A Blind Esperantist's Trip to Finland and Sweden, to Attend the Fourteenth International Esperanto Congress

In Short

This travelogue documents the journey of a blind Englishman and his wife to the Fourteenth International Esperanto Congress in Finland, followed by a tour of Sweden and Denmark. More than a simple itinerary, it serves as a testament to the power of a universal language to cultivate global friendship and provide essential infrastructure for the blind. By detailing meetings with local hosts, visits to specialized schools, and the warm reception Esperantists offered one another, the book highlights the practical and social unity that characterized the Esperanto community in the 1920s.

The Story

The journey begins on a high note in August, as the author and his wife board a ship from Hull to Finland, accompanied by fellow Esperantists. The crossing sets the tone for the entire trip: despite language barriers with the Finnish crew, the camaraderie among the congress-bound travelers is immediate and resilient. Upon arriving in Helsingfors, the group is greeted by local Esperantists who facilitate their passage through customs, marking the first of many instances where their shared language offers a tangible advantage over the uninitiated.

The author describes the Congress itself as a vibrant, well-organized affair. He spends much of his time at a local blind school, which served as a hub for the sub-congress of blind attendees. Here, he observes the exchange of ideas regarding education, technology, and social services for the blind, all conducted through Esperanto. He pays particular tribute to the Finnish hosts, whose quiet but deep-seated idealism leaves a lasting impression on him. Following the formal events, the author joins a smaller cohort for a scenic tour of Finland, taking in the waterfalls of Imatra and the historic ruins of Savonlinna, always buoyed by the presence of local guides who bridge the cultural divide.

The narrative shifts to Sweden, where the author stays with Mr. Thulin, a blind philanthropist dedicated to advancing Braille education. This visit serves as a bridge to an even more profound encounter in the rural village of Osmo, where the author reconnects with Mr. and Mrs. Thilander. The author paints an evocative picture of their home, "Solkojan," describing how this blind, largely deaf couple manages an impressive range of intellectual and practical work, from printing Braille to international correspondence, all while maintaining a household of remarkable joy.

The final leg of the trip takes the couple to Copenhagen, where they are guided through local museums and institutions, and eventually back through Germany. Even in the midst of the austerity following the depreciation of the German exchange, the author finds the Esperanto network alive and well; strangers meet them on train platforms, telegraphed ahead by friends to ensure their comfort. The journey concludes with a return to England, having solidified the author’s belief in the necessity and efficacy of Esperanto. The book ends not just as a travel diary, but as a call to support the international blind community, including a comprehensive list of national consuls and information regarding the Esperanto publication for the blind, Esperanta Ligilo.

How It Unfolds

The voyage begins The author and his wife set sail from Hull, navigating a sea-tossed journey while bonding with fellow Esperantists from across Europe. Despite the initial hurdles of a foreign-speaking crew, the travelers find comfort and amusement in their shared purpose and holiday spirit.

The Congress in Helsingfors Upon landing in Finland, the travelers are welcomed by a bustling network of local speakers who assist them with customs and logistics. The author finds deep community at the local blind school, where he participates in discussions about blind welfare and enjoys concerts featuring pure, unaccompanied Finnish choral music.

A tour of the Finnish countryside A smaller group ventures inland to explore the lakes, forests, and medieval castles of Finland. The presence of local Esperantist guides proves essential, transforming the landscape into an accessible and welcoming environment.

Life in Sweden The focus shifts to the personal connections fostered by the language, particularly the time spent with the Thulin and Thilander families. The author describes the mechanical ingenuity and unyielding optimism of the blind community in Sweden, specifically through the lens of Braille production and home life.

The return through Denmark and Germany The final stages of the trip demonstrate the depth of the Esperanto network, as friends provide hospitality and guidance even in unfamiliar cities. The narrative concludes with the author's return to England, having experienced a seamless, interconnected world facilitated by the language.

The People

The author, W. Percy Merrick, serves as an observant and appreciative guide. His primary motivation is the promotion of international fellowship, and he is constantly alert to how the blind community can improve its lot through shared information. He is a person of deep empathy who looks past physical disabilities to focus on the accomplishments and character of his peers.

Mr. and Mrs. Thilander are the heart of the narrative. Despite being blind, and with Mr. Thilander suffering from significant hearing loss, they operate an incredibly productive life in their "Sunny Cottage." They represent the pinnacle of the book’s argument: that with the right tools—namely, a common language and technological innovation—the blind can lead lives of profound independence, service, and merriment.

The local hosts in each country—such as Mrs. Blicher in Copenhagen and Mr. Thulin in Stockholm—act as the glue of the narrative. They are motivated by a sense of duty to their fellow Esperantists, ensuring that visitors are never truly strangers. They transform the daunting task of navigating foreign cities into a smooth, even effortless experience, demonstrating the practical, everyday utility of Esperanto.

In Its Own Voice

"The only time they were known to laugh, despite the efforts of the more frivolous members of the party to make them do so, was on the Sunday evening, when one of the tables having been vacated by the diners, a lurch of the ship shot all the crockery on to the floor in a heap of ruins; then they stood round and laughed merrily; here was a real joke!"

This observation highlights the author's keen sense of humor and his appreciation for the rare moments of levity among the stoic Finnish ship crew.

"Their lives are spent in working for the blind; he editing magazines and stereotyping Braille books, and she proof reading and seeing to household affairs."

The author notes the industrious nature of the Thilanders, emphasizing how their dedication to the blind community defines their daily existence.

What It's Really About

At its core, the book is an argument for the practical utility of Esperanto as a tool for international solidarity. It moves beyond the idea of a "universal language" as a mere linguistic curiosity, positioning it instead as a vital piece of infrastructure for those who are marginalized. By focusing on the blind community, the author demonstrates that when people are stripped of the ability to rely on sight or speech, a shared language becomes the primary mechanism for equality. The book asks: how can we build a world where geography and physical ability do not dictate the extent of one's participation in society? It finds the answer in the quiet, persistent work of individuals who believe that global connection is not just an ideal, but a daily responsibility.

Why Read It Today

Readers with an interest in the history of international movements, disability studies, or early 20th-century travel will find much to admire here. The tone is refreshingly direct and free of cynicism; the author writes with a clear, steady voice that focuses on the mechanics of travel and the warmth of human connection. For those who enjoy a "travelogue of the heart," the descriptions of the Finnish lakes, the Swedish countryside, and the hospitality of strangers remain remarkably evocative.

However, readers should be prepared for the author's early 20th-century perspectives. While his empathy for the blind is the driving force of the book, he reflects the attitudes of his era, and the narrative pace is dictated by his personal observations rather than a traditional, high-stakes plot. The length is modest, but the detail is dense, particularly regarding the logistics of the Congress and the various blind institutions visited. It is a slow, thoughtful read that requires patience, but it rewards the reader with a glimpse into a vanished world where a common language was seen as the surest path to a peaceful and inclusive future. It serves as a reminder of a time when the world felt both vast and, through the right tools, incredibly small.