Youth is a matter of attitude not age, according to Hannu Toivola, Finland's consul general in Shang-hai and one of the most experienced foreign diplomats in the city.

"Shanghai is the most European-styled city in China," said the 61-year-old Northern European, who has been living in Shanghai with his wife for almost five years.

Since becoming a diplomat in the early 1970s, Toivola has represented his country in many places including the United States, Britain and Germany. But he considers Shanghai the most energetic city he has lived in.

In his eyes, Shanghai is a unique and exciting city where anything can happen and everyone is trying to create a miracle with their own hands.

His work in Shanghai and neigh-boring provinces keeps Toivola too busy to spend much time on his hobbies - playing soccer and gardening - but he prefers a bustling life to a quiet one.

"Each time I stay in Finland a little bit too long, I will miss my life in Shanghai as well as its people," said Toivola, noting that he sometimes feels it's too quiet back home.

In contrast with the peaceful life in Finland, Shanghai's hustle and bustle delight the consul general. He enjoys the fun in his favorite complexes in Xujiahui - the Gateway Plaza and the Pacific shopping center - and he also gets a kick out of bargaining with antique sellers near Yuyuan Garden.

"Most prices in Finland are set so I seldom bargain. But I like it (here) because it makes me more flexible-minded," he said.

To him, Shanghai itself is a "flexible" city - not just the land-mark buildings here and there but the extensive ancient architecture that show its amazing history.

He is also impressed by the various culinary delights offered in the city - including both foreign foods and dishes from all over China.

"Many Shanghai locals are very good nutritionists and many of them, particularly the elderly, know when and how to cook for different healthy purposes," he said.

But the most impressive thing to Toivola is the people.

Compared with the mature social network in Finland, Shanghai is going forward and its people are working strenuously to survive in this competitive society.

Toivola said that he is impressed by young friends and colleagues who are constantly seeking study opportunities - particularly in computers and foreign languages - to make themselves fit for more challenging work in the future.

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