I not take it from you

One of the most significant cultural differences that we’ve noticed here, aside from getting crazy looks when we smile on the streets or talk on the bus, is the relative safety of personal belongings in public. For instance, at our university, there are coat racks near the entrance of every building where people leave their coats, jackets, scarves, hats, and gloves. We’ve also been told that it’s more likely if a Finn finds something that he will turn it in to lost and found or the Police station than keep it for himself. One of our Finnish moms lost her 800-euro glasses and went to the Poliisi station the next day to find them sitting on a pile in the Lost-and-Found box. We’ve also heard stories of people losing wallets and passports which find their way to the Poliisi station, money still inside. At school we’ve also seen students leave their laptops and bags in an unlocked classroom during breaks.

We have to admit that this is really convenient, and seems to work out better for everyone, though we’re trying not to get too comfortable with it before we head to Russia!