In Chinese language, we say there are four basic aspects to constitute life. They are eating, clothing, housing and transportation (食衣住行). Frankly, I do not have a strong position to comment the life in Oulu, because I have only been here for three weeks, which is longer than a tourist but shorter than a resident. However, you may find my observation entertaining and start to see Oulu in a different way.
For eating, Oulu is such a multicultural city with many exotic restaurants, including Indian, Chinese, Tai, Turkish, Viet, Japanese ,American restaurants. I am happy to see this city enjoying Asian food that much, because it is my favorite.
I had been in Oulu in the winter of 2010. It was freezing cold for me, since we do not have snow in Taiwan! -5 degrees were “warm” for the local but “fridge-cold” for me. Before going out, wear two more swears, one big coat, one pair of glove, two pairs of socks, one scurf and one hat! Gosh! I told my Finnish friend that I had never worn this much in my whole life and I felt like a Christmas tree hanging with lots of stuff!
I wonder how come Finns never invent one piece of super powerful coat that you only need to wear it and you will become undefeatable in the harsh winter? In that case, people do not have to wear so many clothes to go outside and take off them to come inside, how brilliant is this one-billion-dollar idea (kidding)!
Next, it is housing. I have stayed with my Finnish friend in an apartment and visited several of my Finish friends’ houses. I would say the houses in Finland are simple, cozy without too many decorations or too much stuff. Maybe it is because Finns do not like to shop too much; maybe Finns know how to organize and store stuff. In Oulu, you cannot tell the difference between the normal apartments and social houses; the city center and the outskirt. What kind of urban plan can reach such a level that you cannot see the the division between the rich and poor; the city and the nature? Everything emerges exactly the way to show the most significant value of North Europe- equality. Unlike in the U.S.A., there are “black areas,” where you should be more cautious. In that country, you always notice the difference among people, the race, social status, education, so on and so on. At this point, I must say that I feel very comfortable in Oulu.
The aspect opens my eye the most is the transportation. People can really bike to get almost everywhere they want. The paths for pedestrians and bikers are well designed. It is safe, relaxing and “green” to bike around in Oulu.
Oulu, the 6th largest city in Finland with the population around 140,000 people, may be the 40th city that I have stayed in. It may not be as exciting as New York or Paris; may not be as lively as Taipei; may not be the popular tourist attraction as Venice. Nevertheless, Oulu is such a treasure that you should take more time to know it better and appreciate the way it is.
Comments
Hsuen-chu, a good posting again. I like your personal style and the way you compare countries and cultures. It brings light to the differences. Could we talk Tuesday at 10h30?