The main purpose of this project is to write about my personal experience of being an immigrant woman in Finland. By writing, I can deal with my thoughts and emotions, but also educate the readers on what life in Finland is like for someone from abroad.
And why salmiakki life?
Salmiakki or salty liquorice is a very Finnish confectionery and the explosion of tastes, especially for foreigners 🙂 Although it might taste strange at the beginning, there are ways to get used to it.
And this is exactly how life in Finland is (at least for me). Some things might feel strange and some others will immediately become your obsessions, like little pieces of salmiakki in the milk chocolate 🙂
Welcome!
Latest on My Salmiakki Life
Traditions
The 1st of November is considered a special day (not only) in Slovakia. While in many countries, people celebrate Halloween the night before, for us, it is a sadder day. We remember our loved one who passed away. The cemeteries are usually full of people who decorate the tombs and light the candles. ​For me,…
What if something happened to us?
Since becoming a parent, I have noticed the biggest shift in my emotional world. The new role has brought unlimited love and gentleness, but also a somewhat invisible but permanently present fear. Not exactly the one that my child would scratch their knees or fall from a bike. These are normal parts of childhood, and…
Finnish citizenship – when the heart must catch up with the brain
After nine years in Finland, one language test, several hundred euros in payment, and 13 months of waiting, we were granted Finnish citizenship. More specifically, our children and I got the citizenship. My husband, the force behind us moving abroad, still does not speak Finnish 🙂 My decision to apply for citizenship was a rational…
Summer in your home country
When you live abroad, holidays become very stereotypical. If you are the lucky one with the financial resources and the possibility to travel, you spend your holidays most likely in your home country, visiting your family. But can we, in such a case, talk about holidays? My “wandering shoes” have been tickling me since the…
I was in love with Finland before meeting my Finnish wife
Matias Tuxen’s expat story begins in his home country, Argentina, while writing a bachelor’s thesis on bullying and cyberbullying. Getting inspired by the good examples from Finland on dealing with these social phenomena, he starts admiring the Nordic country. Soon after, he meets his wife-to-be, who is Finnish. Matias gets into learning the language and…
What do you miss the most from your home country?
We are often asked what we miss the most from our home country. The social networks, our beloved family, and some food and products are mentioned repeatedly. There is also something else – the understanding of how the system works. When you grow up in a certain society, the social rules, norms, and expectations, together…
Je suis Team Suomi!
When my son decided to play football, I had mixed feelings. I was happy he found a hobby he liked, but I have had zero interest in this sport in my whole life. Till yesterday, the only football I loved to watch was when my son was playing. But yesterday I took him to the…
From the Finnish cinema – Ei koskaan yksin
Except for the Pikku Kakkonen show and Tuntematon sotilas, which my 8-year-old begged me to watch with him (and after 15 min. I forbade him to watch it for another 7 years), I have never given a chance to check a Finnish movie. Finns produce a lot of movies per year for various audiences. Currently,…
The Bookworm’s favourites – Great books by the Israeli authors
Since childhood, a book has always been one of the best Christmas presents. Back in time, during Communism, books like any other goods were difficult to buy. The market was usually friendlier before Christmas and books were one of the most treasured presents to be found under the Christmas tree. Our family is no different.…