Lovely article again Jackie. We spent a month cycling around Finland in summer 24 and really fell in love with the place. I think trust and reciprocity are the key to their happiness. They do National Service of course, but as one of our Finnish friends said, in return for giving the state 6-9 months they get a lifetime of brilliant free education, excellent cheap public transport, and great healthcare. And everything just works. We’ll be back again in July.
Also recommend the Simon Reeves travelogue on the i player.
I so enjoyed this Jackie; warm thanks. We had a wonderful holiday there many years ago, and the
Finnish folk were lovely .... lots of similarities to the Scots
Whenever I hear Sibelius I immediately feel back in the forest near his home
Thanks too for great photos
Thank you Elspeth. I will listen to some Sibelius, I don't know his music well but I like the sound of the forest vibes.
Lovely article again Jackie. We spent a month cycling around Finland in summer 24 and really fell in love with the place. I think trust and reciprocity are the key to their happiness. They do National Service of course, but as one of our Finnish friends said, in return for giving the state 6-9 months they get a lifetime of brilliant free education, excellent cheap public transport, and great healthcare. And everything just works. We’ll be back again in July.
Also recommend the Simon Reeves travelogue on the i player.
Yes. The situation with Russia is a big concern. I think one reason they’re happy is that Russia hasn’t invaded them recently.
Thanks for reminding me of Smeddum- a fine N-E term.
Yes, your mum has plenty of it
I ken 'at!