Cultural mixture

I'm caught between several cultures.

Now, most people who are in that same situation, have parents from different countries and cultures. Mine are Finns. But in my case, it's complitely a cultural issue. I was born in Finland and raised as a Finn, but part of my heart belogs to America. And part of my heart is left in London.

I have tried to figure out when my fascination with the United States of America begun, but I'm not sure. Perhaps it was all those Friday nights watching Dallas with my folkes... or the two weeks trip to Florida back in December 1991, which did it. I don't know. But I do know, that I get very excited with many American things.

I love the American flag, I love their national anthem, most of my fave films and TV shows are American, so is my fave music. And I just fell in love with Florida... all those sunny days, the beach, sea shells, palm trees, the ocean... yup, it got under my skin. And so did New York City back in Easter 1999. I've been dreaming about living in NYC one of these days. Or at least, a two-week trip...

One of my biggest dreams is to drive across the USA with my boyfriend and/or other friends and visit as many states, American friends and sights as possible. It'll be great!

Still, I'm patriotic woman and each time I hear Finland's nationa anthem, I rise and salute and sing along. I support Finnish athletes and ESC entry... Put Finland down and you have to answer to me! The three years I lived in London made me more Finnish than the years back in Helsinki did.

During my time in London, I connected with the local culture, in some parts. I love many British TV programmes and I have lots of favourite places in London. I loved walking in Holland Park, Oxford Street and The British Museum, just walking and relaxing and enjoying myself. Not to mention all those afternoons at Borders, just reading books and magazines and looking at the other people... Wonderful times.

If somebody would ask me, where I'm from, I'd say 'Finland' any time of the day. But is my culture Finnish? No, I'd say that it's 'international Finn'. I'm one of those people, who feel at home wherever they are at the time being. But where my heart is, that is complitely another thing.