Hei! It’s Jhan Lucio again, after a few weeks living in Seinäjoki, I can say that I am no longer so surprised by the changeable weather. At first it was hard for me to adapt: sun, snow, rain… everything could happen in the same day. But little by little I learned to enjoy it, especially because each type of weather gives the city a different charm.
One of the things that has helped me the most to connect with life here has been to go out and explore. One of my favorite places has been the man-made lake, ideal for unwinding, breathing fresh air and simply observing the nature that surrounds the city. I also had the opportunity to visit Ideapark, the largest shopping mall in Seinäjoki. I was surprised by everything you can find there: from local stores to international brands, as well as friendly cafeterias perfect to spend the afternoon.
Another special moment was when I was encouraged to go to a dance group called Salsa Latino, where I met Finnish people who spoke Spanish. It was so much fun to share that mix of cultures to the rhythm of the music, and it made me feel even more at home.
But without a doubt, one of the most beautiful experiences was to receive the visit of a friend who came from Spain. She wrote a few words about her time in Seinäjoki and our experience together:
As soon as I arrived in Seinäjoki, the first thing I did was to rest from the trip. Then I tried the sauna for the first time: at first I was suffocating, but the contrast with the frozen lake was incredibly relaxing. That experience alone was worth the trip.
In the evening, we went to a burger joint that was celebrating its anniversary and, for following it on Instagram, we got a free burger! Round day.
The next day, we visited the beautiful city library and cycled around Seinäjoki. At first I had a hard time adjusting because I was braking with the pedals, but I soon got the hang of it. We visited stores, looked for postcards and enjoyed the ride along the river on a sunny day. Between landscapes, photos and good times, Seinäjoki earned a place in my memory.
This city continues to surprise me. With each passing day, I discover something new: a corner, an activity, an unexpected conversation.
