silence.

~it's amazing how many things in finland just happen in silent agreement.

last night, i went to a christmas concert and not a bit of applause was given until the very end. song after song was sung. money given to the church inbetween (again, no need to announce it, since everyone can clearly see the collection pouches being passed around, no need to explain where the money goes, since we all sit in a church. obviously.). afterwards, there was no extra piece. people just rose from their seats and left. yet, everyone seemed to think it had been a good concert. silence as sign of agreement. there's nothing to bitch about, so there's no need to talk, either.

it is also considered rude to interrupt people when they are speaking. i tell you, it is so odd to tell a story and only have people stare at you. look, no sound. finnish people listen and really mean it, which makes me feel like everyone's just waiting for that major punchline i am probably not able to provide...and halfway through leaves me wondering if i am making any sense at all. but~silence once i am finished probably means i did.