Feb 27 • 16:52 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Iltalehti

Do you still remember Antti 'Pizza' Pekkarinen? This is what life is like in Spain

Antti 'Pizza' Pekkarinen reflects on his life in Fuengirola, Spain, where he has lived for the past two decades amid a vibrant Finnish community.

Antti 'Pizza' Pekkarinen, a familiar face from the Jyrki television program, has made Fuengirola, Spain, his home for the last 20 years. He expresses how the Spanish town, known for its large Finnish community, has become a beloved place for him, invigorating his life after moving from Finland. Pekkarinen shares that returning to Finland has not crossed his mind in years, highlighting his deep integration into the local lifestyle and culture.

The warm social environment in Fuengirola contrasts sharply with the reserved behavior he recalls from Finns during colder months back home. Pekkarinen explains that many Finnish expats there are quite engaged and cheerful, often described as 'summer Finns' who enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the town. He compares the outgoing nature of his fellow countrymen in summer to their more introverted selves during the long Finnish winters, painting a lively picture of the community he is part of.

This candid reflection on his life abroad points to broader themes of expatriate communities and cultural integration. Pekkarinen's sentiments may resonate with many expatriates who find new lives in warmer climates, shedding their previous identities in favor of new experiences. His perspective encapsulates a sense of belonging and the transformative power of relocation, suggesting that the allure of community and a new environment can lead individuals to thrive far from home.

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