to be a nation of introverts but we found everyone to be helpful and friendly. Most
everyone speaks English.
All in all, Finland is a great place to visit and, according
to all of Thera’s friends, a great place to live. Don’t know how we would
survive the winter, but August 2015 was great.
