#wtf aka Welcome to Finland

And my 5 Favorite things I learned from the Finnish.

I should probably explain the title, huh? I stole the idea from my Finnish friend. It was -32 Celsius, and she was standing at the bus stop because her car wouldn’t start. This is a fairly normal Finnish experience, and she hashtagged it as #wtf Welcome to Finland. It was hilarious. So I titled this post after her moment because if you ever have the chance to visit Finland in the winter, you will love it and yet understand the above title perfectly.

And now, to the post.

There I was with my carry-on backpack and big purse, standing on the sidewalk in my running shoes, as many layers as I could wear, and my big winter coat. Nothing could have prepared me for the cold I met. #icantfeelmyface

Of course, it probably would have helped if I had checked a suitcase, but the thought of hauling a checked suitcase on 2 trains, 2 planes, 2 buses, and a car just did not appeal. Sure, sure. The suitcase wouldn’t be with me for the two flights, but no way. I’ve seen people maneuvering their luggage like pros on all these public transportation option, but I’m not eager to try it (my muscles are for looking at, not using, obviously).

So my suitcase stayed home. But let me be honest. My wardrobe is very minimal already so bringing more clothing probably wouldn’t have helped that much (fashion-wise, yes, but staying warm, nah).

My plan was to borrow from my Finnish friends. After all, we are about the same height and size. It turned out to be a great plan, by the way, because it gave me the opportunity to learn a few things!

1. Wool Everything

I swear that wool saved my life. I’m also pretty sure my hosts probably had a couple of conversations that went like this, “Hey, where’s Barbara?”

“She’s plastered herself to the radiator. I already tried to coax her away.”

But anyway, let’s get back to wool. It’s a life saver, that stuff. I’ve always steered clear of the material because it just seems to irritate my skin (it’s itchy!), but after a few days in Finland, I was outfitted with a wool sweater (“Make sure you wear a long-sleeved shirt under it”), wool mittens (“put them over your thin gloves”), wool inserts (“place them in your boots”), and wool socks (“You can’t be warm till your feet are warm.”).

So, kids, don’t leave home without it, especially if it just so happens that Finland is your home.

2. Scarf outside the hood

This one, I didn’t get. Why would you put that lovely, soft scarf so far away from your throat?

Well, there’s a reason for the madness. Coat up, zip up, hood up. Then, wrap the scarf around your hood, neck, and face. This creates the perfect cocoon for your neck, and you’re still able to use your hood if you need to.

I admit that this is not something I started to do because my coat could use something warm and soft in the lining rather than that silky, cold lining. But, I also live in a warmer place (hilarious that I’m calling Austria’s winter warm!) than Finland.

3. Wear a reflector

After a few days around town, I started noticing so many people with these shiny, plastic items hanging off their coats. Like, are we wearing keychains now? I figured it was a fad until I saw this extremely distinguished grandfather (that man had impeccable style) and he had this shiny thing hanging off his coat.

I did what anyone would do. I asked about it.

Apparently, Finland has a law that everyone must wear reflectors on their person. It makes sense, though, especially when you only have about 5 hours of light during the winter months. Honestly, I don’t think it’s a bad idea for any country.

4. Drying Cabinets

Now this. This is something I think is pure brilliance. Imagine not having a dish rack taking up space on your kitchen counter even though you don’t have a dish washer so you’re still doing dishes by hand. Get this: the Finnish have created the Drying Cabinet.

It’s the cabinet right over the sink, and instead of solid boards to hold plates, bowls, etc., the shelves are drying racks. You open the cabinet, wash the dishes, and place them in the cabinet to drip dry right into the sink below.

Everything looks clean, even if you just started drying the dishes.

5. French Press

I thought that a French Press could only be used for coffee. Fine, you already know that they can be used for other things. Okay, well some of us (me) are not as bright as others (you). You see, I’ve never thought to use a French Press for my loose leaf tea.

Talk about Light Bulb Moment.

A French Press for your favorite loose leaf tea. Gosh. Life just got a whole heck of a lot easier. You’re welcome. I’m welcome. We’re all welcome!

After my time in Finland, I’ve find myself eyeing the cabinet over the sink in my kitchen. I wonder if anyone would noticed if I converted that baby into a Drying Cabinet…