Finland is definitely (zdecydowanie) one of the most visited (odwiedzany) countries in the world. Helsinki (the capital of Finland) as well as the other parts of the country are visited by thousands of thrilled (zachwyceni) tourists.
You think that in Finland there is only snow? Well, there are 200 000 reindeers (renifery) but also 187,888 lakes and 179,584 islands. You can visit the biggest snow castle in the world there, the biggest wooden church (drewniany kościół) in the world and even the biggest indoor water park in Europe!
For those who love nature there are many wonders (cuda) to see. In Nuorgam between May 15th and July 28th you can observe the midnight sun (dzień polarny) – the sun doesn’t set at all! During the night it is as bright as it can be during the day!
The northern territories of Finland are a perfect place where you can be witness to the northern lights (Aurora borealis) (zorza polarna). It is said that seeing it is one of the most magical experiences (doświadczenie) in our lives.
What else is Finland famous for? Of course, the most beloved man in the world who brings happiness to everybody! Santa Claus!
If you want to learn more about this country and its famous inhabitant, stay with us!
- as well as – tak dobrze jak; as bright as – tak jasny jak; konstrukcja „as…as” (tak…jak). Możesz jej używać z przymiotnikami lub przysłówkami w stopniu równym: as quickly as possible (tak szybko jak to możliwe); as beautiful as Mary (tak piękna jak Mary)
- It is said… – Mówi się… (dosł. Jest mówione;) Używasz tej formy, kiedy nie jest ważne kto mówi. Liczy się ogólna opinia. Pamiętaj również o: It is thought (Myśli się/Ludzie myślą)
- Our lives – nasze życia; zapamiętaj taką formę liczby mnogiej: „life” życie, w liczbie mnogiej „f” zamieniamy na „v”. Inne przykłady to: wolf/woolves (wilk/wilki); leaf/leaves (listek/listki); wife/wives (żona/żony)
Zadanie
Przeczytaj wypowiedzi fińskich nastolatków o świętach Bożego Narodzenia u nich w kraju. Zdecyduj, czy zdania w tabelce są prawdziwe (true), czy fałszywe (false).
Christmas-time in Finland
Jesse (a boy)
In Finland we celebrate (świętować) Christmas from 24th to 26th of December but you can see Christmas decorations already up in November! You can see them in big stores but also in people’s homes. Every house looks so nice.
Joni (a boy)
Like in many other countries we have a Christmas Tree at home. My friends and I live in the country so we take a tree to decorate from our own forest. The tree is decorated with beautiful bulbs, candles and chains. We always do it together with my family. I love it!
Venla (a girl)
When I was a kid I used to write letters to Santa before Christmas. We all know that Santa comes from Lapland. He’s lived there for ages! He has a wife and people say that small elves work in his toy, well, presents factory.
Aino (a girl)
As I remember children wait for Santa Claus in red and white clothes but my grandmother told me that the origin of nowadays Santa is Finish Joloupuuki. He used to be quite frightening (przerażający). He wore a fur coat (futrzany płaszcz), a mask and a pair of horns (rogi) on his head.
Nea (a girl)
Santa comes to Finland on Christmas Eve and he always asks “Are there any well-behaved children in this house?” and of course good children get presents. Santa can always leave you a brushwood (chrust) if your behaviour was horrible.
Roope (a boy)
Christmas food! The Finns (Finowie) start Christmas Eve with a tasty rice porridge breakfast. Then we enjoy fantastic Christmas dinner: ham or turkey with homemade mustard. We also eat fish, swede (rzepa) casserole (zapiekanka), with traditional cold Finnish salad. On the second day of Christmas we visit relatives and… eat more!
1. Santa Claus in Finland gives presents to everybody without asking if they were good or bad. true false
2. Santa lives in Lapland with his wife. true false
3. According to legends Santa used to be a scary creature. true false
4. People in Finland never put Christmas decorations up in November. true false
5. In Finland people decorate trees in the forest but never at home. true false
6. For Christmas dinner they eat some meat. true false
Odpowiedzi
1 F; 2 T; 3 F; 4 F; 5 F; 6 T
Do you know that…?
In 1906, Finnish women were allowed to vote (pozwolono im głosować). Finland was the second country in the world to have such a law (prawo). Nowadays, the President of Finland is a woman, Tarja Halonen. There are only five countries in the world with a female President.
Mobile phones are very popular in Finland. In some bars and restaurants you can pay for your soft drinks with a mobile!
In the northern coast of the Gulf of Bothnia there is the Snow Castle of Kemi. It’s the biggest snow castle in the world. You can stay there overnight (na noc) in the Snow Hotel, eat a meal in the Snow Restaurant or even get married in the Chapel! It’s a magnificent piece of art (dzieło sztuki) by talented architects and builders. Visitors can also take part in different events, for example: the Sampo Icebreaker Cruise (rejs), Snowmobile or husky safari.
In Finland there is the highest lighthouse (latarnia morska) in the Nordic countries.
It is called Bengtskär Lighthouse. It is 52 metres high and was built in 1906. Nowadays, it’s a museum but you can stay there overnight! Every room has a sea view!