Finland - land of funny hats and baggy pants?

I decided that I needed to make it to all of Scandinavia proper like (I went to Finland in 2007, but it was only to an island in between Sweden and Finland) - so, Ive a friend Tuija who was coming back to Grimsö to do her masters work.  So, I asked if I could come visit and travel back to the station with her and she graciously agreed to host me and show me around before heading back to our work.

I headed over on April 29 just in time to arrive for May day celebrations.  May 1st in Sweden and Finland is celebrated the entire week before (in some places).  April 30th the town ...Oh, i forgot to say I flew into Oulu where Tuija is going to university....So, on the 30th the town is overrun with college and high school students who's entire purpose (so it seems) is to drink copious amounts of alcohol.  It is one big street party, only its really concentrated in parts of the town, but its all over the town.  Tuija did not think I should miss out on this adventure - starting the day off right (10am) we sample a little of the traditional (student choice) finnish vodka with orange juice (to make it breakfast).  We then decide to take our party down town to experience the sights and just people watch.

 Couple things I have learned about Finnish culture - when they graduate high school, they get these funny lookin (my opinion) sailor hat type things.  These hats are warn once a year every year after they graduate, every year leading up to May 1.


Another interesting tradition is
 that while in university, each school has its own color and if you belong to a school, you wear a set of coveralls that is of that schools color.  You then decorate your coveralls with patches.  These patches you have "earned" by participating in various activities.  I think maybe some people even just buy patches - but to be true, you should earn them.  This tradition started back in the 50's I think.  Man!  with my secret love (OK, not so secret anymore) of patches, I really want this tradition to happen in USA.  I love it - maybe it hearkens back to my time as a girl-scout earning those merit badges.  I loved it and with more adult themed patches, i think you can have loads of fun.

It was a lot like a block party or tail gate party - lots of little packs of people, BBQing, or having a picnic - the only odd thing was that there wasn't many souls over the age of 25 - except this guy:

He made a stereo that is powered by
his feet!

Not quite sure, but you aren't allowed to hold hands with little people in certain parts of finland...he he he he

More to come on Finland....stay tuned!