A Journey to Helsinki

Although it’s certain that I’ll be in the UK until I finish my PhD programme, I can’t be sure whether I’ll stay here for work afterwards. That’s why I’d like to visit as many countries as I can while I have the opportunity. This time, I went to Helsinki.

It's hard where to begin, but what struck me most was just how safe it was. It felt so safe that even secondary school students were out walking late at night without any issue. Normally, whenever I travel, I make sure not to keep anything in my pockets and I avoid carrying my laptop around unless it’s absolutely necessary. But in Helsinki, I honestly felt as though those precautions were not needed at all. That is how safe it was.

I also came to appreciate how much effort the country puts into making life comfortable and liveable for its Hilsinki / Finland citizens.

Oodi Helsinki Central Library is nothing short of a tourist attraction in itself. It was so beautiful and modern that it was hard to believe it was actually a library. The design was stunning too, and I couldn’t help but admire the distinctly Nordic touch.

Of course, visiting as a tourist and actually living there would be completely different, and I am sure there would be some negative sides that become apparent once you settle in. Still, I thought it was wonderful. Above all, what made this trip special was that I was able to stay with the family of one of my former students who had studied abroad while I was working at high school in Japan. It turned into a homestay that really made me reflect on what happiness means XD