Helena Halme Author

Nordic Fiction with a hint of Noir and Romance

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Google+
  • Books
  • Blog
  • Join My Launch Crew
  • New Novel Sneak Peek
  • Contact me

In search of Finnishness

April 27, 2009 by Helena Halme 2 Comments

It’s the same news where ever you are…

On 23th April Hufvudstadsbladet in Helsinki wrote about a social worker, who’d been charged with murder. She was still listed on the Finnish social services register while in court defending the charge. It seems bureaucrats are equally incompetent here too.

There was also a story about large pension payments agreed to former directors of partly state-owned companies. These firms had made large losses, yet the directors left with massive pay-outs. Sounds familiar?

In other news, a social services chief in Helsinki spent just under 72,000 Euro refurbishing his office…a basket of food costs 38 Euros less in Sweden that it does in Finland…Susan Boyle You Tube video clip is watched by 100 million people.

News is international, I get that. But then I see X Factor, Finland Has Talent, Dragon’s Den, as well as several imported British, American and Spanish soaps on TV. Just as I was beginning to despair, my friend turned her car radio on and out blared Finnish music. Tango, humppa and modern hits, all sang in the consonant laden language that to me never should be used in song. But it was at least truly Finnish, truly original. Long live the Finnish lyricists.

During the visit I was asked what the differences between life in the UK and Finland were. I was stunned I couldn’t name one. As my host continued to gaze at me, waiting for my response, I said, ‘People. There are so many people in the UK.’ I considered the question for a moment longer while my host waited patiently. ‘And…no-one ever says what they truly mean.’

‘Hmm,’ he said and picked up a newly barbecued piece of pork.

‘To be impolite is considered the biggest crime in Britain.’

He lifted his eyes towards me, ‘I guess we Finns can be viewed as a little abrupt sometimes?’

‘But there are bigger crimes than being impolite. Such as being dishonest,’ I said.

He nodded. We’d got to the crunch of the matter. This is how Finns and Englishmen differ.

You may also like:

Default ThumbnailHow I came to be in England – Part 48 Default ThumbnailPappa’s Girl Part 5 Default ThumbnailPappa’s Girl: Jävla Finnar Obsessed with Russia?

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    May 4, 2009 at 5:28 pm

    Full of insight

    Reply
  2. Helena Halme says

    May 13, 2009 at 11:18 am

    Thank you, I’ve had some time to observe both species.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Free Story for my Readers Group only!

Read an Exclusive First Chapter

NEW

Find out more

new

View Book

Alliance of Independent Authors /

Free Exclusive Bonus Chapter

looking for the self publishing coach?

Follow me on Instagram

I’m into orange at the moment, I wonder why? 😄🧡📙
Five weeks to publication of AN ISLAND HEATWAVE today. 💃
https://mybook.to/AIH #linkinbio
What a lovely surprise! AN ISLAND HEATWAVE has hi What a lovely surprise! 
AN ISLAND HEATWAVE has hit #No1 on Amazon.💃
The novel is now on pre-order offer. 
https://mybook.to/AIH
Link also in bio. 😉🧡📙
It’s a frosty, sunny morning in North London. Fe It’s a frosty, sunny morning in North London. Feels a bit like home. 🥶🇫🇮🇬🇧
Blowtorching fish for supper. Tell me, did you buy Blowtorching fish for supper. Tell me, did you buy one after watching @saturday.kitchen this morning? The Englishman is loving his. 🔥🐟🍴
Load More Follow on Instagram

Follow Me On Facebook

Facebook Pagelike Widget
Alliance of Independent Authors /

writing and publishing tips

Read Exclusive First Chapter

free exclusive bonus chapters

Copyright © 2023 · Author Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in