My favorite place in the Arctic is the most non-Arctic place in the Arctic that I know – my own balcony. It’s sunny, it’s warm and it’s sheltered from the wind. It’s the just the perfect place for enjoying the first shy rays of sun in the spring, for having an afternoon cup of coffee, for reading a book or for just watching the birds, the squirrels and the rabbits that frequently pay visits to the small garden plot of my landlord who lives downstairs.

There are at least two reasons for choosing such a mundane spot as my favorite among the endless list of potential places in the vast Arctic region and as my favorite view out of its diverse, majestic landscapes. First of all, I don’t get to be at home too often: I travel quite a lot both for work and, to be honest, I can’t remember a time when I would have spent my holiday at home (or even in Finland, for that matter). Secondly, I really, really, really dislike cold, snow and darkness – all the things the Arctic region is most commonly associated with. The cold hurts my bones and when the winter comes, I only wish I could hibernate like the Moomin trolls do. 

 P.S. As a picture taken now in late April when there’s still snow on the ground and when the sun is still of pale wintery colour would not do justice to the place, I had to attach the only picture that I have taken from my balcony during the summertime. Besides for the late summer garden view, you also get a glimpse of my toes as well as a reading recommendation!

 Text and photo: Hanna Lempinen