Why did I decide to stay here for a year? "Just 'cause."

I am overwhelmingly satisfied right now. This international dorm of students is full of surprises, cultural clashes, flavorful conversations and weird smells from the kitchen. We are living without one dominant system of social norms and ques. People have different ideas about formalities and respect, gender roles, economics, politics, etc. We're free (to a certain degree, as there are still similarities that carry across borders) of the societal conventions that we take for granted in our home countries. And that's pretty cool.

This night, Yoon Seok and Uno came over to prepare Bulgogi, a typical Korean dish, with rice, hot sauce and lettuce. I met these boys during the survival Finnish course this summer, and have strong admiration and affection for them.



(Yoon Seok, left; Uno "Grandson," right)

Here is a recipe for bulgogi: http://savorysweetlife.com/2009/07/marinade-this-bulgogi-recipe-korean-barbequed-beef/

Here is a video of one cook's process: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3yKLl3q7xk

Dan, Jorge, Samuel, Zhenia, Shizuka, Massimo and I thought the food was delicious. We talked about the places we have been to in the last three months (including France, Poland, Russia, Austria, Spain, Germany, England and Norway). Half of us are leaving when the semester ends. Jorge, a good friend from California, asked me why I decided to stay a year instead of a semester. I didn't have a direct answer. So he asked, smiling, "Just 'cause?" I smiled back.

I've always thought a yearlong exchange would be more meaningful in understanding a culture and developing relationships. But, like our perceptions on age and time, we derive meaning, come to understanding, and connect with people at different paces and in different ways. Some people need one year, some people need two, and some people need five years to feel comfortable and part of a culture.

I'm happy to be in Finland for a year, but I can't say that my experience will be more meaningful or deep than someone who is here for a semester. I'm happy to hear about my friends' experiences here, and to continue on this journey of happiness, consciousness and figuring out ways to improve the human condition.



(Today's Finnish Culture and Society Lecture focused on environmental topics.)



(mansikka-juustokakku "cheese cake")