Du gamla, Du fria

So here I am! I've just spent my first weekend in warm, summery Malmö, and it's been awesome. Like I predicted, all stress and worries were gone with the wind once I got here. Now it's all about lazy, hazy summertime bliss. (Until I start my summer job, anyway.)

Finland and Sweden have a very special relationship. After being a part of the Swedish kingdom for centuries, Finland is a bit like a little brother, jealous of what big brother has and does. But we don't admit that of course, we disguise it with jokes and detraction. Well, I like Sweden and the Swedes. I think they're generally more open, social and friendly than Finns. I really feel at home here.

Today happens to be Sweden's national day. And their way of celebrating is quite different from ours. In Finland, independence day is serious business. We have pompous ceremonies and soldiers marching and it's all very dignified. What do the Swedes do? They put up little flags on buses and set up a stage in the middle of the market square where they have entertainment ranging from new circus to a concert by the Idols winner. They wear t-shirts in Sweden's colours and go out in the park to have a picnic. Sure, it's early June opposed to our 6th of December, but that can't be the only reason. The Swedes celebrate their country, we treat our independence like a relic. Maybe it's because independence is such a new thing to us afterall, less than a 100 years. I guess it's easier to be laid-back about it if you've been independent for a thousand years or so.

We decided to do as the natives and have a picnic in Slottsparken, an amazing and huge oasis right next to the centre:

So, congrats Sweden on your national day! Thanks for letting me be a part of folkhemmet for three months, I think we'll get along just fine!

-Karoliina

P.S. I do have the little brother syndrome as well: hearing the national anthem felt like a stab, thanks to hearing it so many times after yet another hockey disappointment...