I've previously mentioned the various difference between my "Home country" and my "Now country". Well, the interesting thing is whenever a Finn asks me where I am from (and whether or not Tim is Finnish or not) and then they ask, "How do you like Finland?"
The answer is always the same. "I love it here. I prefer Finland over Canada honestly."
And about 99% of the Finns look at me and think I am crazy. It's not that they "hate their country" - it's more so that they always thought Canada was one of "THE" best places to live - so media portrays us Canucks.
Then the Finn will patiently wait for my reasoning as to why I prefer Finland over my home country. Aside from the language barrier - I prefer Finland for its safety, it's health care benefits are much better than Canada, their public school system is considered the top in the world (look it up - you'll find tonnes of articles and interviews!) and the weather is pretty consistent.
That's not true of all of Canada - but where I am from, in good ol' Nova Scotia (we have Ellen Page, Sidney Crosby, blueberries, Jost Winery and are fairly close to Anne of Green Gables on the Island) - there's a lot of negative things.
Lots of humidity (minor detail), a poor bus system (at least for parents with children in strollers), lots of violence and drug wars...the list goes on.
Don't get me wrong - I miss home often but I am hoping that Finland can be a permanent home for us, especially where we have V�in� and are trying for another. It's the ideal place to raise a child! I'm sure there are many beautiful places all over the world that are children friendly and welcoming, but for us and for now, Finland is great!
The answer is always the same. "I love it here. I prefer Finland over Canada honestly."
And about 99% of the Finns look at me and think I am crazy. It's not that they "hate their country" - it's more so that they always thought Canada was one of "THE" best places to live - so media portrays us Canucks.
Then the Finn will patiently wait for my reasoning as to why I prefer Finland over my home country. Aside from the language barrier - I prefer Finland for its safety, it's health care benefits are much better than Canada, their public school system is considered the top in the world (look it up - you'll find tonnes of articles and interviews!) and the weather is pretty consistent.
That's not true of all of Canada - but where I am from, in good ol' Nova Scotia (we have Ellen Page, Sidney Crosby, blueberries, Jost Winery and are fairly close to Anne of Green Gables on the Island) - there's a lot of negative things.
Lots of humidity (minor detail), a poor bus system (at least for parents with children in strollers), lots of violence and drug wars...the list goes on.
Don't get me wrong - I miss home often but I am hoping that Finland can be a permanent home for us, especially where we have V�in� and are trying for another. It's the ideal place to raise a child! I'm sure there are many beautiful places all over the world that are children friendly and welcoming, but for us and for now, Finland is great!
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