It was a windy Wednesday morning, the last day of July 2008. There were just a few days of summer left. Lounging on the red couch in my apartment I was in deep thought, definitely not because summer was about to end but because I had to decide whether to continue my Master's Degree in Finland or move on to fresh pastures. I did have a few options in my hand. It was not only a question of studying but of spending two long years in one place.
Then I put on my dirty blue jeans and grey shoes which I never liked; exactly 1.5 hours later I was in a small town called Jyväskylä. I had been accepted by the University of Jyväskylä. Guess what, it was the last day to submit a letter of confirmation. I was really bewildered about whether to continue or not. Then I decided at the eleventh hour to come in person as sending a letter by post would be too late.
The main reason for me to move to Jyväskylä was to pursue development studies, something I had always dreamed of. Being accepted onto a unique course - Development and International Cooperation - was rather like a dream come true, the perfect ladder to fulfil my aim of working for underprivileged societies and people through humanitarian and development organizations, for preference, in Southern Asia, Latin America or Africa.
Now I've already been here for a quarter of a year. Strange but wonderful, I am gradually falling in love with the city. I have a quiet and peaceful apartment in the Myllyjärvi area. Believe me, it's very true when the Finns claim 'Silence is fun' in Finland. At first, I found Jyväskylä very small. However, the city did not cease to surprise me when I managed to get lost in such a relatively small town; it happened not once but a couple of times!
Before coming here I imagined I'd be one of only a few foreigners visible here and felt I would be rather an odd man out even at the university. But this all proved to be wrong when I saw many international students. Never in my dreams had I imagined that a small town somewhere in the middle of Finland could be such an international city.
Having university classes in the magnificent Agora building with a perfect view of a calm lake reflecting the snowy hills does not take long to change anyone's ideas about the city - a city that is small enough to get lost in yet large enough to offer everything a big city does. Walking on the streets of Jyväskylä in the late evening, when the city beckons with its urban delights, gives anyone a special feeling. Then the sublime natural scenery in and around the city turns the onlooker into a poet, while the calm lakes and the magnificent bridges which are the lifeline of the city take on added beauty. Crossing those bridges and enjoying the panoramic view offered by them would steal anyone's heart. I am not sure about the others but it certainly did mine.
Having been away for many years I naturally miss my home country Nepal. I remember somewhere reading 'Don't ever take your home for granted, you might regret it later'. Back in my home country people do not have an easy life but just smile, talk to each other and lead a happy life; I do miss the colourful life and warmth of those people. Of late, after experiencing a vagabond life for the last couple of years, home to me is defined as the circle of people and places in which we choose to foster kindness and love. Yes, I miss Nepal, but I am so happy to have found a second home right here in Jyväskylä.
Photo by Petteri Kivimäki
Bishwash Hamal, The writer is a Master's degree student in Development and International Cooperation