Helsinki Local Custom Tips by sabsi

Hmmm where should I start, there are so many unique Finnish things to remember...
OK...

1) Take your shoes off when entering a flat!

2) Be aware that students love to wear overalls at parties...I never understood that tradition actually ;-)

3) There are traffic lights at the other side of the intersection. Don't (like me!) start wondering how on earth the drivers see the lights when they wait next to it ;-)

4) Remember that Finns don't talk a lot until you know them better!

5) Say Kiitos instead of Thank you and everyone will love it!

6) Most cafes are self-service.

7) My favourite cultural feature: Buy fresh peas at the market and eat them everywhere you go!

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Make sure to buy some Finnish music - there's some really good stuff around here!!!

I can recommend:

22 Pistepirkko
Sir Elwoodin hiljaiset värit
Kemopetrol
The Rasmus
Egotrippi
Lenni Kalle Taipale (Jazz)
The 69 Eyes
Apulanta (see pic)
The Crash
etc etc etc.

And the soundtrack of the Kaurismäki film 'Juha' is fantastic as well!!!!

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As soon as you arrive you should go to the tourist information (to get yourself a copy of Helsinki This week. In this magazine you find addresses of sights and restaurants as well as information on what's on in the month you are there!

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Get yourself a copy of this free magazine "CITY in english". You will not only get addresses of bars and restaurants and descriptions of sights here it - it is also very entertaining with funny articles on Finnish heroes etc. Other than that there are "off the beaten path tips", events and a general information page - in English, German, Russian and Swedish.

You will realise while reading this that Finns can laugh about themselves. It's wonderful!

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Helsinki's daily newspaper Helsingin Sanomat has a funny picture gallery on their pages. It's at www.helsinki-hs.net/gallery/helsinki/helsinki.html. I believe it gives you a good feel for crazy Helsinki! My favourite pictuzre comment on it is "On days like this, with wet snow falling sideways, global warming doesn't sound such a bad idea after all."

Have a look!

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Website: www.helsinki-hs.net/gallery/helsinki/helsinki.html