Darts, barbecue and farewells

Four of our colleagues, Ambassador Pekka Huhtaniemi, Defence Attaché Simo Hautala, Counsellor Päivi Nevala and Administrative Officer Vuokko Ritari, are soon finishing their postings at the Finnish embassy in London. As a thank you for all their hard work the embassy staff organised an after-work summer celebration for them.

The rest of the embassy staff had bought presents for their colleagues as reminders of their time in London.

A career at the Finnish Foreign Ministry includes task rotation every three to four years between domestic and foreign postings. Therefore the embassy is used to welcoming new staff almost every year. "A career like this is unstable in a way, and requires a lot of moving. Luckily nowadays it is easy to stay in touch with friends all over the world", says Ambassador Huhtaniemi.

However, it is never easy to say goodbye, and so the Darts and BBQ Committee of the embassy decided to clean up the old barbecue and organise a cheerful summer party for our colleagues. The evening included a darts tournament, Finnish sausages, strawberry cakes, recollections of the last couple of years and clever aphorisms. 

"Like a rooster, the embassy crows every day", was one of Kerttu's witty aphorisms.

Ambassador Huhtaniemi feels nostalgic about returning back to Finland with his wife Liisa after five years in London. Huhtaniemi says his posting in London has been unforgettable, and lists various memorable highlights: the Royal Wedding, Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics and Paralympics, Margaret Thatcher's funeral, the Scottish independence referendum and General election this spring. The couple is however also looking forward to being back in Helsinki, closer to their children and grandchildren. 

Counsellor Päivi Nevala admits she has every now and then buried herself in work. "My tasks have been extremely interesting. Britain is a major international actor in the field of foreign, security and defense policy, and the opinions of the country are of great interest. I have really enjoyed working on these topics", Nevala explains. "Also many international meetings and summits are organised in the UK. During my posting, I've for example attended the NATO summit in Wales, the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict and two Somalia Conferences."

Defence Attaché Simo Hautala very much enjoyed the international nature of his work, whereas Administrative Officer Vuokko Ritari will miss her variable tasks, the vibrant city and people – both at work and outside. "London is a great place to live in and people are very friendly", tells Ritari. "I will also miss the British sense of humour!" she continues.

The successors of the leaving staff, our new colleagues, will be joining the embassy in August and September. The whole embassy would like to thank Pekka, Simo, Päivi and Vuokko for all their hard work. Best of luck in all of your future endeavors, and see you soon!

Read more:
Ambassador Huhtaniemi: My years in London have been great 
Läksiäisruno suurlähettiläälle (in Finnish)