It is an autumn morning in London and the beginning of a new day’s work for Taiken Mikkola. Along with millions of other people, the 18-year-old Finn goes down to the Underground to start his daily work. But as soon as Mikkola has arrived at the Underground platform, he draws out a trumpet and is already at work.
It is hard work for both the feet and the pride, but Mikkola’s spirits does not seem to suffer any damage. “London is the best place,” he says, watching the passengers’ faces. You cannot earn money in the Undergrounds of New York or Paris, but the Londoners’ attitude towards the young people is very friendly.
In a 10-hours’ working day Mikkola can earn as much as ? 30. The idea is not Mikkola’s only. To survive and every day be able to buy a little bread at the baker’s and a little meat at the butcher’s, more than 500 young musicians from all over the world, play in the Underground of London. They play everything in between the guitar and the harp.
Mikkola and many of these foreigners spend the cold months of the year in the warmth of the Underground. But it is not enough to be able to sing and play. You have to have the actor’s ability to look innocent, if the police officers turn up. Taiken Mikkola has decided to stay in England for three years; afterwards he does not know what to do. That is many young people’s situation today. Because of unemployment they feel restless and without future prospects.
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