A Cold Night in Helsinki

 It was around 3:30 am in Kampi, the central part of Helsinki city. It was snowing heavily, and I had just missed the final bus that would have taken me home; I was as broke as a shattered plate on the kitchen floor, I was out in the cold, and I was experiencing one of the cruellest realities during my time in the capital city of Finland.

I've experienced so many highs since coming to the Northern part of Europe; it's the absolute opposite of everything that my home country represents. There is constant light here, the transport system is impeccable, and the standard of living is almost similar to the one preachers often describe when talking about heaven; however, when it comes to the weather, it's nefarious on the skin of a black-skinned person such as myself. 

A cold night in Helsinki

You could become a frozen turkey if you are not properly dressed, and your fingers would almost become numb if your gloves are not thick enough.

Back to the recent episode of how I ended up on the streets of Kampi around 3:30 am on a Monday. I finished my work shift late, hence, I missed the last bus that would have taken me home. Interestingly, I missed the bus by only 5 seconds; that is, the bus was scheduled to leave the venue around 3 am, and I got to the bus stop around 3:01 am, which is less than 60 seconds. To be fair, absolute honesty atimes can be a cruel thing, especially when there is no room to compromise.

Snow covers the plants and trees

In utter disappointment, watched as the last bus cruised away, steadily, then rapidly into the wind. It was the last bus scheduled to go on my route; therefore, I had to spend another two hours outside before I could get home. No trains, buses, trams, or Okada, just cold, snow, and vicious wind piercing through your skin.

So, What Do We Do Now?

Experience the Snowhill

Oh, lest I forget, there were other means of transportation available. Such as personal ailing vehicles such as Uber and Bolt, however, I hadn't been paid for the month, so, as earlier stated, I was financially incapable to trip myself through the night. So, I had to accept my fate for the next two hours and observe what the city of Helsinki had to offer me on this cold night.

I don't have a vehicle of my own; however, I've got legs, therefore I have to calmly go with the flow.

Junkies Are People Too

I went to the store to get cookies

I finally accepted that there was little to nothing that I could do, except embrace the moment and see it as a chapter in my life. Indeed, there is no glory without a story; these are some of the moments that make one stronger, smarter, and understand the intricacies of various parts of the world, such as Finland. Though the city was safe and people were no looking over their shoulders, the cold stabbed you in the palm and the snow stings your neck, you're shivering and hoping that someone would take interest in you and just go drop you at home, unfortunately, life isn't a movie, you'll pay your dues for choosing to be sixty seconds late for your bus appointment.

After accepting my fate, I strolled from Kampi to the train station in Rautatientori to see the scheduled time for transportation to kick off. Trains were geared to commence migration from around 4:45 am; it was decent to me. Now, I needed to find something to do for the next hour, that's when I went to the 24/7 K-Market shop located adjacent to the City Center Train station in Rautatientori. I bought myself cookies and bottled water. While walking in, I saw a group of junkies. I didn't pay them any mind until much later.

After coming out of the K-Market store, I stayed at the entrance of the store, where the junkies stayed. Some were fast asleep, others were having a friendly gossip, and another set was looking into thin air. I have no idea what was behind their vague expressions.

After munching on my cookies for a little bit, I saw the junkies staring at me, then I asked, "Haluatko kekseja?" which loosely means, "Do you want cookies?" Surprised, they all laughed and said "ei, kiitos." I was glad I could make them laugh; that was as far as my Finnish could go, so I didn't bother pushing it. After the brief moment with the junkies, I admired the sonder as the day continued to unfold.

Sonder and Life in General

Rautatientori: City Centre, Helsinki

In the same wee hours of the day, I saw people going through dustbins to seek out bottles that could earn them some cash for the next day. Some people didn't care; they scavenged through dustbins for a few cents. I didn't get it. Why should a Caucasian person be looking to pick bottles to fend him/herself? I used to think all white people were reasonably wealthy, until I spent time in their environment and realized that there are people who are simply finding it onerous to make ends meet.

To go around looking for bottles with Pantti's inscription on them in the cold takes guts, grit, determination, and no one who knows where their next meal would come from would decide to go through this means just to feed. This makes me even more appreciate life.

While some people are scavenging for available bottles, across the street were men and women who were clearing out snow from the road. They are taking the responsibility of making sure the environment is properly kempt before the new day brightens. In their snowplow, they are empowered to eradicate every form of blockage and create ease for road users, drivers, and pedestrians. Indeed, it takes responsibility, teamwork, and hard work to make a nation progress.

Conclusion

One hour into my observation, I gradually began to walk towards the train station. I was feeling sleepy and wornout, my eyes had served my mind enough. The city of Helsinki never sleeps; some people smoke to keep their spirit and soul together amid the heavy downfall, while others sleep at the bus station in the cold alongside the love of their lives. Then, there was someone like me who was at the train station until midnight for failing to catch the last bus.

It is what it is. I hope to acquire a vehicle soon so that I can experience Helsinki for more worthwhile dealings.