MAHDOLLISUUKSIEN MATKALAUKUT

 Sometimes Being Late Can Be Polite  It is interesting to observe how differently people relate to time in various cultures. In Finland, I learned from a young age that an agreed-upon time is “set in stone” and also a promise. Being late would mean breaking that promise, which is considered impolite and disrespectful of the other person’s time. A similar way of thinking can be seen, for example, in Japan, where even a delay of a few minutes in train schedules may prompt a public apology. Arriving on time is therefore important in Finland, whether it is for a job interview or visiting a friend.  In Nepal, the situation can be the opposite. When visiting a friend or acquaintance, it may even be considered polite to arrive a little later than agreed. This gives the host “more” time, for example, to prepare food or tidy up. The practical goal is to reduce the pressure of preparation for the host and allow extra time to get things ready in peace.  In Spain, the siesta str...

Joskus myöhästyminen voi olla kohteliasta  On mielenkiintoista huomata, kuinka eri tavoin aikaan suhtaudutaan eri kulttuureissa. Suomessa opin jo pienestä asti, että sovittu kellonaika on “lukkoon lyöty” ja samalla myös lupaus. Myöhästyminen olisi lupauksen rikkomista, mikä on epäkohteliasta ja toisen ajan epäkunnioittamista. Samantyyppistä ajattelutapaa näkee esimerkiksi Japanissa, jossa junien muutaman minuutin myöhästymisestä saatetaan pyytää julkisesti anteeksi. Saapuminen ajoissa onkin Suomessa tärkeää, oli kyse sitten työhaastattelusta tai kaverin luokse vierailemisesta.  Nepalissa tilanne voi olla päinvastainen. Siellä kaverin tai tutun luona vieraillessa voidaan pitää jopa kohteliaana sitä, että saavutaan hieman myöhemmin kuin on sovittu. Näin annetaan kotiväelle ”enemmän” aikaa esimerkiksi laittaa ruokaa tai siivota. Käytännön tavoite on vähentää kotiväen valmistautumispaineita ja antaa ylimääräistä aikaa hoitaa valmistelut rauhassa.  Espanjassa siesta rytmittää ...

 What is home? The meaning of home varies for different people and at different stages of life. The concept of home can change depending on circumstances, and sometimes it can be found in surprising places. When I moved to Finland and my living environment changed completely, I was left wondering: what really is home? For many, home is made by its physical features. The physical aspects of a home reflect a person’s personality, life situation, and lifestyle. This is visible, for example, in interior decoration: photographs, keepsakes, and furniture make the space personal. Location and surroundings also play an important role – nearby communities and services, such as the local grocery store or a football field, can be things that make a place feel like home. For others, the more abstract qualities of home are more important. Home is a safe haven, a place for relaxation and presence. It is a place where one can be entirely oneself and express emotions. Home is associated with warmt...