Language Etiquette

I saw the neurologist yesterday. He gave me a physical examination, and I believe I passed. I have equal strength in both sets of limbs, decent balance, a normal gait, etc. The only notable abnormality about my motor function is my positively spastic reflexes (which occasionally makes me feel like a super hero). The appointment ended up being quite reassuring, in that it demonstrated something crucial: my body still serves me well, and I still have control over it. For the time being, a little numbness does not threaten my ability to walk, think, grasp objects, see, or exist.

I may need to switch medications, but that's another story.

I spoke Finnish throughout roughly 90 percent of the appointment. Rami was with me, and he provided far more translations in simple Finnish than in English. The doctor was, of course, able to handle himself when English was needed. If Rami hadn't been present, however, I wonder if I'd have needed to rely on English more. People are busy, after all, and most of them don't have time to sit and wait while I struggle to form a coherent sentence. On the other hand, a lot of people are just as uneasy about employing their English skills as I am about speaking Finnish. What is the etiquette in such a situation? Should one try to use Finnish, perhaps resorting to English when vocabulary is missing and grammar is jumbled, or is it more efficient to simply power through in English? It depends a lot on how well the other half of the conversation speaks English but, let's face it, most Finns speak my language better than I speak theirs.

What benefits me personally is to speak Finnish as much and as often as possible, and I try to do so with people who I'm sure won't mind. Still, one has to be considerate. But what is the considerate thing to do? Which is more burdensome: the onus of speaking a foreign language, or the onus of listening to your native tongue spoken badly?

Edit: A lot of people have asked how my friends and family are faring after Hurricane Sandy. As far as I know, they're all safe, either evacuated or residing just out of the reach of destruction.

Some Photos of Life Lately

The right half of me is quite numb from the waist down, aside from some serious buzzing, itching, and burning. Temperature changes send shocks through my joints. The right side of my stomach feels a bit as if it's been bruised. Since learning that I had MS nine years ago, I've never before had symptoms so obviously... neurological. Despite all this, I'm ecstatic to report that I can still walk normally.

I write more about it here, in this "uncensored" blog. I figure I ought to keep such ramblings separate from tales of my expat experience. If you're a sensitive reader (or perhaps one with good taste), you might want to avoid it.

Anyway, since I'm on syysloma, I'm doing everything in my power to have fun. It's quite uncomfortable to run, but I still go out for a brisk walk every day.

He is? Where?!

It snowed yesterday evening, and things look really beautiful in this sort of autumn/winter limbo.

Today, I went looking for some winter boots, and quickly gave up once my patience for shopping had been spent. Not wanting to go home, I began exploring the nooks and crannies of the city.

No words. 

I haven't done much studying, which I suppose is all right. Sometimes my brain needs a week-long break from Finnish so that it can subsequently begin again with a little more vigor. I do hope I still have one by the time class starts up next week. 

Majurska

In New Hartford, Connecticut, there's a cafe called Passiflora. I used to sit in there for hours, writing, reading, studying, or letting distraction grip me for a while. It was a place away from home to be alone with my thoughts in the presence of others. I actually relished when I'd have a paper to work on or a novel to finish reading. It was a great reason to spend some time getting caffeinated at good ol' Passiflora.

I have a Passiflora here in Lappeenranta, too. Kahvila Majurska, like Passiflora, is located in an old building. It has old baubles that both decorate and clutter the place. It has large, antique chairs, and sturdy wood tables. The old fortress is just outside, which is probably my favorite place in all of Lappeenranta. Everything there is old, while so much of Lappeenranta is practically brand new. 

The only problem with Majurska is that they don't serve coffee in enormous foam cups that come with free refills. Here I am shedding a tear for my empty coffee cup. I do genuinely feel more at home in this city, though, with this beautiful place to sit and work.

More Pictures of Leaves

I know, I know -- how many pictures of leaves can one reasonably take? The answer is quite a few, actually. Rami and I took in some sunlight on the first perfectly sunny day in quite some time, and we snapped some photos along the way.

The power of this cross compelled me to take this picture. Ha. 

This better not be the bike that almost ran me over a few days ago. If it is, someone's getting his or her tires slashed. 

This photo is entitled "Leaves 'n Shit". 

This one is called "Me with Leaves 'n Shit". By Rami

Emoting. By Rami

The paper mill emitting its usual stench. 

Soothing the pain of correcting papers with some cake. By Rami

All joking aside, the day was spectacular. Today was a proper autumn day: warm sun and chilly breezes. I really hope it's not the last of the season. 

27 - 28

I am just the worst; I've become a useless blogger. I refuse to accept defeat, however. I'll continue to write, and you'll continue to like it*. 

I took some autumn photos this weekend, during the short, sweet respite from the gloomy rains that seem to have engulfed much of Finland. They didn't come out as well as I would have liked, but here are a few for your perusal. 

Halloween's coming. 

I couldn't be more indie. (Shoes pictured are not cowboy boots.)

*Or dislike/hate/loathe it.