Ah, in Finnish culture the normal is not to talk with strangers. I remember once, on a commuter train from Vilppula to Tampere, the train was fully packed, all seats reserved and a lot of people standing and sitting on the aisle. And it was all silent. Near me there was a couple, and when they talked to each other they whispered, as if not to disturb the collective silence. In a way I liked the atmosphere; a touch of serenity and holiness, a collective ritual where we all asserted our belonging-together by respecting the shared introvert traits. Hehe, I didn't talk a line with that couple, but I still carry the memory in my heart and feel an unspoken bond with those people I don't know. Simple because we were together in that moment =)

But, yes, there are also moments when I wish that Finnish people could learn to be a bit more lively and talkative. And even dancing-on-the-streets -kind of a happy. Or, I mean, free to express their happiness if they happen to feel like singing and dancing on the streets. Although, I have a feeling that this has changed a bit since I was a kid, which is good.

(It might appear as a paradox, but personally I sometimes find myself whistling and taking dance steps when walking the village centre. But that is partly because in those moments I'm not communicating with anyone, I'm just in my own personal sphere doing my own thing not caring about what others think or talk about me. Years ago I had trouble maintaining this personal space in the presence of other people, but nowadays it comes rather naturally. I dance as if no-one was watching.)