My erasmus in Turku

Suomi 100 years Today is the 5 of December. The 6 of December is a very important day in Finland. All people get together to celebrate their indipendence and the democracy they achieved after a lot of struggle and fighting with Russian and German invaders. The celebration is even more important this year (2017) since they celebrate 100 years. The cities and town start preparing themelf already weeks before the official celebration day. Flags, white and blue lights, decorations and posters, souvenires  advartize the upcoming  big event. Everything climax on the evening of the 6th of December. On that date all Finns are inside their houses, drinking wine, listening to the president speach and watching the official Gala on TV. In the afternoon I joined an event for Erasmus student during which some teachers told us some information about tomorrow's celebration. Apparently, every year there is a different theme that emphasizes the de...

Finnish Language for exchange Moikka, I have just concluded my Finnish Language course for Erasmus students. Honestly, It has been one of the most interesting courses I had the chance to follow has an  Exchange and I highly raccomend it for the future students who are going to do the same experience in Finland. I truly believe that the best way to really get to know the culture of a new country is trough learning their language (at least try). I think that learning the language spoken in the host country is both a sign of respect towards the country and the locals and, at he same time, a way to avoid the feeling of frustration everybody experiences when, being in a new place you understand absolutely nothing of what is going on ( no idea about:name of streets, shops, signs on the products at the market, etc.) Of course, it takes time to master a new language but , after almost four months I am at least able to introduce my self and answ...

Moving is never easy: Cross cultural theory Hello everybody, I will share some truth about travelling to a different country and adapting to a different way of living. Infact, does not really metter who you are or from where do you come from, everytime you travel or move away from the place you were born and grown up, you will go trought some inevitable and necessary steps before you get to fully accept a different culture. Today I will go throught this points using   the cross culture theory main points. Denial : Is usually the very first stage. That is the phase during which you will litterarly refuse the interaction with the other culture and show no interest towards it. During this stage it is easy to feel unconfortable with the situation and the people around you. Defense : In this stage, you will consider your culture as superior to the others and you may have the tendency to  criticise behaviour or thoughts by someone from another culture. Mini...

Food:Finnish Blueberry Pie Good day everyone! Today I want to introduce you my favourite Finnish dessert so far... The Blueberry pie.   Yesterday it was a grey and rainy day in Turku, for this reason, a friend and I decided to bake something.   After going trought Finnish dessert recepies, we decided to go for the Blueberry pie (good choice).   This Blueberry Pie or "Mustikkapiirakka" ( as they say here) is actually an iconic Finnish dessert and most bakeries around the country sell it.   The pie is very easy to make it and the ingredients are cheap and easy to find. Have fun and BUON APPETITO!!   Here the recipe we followed to cook this amazing dessert: Preparation Time: 10 minutes    Cook Time: 35 minutes      Total Time: 45 minutes   Ingredients Finlandia Unsalted Butter, softened, for greasing pan 1/2 cup (8 Tablespoons) Finlandia Unsalted Butter, softened 2/3 cup sugar 1 egg 1/...

Food:Fazer I write this post for those like me who love chocolate and sweets. I would say that, If you ever come to Finland it is compulsory to try the local brend of sweets, Fazer. Fazer has been one of the largest corporations in the Finnish food industry since 1891. the brand  is very famous within the nordic countries like Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Baltic countries , the United Kingdom and Russia. I have never seen their products before (since Italy does not import them), but I honestly find them to be delicous. So much variety!  Products are ade with the best ingredients and there are options for people having food intollerance. It is possible to find many kind of products like chocolate bars, chocolates and candies. Every supermarket or "kioski" sales the products and it is even possible to buy them going to the Fazer Cafes that are in every city. Before I leave to go back to Italy I will surely buy some items so that my friends and f...

Cultural experience:Christmas market in Turku Finland is the country of Santa Claus and , for this reason, I am really excited to see how people and towns get ready for the best time of the year. Yesterday (25.11.2017), the city of Turku officially started the countdown for Christmas. A huge Christmas tree  that is made every year in front of the old Cathedral, lights, dances ,music, people impersonating santa's elfs and bazars at the Market square and at the Old square animated the afternoon and changed the atmosphere of the city. In Sicily we do not have Christmas Market and the cities in the South of the country do not have as many decorations. For this reason I am Always very attracted by this kind of events when I am abrouad.  I think that the Christmas Market is a very nice place for people of all ages. Adults can spend a nice evening drinking glughi , buying pecial gifts or eating traditional snaks, while kids  have the chance to meet ...

My favorite pics from Lapland...