Fast facts about Finland

Caio - student bar behind Yliopistokatu (student residence where I am living)

Eden - popular spa in Nallikari, where the beach in Oulu is. (Remember that Oulu has only one coast line, unlike Singapore which is surrounded by water. Singaporeans always forget that. At least I do.)

ESN - Erasmus Student Network. Sort of a student union here everywhere in Finland. Each university has its own branch. They organize really cool trips at attractive prices for primarily exchange and Finnish students.

Fazer - (best? really?) chocolate in Finland.

Hernekeitto - pea and ham soup

Kippis - Cheers

Nokia - city in Finland, where the famous handphone brand took its name from.

Posti - Post office

Revontuli - northern lights, otherwise also known as aurora borealis.

Revontuli, or commonly known as the Aurora Borealis in its most common form (greenish).

Aurora borealis in its most beautiful form. Hope I get to see this man.

Rotuaari - pedestrian street in Oulu, and no cars are allowed on that street. Rather something like some streets in Chinatown, but wider.

Sauna - steam bath invented in Finland.

Sisu - Finnish spirit of courage, nerve and heart.

Tar - original export of Oulu. Used to waterproof wooden boats last time when huge boats made of metal were not yet invented. There's tar candy, tar soap, tar whatever. I will try Leijonka tar candy sometime and maybe buy some for those who wanna try it. Or tar soap anyone? I heard it's really nice smelling. No joke.

Uutiset - evening news at 8.30pm (GMT+0200). It's said that the Finnish are really religious about their news. Don't call them at 8.30pm, they'll be irritated.

Vappu - April 30th (celebration of spring), no matter whether the snow has melted or not. The week before that, students will start celebrating and there'll be wild big parties everywhere.