Here's the predictable and obligatory apology for not having written in a few weeks: I'm sorry that I haven't written, that is, if you've been waiting to hear from me. If you haven't, well, then, I'm not quite as sorry.
My mind has been sort of all-consumed with thoughts of the Finnish language, of efforts to integrate into this really beautiful, efficient-yet-compassionate society, and with thoughts of my stomach. Or, more precisely, my digestive tract. You see, for about three weeks now (perhaps a little more) I've been unable to "stomach" much food. I'm eating lots of yogurt and probiotic pills in the hopes that I won't need to see a doctor. Finnish doctors are lovely, but they're still doctors, and I'm frightened of what they'll do to me in the name of diagnostics. Things have been improving in the last few days, so we'll see.
As for Finnish class, I'm pleased to report that I seem to be doing very well in it. It's terribly unhip to admit this, but there's just something about a structured classroom setting that really allows me to absorb information. To have it all explained, to practice speaking and understanding in the comfort of something that isn't yet quite the real world, to then go home and have Rami help me out with a few things -- it's all pretty ideal. I'm sort of shocked at the speed with which I have picked things up in the last three weeks. I mean, of course, I have many, many, billions of kilometers to go, but this really is a decent start.
And I'm proud to officially announce that: minä puhun vähän suomea.
My mind has been sort of all-consumed with thoughts of the Finnish language, of efforts to integrate into this really beautiful, efficient-yet-compassionate society, and with thoughts of my stomach. Or, more precisely, my digestive tract. You see, for about three weeks now (perhaps a little more) I've been unable to "stomach" much food. I'm eating lots of yogurt and probiotic pills in the hopes that I won't need to see a doctor. Finnish doctors are lovely, but they're still doctors, and I'm frightened of what they'll do to me in the name of diagnostics. Things have been improving in the last few days, so we'll see.
As for Finnish class, I'm pleased to report that I seem to be doing very well in it. It's terribly unhip to admit this, but there's just something about a structured classroom setting that really allows me to absorb information. To have it all explained, to practice speaking and understanding in the comfort of something that isn't yet quite the real world, to then go home and have Rami help me out with a few things -- it's all pretty ideal. I'm sort of shocked at the speed with which I have picked things up in the last three weeks. I mean, of course, I have many, many, billions of kilometers to go, but this really is a decent start.
And I'm proud to officially announce that: minä puhun vähän suomea.
Maybe you just need time adjusting to everything, you just need some time to adjust to the food, the water, etc.
ReplyDeleteIf it lasts a few more weeks, maybe you should go to the doctor, just in case...
Glad to hear the Finnish is coming along, I knew you could do it! I mean between class and Rami you should be fluent in no time! Good luck, you can do it!!