When I was assigned to write the blog about the
evening gatherings of the international summer school of social work, I was
like “Oh grab!” In English. Double Grab! Because, as you might know us, the gawky
Finns: not talking to the strangers, avoiding to speak another language besides
the Finnish (if that) to other people? Sulking and pouting, being formal and
avoiding making ever so awkward eye contact? If you think the Finns are something
else, it is just some kind of postmodernist jargon related to the discussion
about multiple and varied identities… Right.
But hey, what do you know!
After listening to the “Finlandia” (the
classical peace composed by the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius during
1899-1900) I was in a mood, called in Finland as “Sisu” (if translated, it has
something to do with your stamina or guts, I guess…). Well, despite the Sisu, when I
arrived at the first gathering on Monday evening, The Welcoming Reception, I
took my seat from the back of the room as far from the center of the action as
possible and respectfully tried to hide myself behind my laptop as if to look
very busy. Unfortunately, my disguise attempt hold no longer. So, I gave the machine
away and started to eat.
And the food! On the top of the iceberg, there was the
reindeer pie, my favorite. While eating the Rudolf, I pondered how the
contemporary western food culture as a ritualistic act has become a central
point to us to be with each other. Food brings people together, even the
serious and formal Finnish people like me. The shared ritual of eating
interconnects us; eating together reminds us of our family and friends. By
eating your needs get to be satisfied, you feel safe and relaxed; the ice
breaks. You boldly participate and get the conversation and even your “Rally
English” starts to sound not so bad anymore. Imagine that!
Afterwards, I thought that being in the welcoming
reception it was like being in the most vivid and talkative night club party
ever, from my Finnish perspective at least. Although there were not shimmer lights,
music too loud or persuading drunken men after you, people from many countries
around the globe were mingling, talking and laughing and exchanging their
thoughts and experiences. There weren’t any trace of the shy, embarrassed
English tangling people trying to make sense whatever does it mean you are talking
about (as it may was in the lecture hall earlier, I think). Actually, before I
even noticed I had bubbled passionately all the topics of my master thesis and
didn’t even have a clue to have so many English words to describe about it! So,
Thank You Vera from Austria!
Yeah, that was a great evening! But the best was yet
to come!
When the Wednesday evening arrived, I put my Kalevala
shirt on (You know the famous painting “The Defense of the Sampo” (1896) made
by the iconic Finnish painter Akseli Gallen Kallela illustrating the mythological
story of stealing the Sampo (some kind a magic device) from the Finnish National
Epic: it´s a very daunting image of the two supernatural witches fighting each
other… but no, it was not a statement!) and headed to the University premises
to participate in the second gathering, The International Evening. I think the
main aim of the evening was to get to know each other and one´s national and cultural
characteristic by an informal way.
And what did I learn?
Well, I already knew Finns fancy to the saddest and
melancholic music (as it seems to be with the Lithuanians too). Austrians like
to get together in pubs, drink Schnapps made out of pine cones while exchanging
their opinions about the behavioral patterns of human reproduction. Hong Kongers
have the most vivid New Year´s traditions originating from the myth of an old
man and dragon and of course they have “the ever so easy to use -chopsticks”.
The Germans are quite good in organizing masses to move, but that´s not so
strange after you have met the Angela Merkel who tells everybody to be in love
with them. Besides the similar music taste, Lithuanians have the oldest
language in the world. How cool is that! Also the geographical middle point of Europe
is located in the Lithuanian ground.
As-Salamu Alaykum Pakistan! You have the most
beautiful and extraordinary architecture in your country! I wish to visit there
someday. UK, the land of magic and muggles and the world famous Royal Family
and Rock Stars. Your music unites the people! And what can I say: Your language
is ever so fascinating! And finally the US, the country of Jeopardies! I never
stop be amazed by the Americans’ everlasting enthusiasm, joyfulness and the spirit
to throw oneself to the task at hand.
Yeah, despite my exhaustion after a long day, I think
the evening was really nice!
Afterwards, while I was walking back to home with the
fierce witches Väinämöinen and Pohjan Akka, (who had made a truce!), I was
contemplating considering myself a very privileged person in many ways. Although
I myself remain spouting gawky Finn, I really am grateful to have a chance to
experience the summer school´s liberating spirit in the gatherings.
So, I´d like to Thank all the participants for the
most interesting, inspiring and unforgettable evenings! It was really great
meeting all of you! And one day, at the corridors of the headquarters of the UN
in New York, when I meet you there, I´ll remember that despite all the overwhelming
ferocity in the world, there are people, the social workers, who have the most
vivid spirit to cooperate with to make The World a Better Place :)
Johanna Puolakka
Student, The University of Lapland
Picture: "The ever so easy-to-use chopsticks"
Teacher, Arja Kilpeläinen, The University of Lapland
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