Monocolumn – A Finnish travel guide, revised [Monocle]

Monocolumn: A Finnish travel guide, revised

There used to be a travel guide to Finland that gave rather awkward advice on how to behave with Finns. The book recommended that women take their rings off before shaking hands with Finnish men – Finns’ handshakes were supposedly so strong that you could easily get hurt. The book also suggested that it was worthwhile singing a song to a Finn as they are so fond of singing that they would join in a rendition of a traditional song for the smallest of reasons. I don’t know how many awkward situations this book has caused with its random and inaccurately-interpreted views of my nation. Therefore I have decided to reassess it. One of the good things about living in an international city such as London is that I find myself hosting and observing fellow Finns almost non-stop. Seeing them in London interacting with people, I have learned a few lessons on how to impress a f...

Full article: http://www.monocle.com/monocolumn/2012/10/04/a-finnish-tr...