In case you get lost...

While celebrating Midsummer Eve with some friends the other night, on our walk back home we noticed these boxer briefs in the Taito Shop window downtown!

I don't know if they are available in other city maps depending what shop you buy them from...but you have to admit - they'd make a pretty awesome gift for the guy that simply has everything!!!

Also they would help the one who is ALWAYS lost....

And they're "only" 29� a pair!

Hyv�� Juhannusta!! Happy Midsummer!!

Living in Finland is great.  There are a tonne of holidays here that do not get celebrated in North America.
One of these holidays happens to be Midsummer.
It's always placed on a weekend, the Friday being the Eve of Midsummer and everything closes by 12pm on the Friday.  Buses stop running by 1pm and everything is closed on the Saturday.

Last night I got a message from some friends to go check out the huge bonfire that was being lit across the lake - so I packed up one child and went downtown to see.

In order to get closer to the fire you had to pay for a ticket...but we did this last minute - so we didn't bother.

I was told that Midsummer is considered a very magical day.
If you hope to find true love - it's very traditional to pick 7 flowers and place them under your pillow before you fall asleep on Midsummer Eve and whomever you dream of that night is your true love.

There are some other methods but they usually involve being naked and running around or spinning in circles and such....

People tend to go away to their summer cottages for Midsummer and of course slap themselves (and each other) silly with birch branches tied together in big bundles.

Another thing that is pretty common (and is very unfortunate) is to drink quite a bit and go out on a boat and if you really have to pee - and can't make it to land on time, some people pee while standing up in the boat.  Unfortunately, if you're drunk enough - you might fall in and possibly drown.

It's one of the major causes of death during Midsummer celebrations...the numbers seem to have gone down - but still it can and still happens.

So don't drink and paddle!

A New Tab!

Hey Folks:

If you look near the top of my blog, you'll notice a new tab called "Events!"
I think it's important to know what's going on in a calendar month in terms of when the shops are closed and I found I wasn't always able to update it in time so you could get your groceries and errands done before the holiday!

Also included are events happening within the community - if I know of any - and as well, events for the "Foreigners in Jyv�skyl�" - in case you don't use Facebook!

Speaking of which, there is now available, an online used items page on Facebook for those that live in Jyv�skyl� and speak English!
It's called "Second-Hand Items In Jyv�skyl�" and was created because not many used-items sites are English friendly, Google Translate isn't so good either sometimes and some of the second-hand shops are either closing down/re-locating or are too far away to get to by foot!
Oh and if you're crafty and live in JKL - there's an album for you to upload photos of your handmade goods to sell on Facebook!
If you have several items that are hand-made and are similar (i.e. baby socks or cards) and don't want to put individual photos - it's perfectly fine to post 1-3 photos of the item and put a link to where you may have already posted individual photos - like in an online album or blog!

Good luck selling and I hope this all helps!

Just So You Know...

A few weeks ago, my Facebook Home Page exploded with people commenting about a particular Youtube Video.
In this video, a very upset father discovered that his Autistic son was being verbally abused (and not being treated very nicely) by his teachers.
You can check the video out here.

So why am I blogging about this?
There are some pretty heavy privacy laws in Finland - so just in case you tried what the father in the above video did - put a wire on his child to listen to his day at school - you'll be the one in trouble instead.

I know people who have been treated somewhat un-fairly (depends who's view you see it from) in their work place - and there's no way to record what had happened because employers make a point of speaking face to face so there isn't an email trail or a possible recording on the phone.

For the most part - Finns are very honest and stick by the rules but when it comes to you possibly not getting that promotion (or job) because you're due to have a baby soon (for example!).  It is entirely possible that they will simply just not call you or acknowledge your emails or phone calls, as a way of declining you that position.
It has happened to me (Arnold's) and it could happen to you - so please do not be overly offended - it's just how things roll here.

Another major issue as of recently (within the last 2.5 years we've been here) regarding privacy was Google Maps.
You're thinking - HUH?!
Well, when we first moved here, Google had started to go around in a vehicle with a huge camera on the roof filming all the streets and areas in Finland.  The point of this was to create a "Street View" kind of map - so if you're terrible with maps, like yours truly, then you could click on "Street View" when getting directions and see exactly which building you should be heading towards.
What's the problem then?
Well, Finns felt their privacy was being invaded and that it was not allowed - having their private property filmed and on the internet for the world to see.
Google fought back - explaining the reason for their filming and that they were not filming through people's windows or through the yards - but simply doing a cruise-by.

Since then, I haven't heard any complaints and of course, it's a very useful tool!!
I know it's saved me from being lost a few times already!!

Do you use Google Maps?

A Doctor's Note.

Recently I got a note from the hospital (doctor) and it was in Finnish and I nearly had a heart attack.
I thought it said that my son had to re-do his EEG testing and I was on the verge of tears.  V�in� despises hospitals, doctors or anything resembling the sort!  So the EEG-testing (cap on his head and gel poked into white dots and into his hair while they measure his brain waves as he screamed non-stop for 40 minutes or more) was not his cup of tea.

Thankfully, I brought this note to a friend and guess what?
It's just a note from the doctor letting me know that they will be calling me at a certain time on a certain day next week... this way I don't have to go back to the hospital to hear the results.

PHEW!

And in case you're wondering - no, I've never had a doctor send me a booked phone appointment by post before- hence why I wrote about it!
It depends on the doctor if they give you the results face-to-face or by phone...I've had some results given to me during my first pregnancy (first trimester was spent in Canada and partial of the second) by phone - actually by my private voice mail - so that saved me time having to go there!

Canadian VS Finland (and most of EU)

Yes I know, Canada lost the Ice Hockey World Championships and I didn't blog about it.  There - I just did.  (Finland didn't win either you know!)

Now, something that has come up recently, that didn't before - is getting my youngest son a guarantor for his Canadian Passport.
My first son, V�in�, did not have a guarantor because we didn't know anyone here long enough (minimum 2 years) and of a professional status such as:

• Dentist, medical doctor
• Judge, Magistrate, Police Officer
• Mayor
• Notary Public
• Practising Lawyer, Notary
• Signing Officer of a Bank

WHAT IS A GUARANTOR?
Oh, in case you have NO idea what I am talking about - a guarantor is someone that has known you for at least 2 years and is of a professional status (as mentioned above) and is willing to fill in your Canadian Passport application and sign one of your photos (the back of it) confirming your identity and the child's.
(Or in this case, my youngest - Ahti's, identity).
It is a major responsibility because if they're caught lying in any way, shape or form - pretty sure there are some consequences...and even though you might have been the mother (or father) and have endured a difficult pregnancy and a tough labour and lost a lot of sleep and have "technically" known the child since your honeymoon (or last date night away from the other kids) - you as a parent, CANNOT sign the paperwork as a guarantor.

So back in 2010, when we started applying for a Passport for V�in� - we didn't know anyone for at least 2 years (and obviously, neither did he) - so we went to the Magistrate and for a fee of 14� (may have changed since then) - they signed it as a Notary Public.  We had to provide our identification and that was all fine and done immediately.

Now, time has gone by and we have more friends and one of them is a practicing lawyer.
So when I asked her if she wouldn't mind being Ahti's guarantor - she asked me what she had to do.
Once I explained it all she said it was fine and we went over the paperwork and she filled it all in.

Afterwards, I asked her if it's the same for an EU Passport.
Nope.
Apparently they don't have anything like this system and they just ask about your parents birth dates and some other questions to confirm your identity and you of course, send in your photos and you get a passport.

I bet you're wondering why my kids don't have EU Passports now - aren't you?
My kids are yes, both born here, but because my husband and I are Canadians - they are automatically deemed Canadian.
If your child doesn't have any automatic ties to a particular citizenship once born, then I think you can apply for Finnish Citizenship.
There is a small possibility of applying for EU citizenship when the kids are older (and once we know what we're doing or where we are going!) and they could have dual-citizenship - which would be fantastic and open up so many doors for studying and travelling!!

So, if you have to go ask your colleague or friend to be your guarantor for your Canadian Passport - that's the kind of reaction you might get...because Finns simply don't have to do that.

For more information (direct from the source) on Canadian Passports - please check here.

And ONE SUPER-DUPER important thing!!!!!!!!!

If you are a Canadian applying for your child(ren)'s passport out of country and through the Embassy for example (Canadian Embassy is in Helsinki by the way) - you must use the form that says:

"Child Passport Application for Canadians under 16 years of age (abroad)"


"Abroad" is the key word and they WILL return the application to you as not filled in properly - or wrong form chosen...we've been there with V�in�'s application.
And yes, if you look closely enough - they're the same form numbers....just that stinking word "abroad" has to be on the front page, where you don't actually write anything on it.

And yes, another popular question is in regards to babies having their own passport (it lasts 3 years until the child is a bit older - then it lasts 5 years prior to needing a renewal.  The reason for this is because a baby's facial features change so much and so quickly.  However a Finnish police representative told me the EU passports last 5 years - even for babies because they measure different points than the Canadian system.)  It IS mandatory because that's how babies can get kidnapped or moved without the other parent knowing.
If you do plan on travelling without the other parent of the child - or even part ways and meet up later - PLEASE get the other parent to write and sign a letter for you to carry with you if you have the child.  Security/customs representatives WILL question where the other parent is and if you have that letter and explain what your plans are - it'll make it a much smoother trip for you and your child!!
We did this last year, my husband and I travelled to New York together with V�in� and he stayed in NY while I kept going to Canada and thankfully I had a letter because he drilled me with a few good questions about my husband's whereabouts and the status of our relationship!  (aka - "Are you two having any issues in which the child is involved?" - so in other words - you are fleeing to Canada so the hubby can't find you and the kid?)


And one more thing!  When I first filled in V�in�'s application - in 2010, I was required to submit a person to be my character reference.  They WERE contacted and asked a tonne of questions about me, my life growing up, my hobbies and interests, my previous jobs - pretty much anything and everything but my shoe size!  I don't think I have to fill anything out like that this time for Ahti - but be sure you pick someone that really knows you well - that is NOT a relative (if I remember correctly).
They contacted my reference by e-mail - so you don't have to worry about having a Canadian calling Finland on their own account!

Hope this helps and safe travels!

Coffee House Is Fur-Free - sort of.

Maybe you've heard and maybe you haven't.  There was a new law put out in Finland that dogs are allowed in restaurants if the owner of the business is okay with it.

I'm sure it goes without saying - your dog must be well-behaved, not steal food, and not get in the way of others...but anyhow.

But of course, there is a catch.  If the owner of the business says, "No sorry - your dog must be tied up outside (or not join you on the patio or outdoor seating area - now that it's summer).."  then you have to respect that and leave.

And you would THINK that a service or guide dog would be exempt from these rules.  However, there are some restaurant owners in Finland that are declining visually impaired/blind people who have guide dogs with them...
I totally support a guide dog being allowed to go anywhere its owner has to go - that's what they are trained for!
Now from the owner's point of view, I suppose if a blind person came in and couldn't tell their dog was stealing food from the other tables or from the counter of a caf� - then, yes, that could be an issue.

So if you are wondering, where can I take my pooch for lunch - have no fear.
There is a Facebook Group (in Finnish) called "Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Finland", where you should be able to find places that do not mind if you bring your well-behaved pup for a bite to eat!

In case you're wondering - Germany allows dogs EVERYWHERE it seems...bars, restaurants, shops etc.  France allows you to bring your dog on the bus but they must wear a muzzle - not a halti to prevent pulling, but an actual muzzle to prevent the dog from biting or licking anyone else on the bus....

Canada?  Well, I think it depends on what part but in NS - only guide dogs are allowed on the bus.  They are allowed anywhere the blind person has to go...it's wise to bring a seeing-able person with you, in case your dog is possibly misbehaving by sneaking food off your plate or using the bathroom in the clothing aisle...I've seen it done - trust me, it can happen!

The great thing about Finland is that you can take your dog on the bus but of course, they have to be well-behaved and usually I take mine to the center of the bus, where there is a lot of space for my dog to lie down or sit.  So far - I haven't had any issues.

One thing I will not do here - or at least haven't bothered trying, is to bring my dog to a caf� downtown.  My dogs are pretty well behaved (lots of bribery is required sometimes) but they would sneak food, try and get other people's attention by rubbing or licking their legs or hands and if another dog walks by - possibly there might be some pulling....so it's just a happier occasion for both if I leave my dogs at home.

My friend and I met downtown recently and she brought her dog with her (a small one - King Charles Cavalier Spaniel) and we decided to grab a bite to eat at a caf� with an outdoor eating area.  We decided to go to Coffee House as I haven't been there in ages and had a pretty good time.
Her pup, was pretty calm and quiet once he settled down under the table with a bowl of water and when we were done - we left.
My friend later on met some other colleague with HER spaniels (2 of them) - and they decided to go back to Coffee House and enjoy the sunshine outside and have a coffee.  *I wasn't there but was told of this situation after the fact.*
Apparently there were many customers, lots of downtown traffic and many of the staff coming and going to tidy up the tables outside and offer refills - and nobody had said anything about the dogs sitting quietly at their table.
I guess one waitress came out and asked them to leave with the dogs because they do not allow dogs at their restaurant, not even outside.
Which is interesting - because there isn't a sign anywhere saying "NO DOGS" (or a photo indicating this) and I was there with my friend about 2 hours prior!!

I really think all restaurants should clearly indicate if they are dog-friendly or not...for example, up the road by the University, is a bar named Sohwi - and they have a year-long outdoor eating area and there is a sign of a dog with a big "X" on it.  Fair enough!

I'm not saying ALL restaurants or caf�s should allow dogs - it's totally up to the owner and the environment...obviously a bar might not be suitable for a dog if there are many noisy drunks for example...
But if you're going to say no - then make it loud and clear for everyone and I don't know...be consistent? 


I recommended to my friend to file a complaint letter to the management...and I probably wouldn't go there again.  I'm glad they take S-Bonus Card - but the chicken Cesar on a bagel was pretty crappy.  The spinach was limp and the sandwich itself lacked flavour - just in case you were wondering.