Argomenti trattati
In her mid-20s, Kelly Duval made a choice that might have puzzled her Finnish ancestors: she relocated from Canada to Finland. Her grandparents had undertaken the reverse journey decades earlier, fleeing the post-war challenges of Finland for a brighter future in Canada. They settled in Montreal, where they established roots and nurtured a family of nine children.
Growing up in Montreal, Kelly was steeped in stories about Finland, often recounted by her grandmother. These tales, sometimes interspersed with Finnish phrases, painted a picture of a far-off land that seemed almost mythical. It wasn’t until 2017 that she and her sister embarked on a journey they dubbed their heritage tour, coinciding with the centennial celebration of Finland’s independence and the vibrant midsummer festivities.
Rediscovering roots
During this trip, they connected with relatives for the first time and explored their grandmother’s hometown. They walked through the very landscapes that had featured in their grandmother’s stories, visiting her childhood farm and the nearby lake that had been a backdrop to her youth. While their grandparents had passed long ago, Kelly felt a profound sense of connection to her heritage.
A year later, fueled by a desire for change while living in Toronto, Kelly made the bold decision to move to Finland. With a residence permit in hand and a job secured, she committed to embracing this new chapter of her life for at least a year.
Finding home in two cities
Fast forward seven years, and at the age of 33, she finds herself still in Finland, her understanding of home having evolved dramatically. Initially, Kelly viewed Montreal as her permanent home—the place she would eventually return to, where her true life awaited. However, as the months rolled by in Helsinki, something shifted. The city started to feel like home as well.
In her time there, she witnessed the ebb and flow of life around her: friends had moved on, careers had flourished or faltered, and new families were formed. She experienced the closure of beloved cafés and the emergence of trendy wine bars. Along the way, she started a business, entered into marriage, and even adopted a dog, weaving her life into the fabric of Helsinki.
The comfort of anonymity
Montreal and Helsinki each offer unique comforts. Strolling through the familiar streets of her childhood neighborhood in Montreal feels like donning a cherished, well-worn sweater. In contrast, her early days in Helsinki were akin to trying on a stylish new outfit—invigorating and unfamiliar. The anonymity in a new city provided her with a refreshing freedom; no one had preconceived notions of who she was, offering her the chance to explore new ventures and discover different facets of herself.
However, this sense of novelty is not everlasting. As time passes, reminders of her outsider status surface, whether through cultural misunderstandings or language barriers. Despite her Finnish heritage, Kelly often grapples with the guilt that arises from taking up space in a culture that doesn’t fully embrace her. She is, however, determined to learn the language and navigate her way through these challenges.
Personal growth and cultural integration
Living as an immigrant has accelerated Kelly’s personal growth, pushing her to confront obstacles she might have otherwise avoided. From tackling bureaucratic processes in a foreign tongue to surviving on a tight budget, her experiences in Finland have forced her to adapt and thrive. She often reflects on whether she would have been as inclined to step outside her comfort zone had she remained in Montreal.
As she approaches a decade in Finland, the concept of home takes on a more complex meaning. Montreal will always hold a special place in her heart, as the city of her birth and upbringing, where family traditions and cherished friends reside. Yet, Helsinki has become a significant part of her identity, where she has blossomed into a more independent version of herself.
Connecting generations
Growing up in Montreal, Kelly was steeped in stories about Finland, often recounted by her grandmother. These tales, sometimes interspersed with Finnish phrases, painted a picture of a far-off land that seemed almost mythical. It wasn’t until 2017 that she and her sister embarked on a journey they dubbed their heritage tour, coinciding with the centennial celebration of Finland’s independence and the vibrant midsummer festivities.0
Growing up in Montreal, Kelly was steeped in stories about Finland, often recounted by her grandmother. These tales, sometimes interspersed with Finnish phrases, painted a picture of a far-off land that seemed almost mythical. It wasn’t until 2017 that she and her sister embarked on a journey they dubbed their heritage tour, coinciding with the centennial celebration of Finland’s independence and the vibrant midsummer festivities.1