We are going to be staying with friends in Helsinki for a few days. How do we thank them for hosting us? Is treating them to dinner sufficient? Or are flowers sent to their home more the norm? Or both?
Oh, and I believe they have a home sauna. Please tell me I can wear a bathing suit!?! Want to be invited back ;-)
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7564 posts
Is treating them to dinner sufficient?
That sounds like a nice gesture.
Oh, and I believe they have a home sauna. Please tell me I can wear a
bathing suit!?! Want to be invited back ;-)
Every family has their own traditions and norms and the best thing is to ask them. But in general, you don't wear bathing suits in a sauna in Finland. If you feel shy, use a towel. I'm not a sauna person, but from what I've heard from Finnish friends there is a big reason for that. Bathing clothes in a sauna get wet and hot and stick to your skin which can be uncomfortable, towels are much better for that reason.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5733 posts
You cannot wear a bathing suit. Sorry.
Posted by
OP
Houston
24 posts
Thank you for your quick responses. Will be hoping for a big towel ;-)
Posted by
Isle of Skye, Scotland
1463 posts
My Finnish friends also have a sauna. We went in same sex groups, so all the women took a sauna, and then afterwards then men. I was nervous before hand, but it was fine!
Posted by
OP
Houston
24 posts
Thank you for your response
Posted by
Seattle, WA
562 posts
Remember that you're usually asked to take a shower first and get thoroughly clean before you go in the sauna.
At least that's been my domestic experience.
-- Mike
Posted by
OP
Houston
24 posts
Wow, thank you!