except you, you badass. welcome.

I listen quietly as yet another foreigner complains about Finland, the Finns and the climate.

I like foreigners, but why do they stay here if the only thing they can do is complain?

Finland is for badasses only. Most people can't cope here, much less find any beauty in its winter darkness. But there is beauty and adventure in this wild and rough country and in its quirky, smart people - lots of it. If you can't find a way to see it - well, I'm sorry, you're just not as tough as you think.

 
 (Banner from annual Slush conference in Helsinki)