Ahhh!!! I'm still trying to process how wonderful UMK was for me.
A year ago the only word in Finnish I knew was "sauna".
This year, in February 2024 I travelled all the way from Poland to Finland to participate in their national preselection for Eurovision.
I loved the acts participating in the competition. Although the act I was waiting for the most wasn't one of this year's contestants. It was Käärijä. Both Ruoska and Cha Cha Cha performances were out of this world. I was so engaged in them, that I was unable to take any photo or video. I was so much here and now. I was shouting, dancing around and singing in Finnish. The language that I cannot speak in and at the same time I'm so fascinated by.
I spent the second half of 2023 getting to know more about Finnish culture, music and people. I made friends with people from all over the world. I got to see how beautiful Finland is, especially during winter. I had a chance to take part in an extremely well prepared, high-quality music tv show.
My world became so much bigger.
And that's all because of one and only Jere from Vantaa.
Thank you Jere. I love you with all my heart. Thank you for gathering such beautiful people around you and your music. People who don't want to be scared of this world anymore.