Snyder - Analysis of the Finnish Tango - Encounters in Finland

There are Finns who fit the quiet, honest, dependable stereotype, but there are plenty of others who don't. Analysis Of The Finnish Tango is a collection of flash fiction works and poems dealing with Finland, its society and its culture. These texts are not meant to be an accurate representation of the Finnish population. They are simply my personal glimpses of people's behavior, conversations around a dinner table, discussions in the sauna, chats in pubs, communications at the workplace and my own personal associations with others. Nevertheless, these works are fiction and not depictions of actual persons.

Helena had lent her an old Francois Truffaut movie DVD dealing with her favorite subject: intricate affairs. She made a cup of green mint tea, put some gingerbread cookies on a plate and started the movie. This is even better that I expected, she thought as she watched the actors' extraordinary performances. Then came that unmistakable feeling Kati had experienced a few times before. It was as if an invisible hand was pressing her down. Fortunately, that unpleasant feeling had only lasted for very short periods.

This time it felt stronger. She stopped the film and put on a comedy movie that would normally make her laugh. Now she only found it irritating. It seemed as if the only emotions she had left were negative ones. Okay, it's time for some Finnish medication, she joked to herself humorlessly. But an hour and several cups of coffee later felt the same with a bit of extra nervousness mixed in.

I've got to do something, she thought. The walls were closing in. Kati forced herself to dress up and take the bus into the center of Oulu. She went straight to her favorite pub. Beer will put me right. Kati drank a couple of dark Irish pints quickly, but they didn't help.

If fact, she felt worse than ever. She noticed a couple of acquaintances at the other side of the pub. However, she just couldn't manage to walk over and say hello. She was getting bored and left in a fog. The next stop was an elegant, expensive bar where they served mixed drinks and cocktails. She loved this place, but tonight it made no impression on her.

Just as she was paying for gin and tonic a voice called out, "Kati!" It was Linda, one of her good friends who was smiling and eager to chat. Kati forced herself to smile, pretending to listen and contribute to the dialogue. I don't want her to know how I really feel, she thought. It seemed as though she was watching herself from the outside and was performing automatically. It wasn't actually her. After half an hour, though, she knew she could not keep it up, so she made her excuses and departed.

In desperation, she went into a dance restaurant. They were playing some lively salsa music, and Kati had just finished a Latino dance class. Looking at all the attractive people happily moving around the dance floor should have put her into a wonderful mood. But tonight, it made her want to cry. Why is this happening to me? she wondered. There was nothing left but to go home and lie in bed.

I'm seriously depressed and I need help. Tomorrow I'll go to the health center and see a doctor. I'll wait as long as it takes. Maybe they can send me to a psychiatrist. Maybe I just need the right medicine. Maybe I have to be put into a hospital where I'll spend the rest of my life.

These disturbing thoughts were going around in her head when suddenly, she realized the cloud in her head had lifted. She felt good again. Hallelujah!! I wonder if that dance place is still open!

Choices

Chicken in blue cheese, pork in mushroom sauce, or salmon in cream sauce.

The Darker Side

Why Finland

Some come to find work Some come for love Some come to discover roots Some come to seek refuge Some come for business And some come to take advantage Of anyplace or anyone within reach But most just want a new start A better life, a positive atmosphere If only they get the chance.