Very serious issues
Thank you again for your participation, I understand very well that you all have a life of your own to live outside from this site. I really appreciate your time and effort to give me feedback. I was so happy to notice that we in Finland are such a happy nation, thank you Hyoahil. Adriana I am aware of your county being one of the major economic powers of the future. We here in Europe talk about so called BRIC-countries (Brasil, Russia, India and China) being the major economic powers of the future.
About the links I add, I have tried to have some new links all the time, please tell me, if you want me to keep them longer for you to view. Ramin you made my day, I feel like a sweetheart. About the wild berries; it is a big business here in Finland. If I have time I will tell you more about the subject before the end of the month. Marianna I am sorry to hear you are a bit downhearted, it will pass I know for sure.
Ana Paula; the interview with the Press went fine, you may remember that I have worked in the field of communication, but of course when it is you that is being interviewed it is always different. I talked about my marvelous opportunity to learn English with BBC and how my global family was helping me every day. I tell you that about 200 000 readers had a possibility to view the story.
My title today is a serious one and you will see soon why, as I will talk about the history.
Finland has common history with Sweden; the trade with Vikings was lively during 800 – 1050 AD around the coastal areas. The first missionaries arrived in Finland from Sweden, and Finland became part of the Swedish realm in 1155. Sweden later (1809) surrendered Finland to Russia and the Russian Czar Alexander I declared Finland an autonomous Grand Duchy and himself as a constitutional monarch.
In the year of 1917 Finland declared independence from the Soviet Union. The new state was first recognized by the Soviet Union, France, Germany and Sweden. Our independence day is celebrated in the 6. of December.
In 1918, Finland experienced a brief but bitter Civil War that influenced our domestic politics for many years, and it is fair to say that it also has left wounds in people´s hearts. The Civil War was fought between "the Whites", who gained support from Imperial Germany, and "the Reds", which were supported by Bolshevist Russia.
Later on Finns have had tragic wars with Soviet Union (1939 – 1940) and 1941 – 1944. Since those times Finland and Soviet Union have shown great desire to live in peace; Soviet Union - nowadays Russia - and Finland have had very close trade relations and co-operation for many, many decades and good relations continue.
Our neighbor on the other side of Finland, Sweden, is a country that Finns recognize as a modern and tolerant society. I think we have love and hate relationship with Swedes. It is most tragic when Swedish Ice Hokey team wins the Finnish team, but what a joy if we beat the Swedes! And if Swedes and Russians are playing, you guessed; it is better if Russia wins. As you can read between the lines, Sweden is Finland´s best neighbor; they are our most beloved opponents in every way.
My father fought in the war. He is 83 and he lives on his own. My mother died seven years ago, as you may remember me tellling you earlier.
My last thought tonight before I go to bed is how wonderful it is to talk to you guys and share our thoughts and good wishes.
Yours sincerely Leila
Comments
What an interesting post, Leila. The relationship between the Finns and Swedes reminds me the relation between India and Pakistan. There's a similar kind of story here, too. India and Pakistan got independence from the British rulers in 1947. The only difference is the dates, we celebrate independence on 14 August while Indians on 15 August. So, you can say that both the countries are 60 now, but Pakistan is a day older than India:). With this, all the best wishes to everyone, Naheed
Hi Leila. I know what you are talking about. My country had a bitter war against Perú and Bolivia, and till today some people in the three countries have some revenge feelings in their hearts...¡¡¡and the war was in the XIX century!!! Considering this is refreshing to hear that finns and russians have so good relations. Bye
Hi, Leila. I loved your "Sweden is Finland´s best neighbor; they are our most beloved opponents in every way. "
Hello Leila! Oh dear, I´m happy to know your interview went well. As I told before, it´s been great to read about you and your country. Moreover, I´m learning a lot from you. Leila, Finland Independence Day is coming, isn´t it? Could you please tell us how do you celebrate this special day? Oh Leila I´m sorry for your mother( may she rest in peace). I´d like to meet your father, I think he´s a very strong person. I also would like to say that I enjoy very much indeed talking to you and our friends, and MARIANNA I think you would be a great student blog. You are inteligent, kind and write very interesting comments here. It would be wordenful know a bit more about you. Please think about it :-)! Just one more think Marianna; don´t be said about your English improvements. I feel the same sometimes, but this feeling give me strengh to go ahead and become better. Girl you´re great. Don´t worry! :-) Thank you and good night Leila, have wonderful dreams, Ana Paula.
Hi Leila, I hope that you could read this message. It is very interesting all what you write. I am fond of Wikipedia and I looked for your home place there. It exists in a lot of languages. About Sweden and Finland I think that is a relationship similar to the one we have here between Uruguay and Argentine. Regards, Beatriz
Dear Leila, You are kind dealing with the people. I've loved your way.
Hi Leila, Thanks for telling us about Finland.Do keep posting us more information about Finland.i enjoyed reading it.
Hi Leila. I hate war. Believe me war is the most dradful thing in the world. I exprienced war when I was a child , around 12-year-old. At thoses day Iraqi dictator attacked my Country,IRAN. I've never forget the day that I was in way of my school, and I don't know what can I call this a luck, destiny or somthing else, I was late. In the middle of my way I heard a horrible explosion sound. Instead going home I ran toward my school. When I reached over there I saw a big hole in front of the school that was made by a missile form an Iraqi's aircraft. Most of my friend were killed and it placed bad effect on me.I'm 32 now ,but whenever I remember those days, it brings tears to my eyes. Unfortunately our regions is full of these painful scene, every time I hear a news about casulties and terrorist attacks in Iraq , Pakistan and other parts of the world I think how can we be such a wild creature. And really do you think a day will come that we all live in peace? Sorry bother you but these are our world facts. An Iranian poet ,his name is Sadee,told : All human being are parts of one body ,if a part has a trouble, the others cann't rest.
Hello Leila! Thank you very much for such an interesting introduction in Finland history! Since you started talking about those serious things... I've never could find time to clarify, but always wanted to know, how Finlad turned to be Germany's conscious ally in the Second World War 1941-1945. It was evident for all around the globe that fascism and ideas of chief nation - German - is very dangerous for all other coutries and nationalities, and that they should coordinate their efforts to overcome the danger... With best regards Mikhail
Super Leila! It means that such ‘love-hate relationship’ have it presence every where even in Europe. We have also such relationship with our eastern neighbor India. (I belong to North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan.) But it becomes harsher in some cases. I hope attitude of both Indians and Pakistanis will become more sober and sophisticated in future and they will enjoy their ‘rivalry’. We experienced same feelings in Indo-Pak cricket matches as you feel but with a little difference. If India has a match with Australia or England we would wish India to win she is our neighbor and Asian country. You wrote, “I was so happy to notice that we in Finland are such a happy nation.” May Allah give your nation more happiness in future; however, my nation is in a very dangerous and tormenting phase. I and many of us are fear that this current situation will lead us to disintegration and civil war. Thanks for such a brief history of Finland. Would you like to explain ‘he lives on his own’ I am sorry not to understand this phrase. Is its mean that he lives his life on his own way or lives in his own world or heaven?
Dear Leila, I would like to thank you for the piece of history of Finland you decided to share with us. I must admit that I have a rather weak grasp of any history, let alone Finnish one. I wish I had liked this subject better at school. You have touched a very serious issue in your blog post, which has made me realize how much I loathe the subject of war. Everybody does, but few can really understand people who have gone through the horrors of war in their lifetime. I have found out relatively recently that my great-grandfather was an intelligence officer and that he was taking part in intelligence operations the purpose of which was to determine the whereabouts of German troops in the forests. I am very proud of my great-grandfather :) Sincerely, Ana
Hi, Our history is very complicated. We can say that we are out of luck to our neighbours (I have German and Russia in mind).Therefore we don't like them, especially Russian. Although the young generation much better manage yourselves with the past. We are nation who loves freedom and always we'll be fight about it. It sounded a little bit terribly but generally we are very nice people. It's well-known saying "Guest at home, God at home". Preferably convince of Polish hospitality personally. Leila, what's the educational system like in your country? Regards Majka
Hi Naheed You know some of our history scholars and researchers challenge this myth that we are one day 'older' then India. They have the view that some of our politicians and ‘ideological hawks’ created this myth and misunderstanding, despite of the fact that it is historically and factually wrong, to differentiate Pakistan from India. What a myth! We have also some other myth in our 60 years short history and I'm sure you are aware of that. Take care and have a nice weekend for all BBC learning friends.
Thank you, Leila, for good words about Russia.
Hello Leila , I agree with Ana Paula from Brazil, I am learning a lot through BBC, but above all thank you about your information (so beautiful) that we explain about your country. I´m learning a lot from you! I often feel alone, Then I connect to the site and I am already better, it's nice to read you all. Have a nice evening! Mariangela
Hello Leila, To read your country's history is a new experience for me. I live in Taiwan far from your country Filand and hardly meet Finn before. On July, my company held a sales meeting in Spain. During the meeting, I met a Finn co-worker who is a gentleman and introduce lifestyle and economic situation of Filand with passion and kindness. Reading your detailed introduction about your country let me understand Filand more today. It's a pleased feeling.
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