Back on track

Due to the late arrival of winter, travel and other commitments, it took this long until it was time to officially open the 2007 Skiing Season.

It had been over ten months since the last time. It felt so beautiful again! It's beautifully freshening. And, in my case, it takes place in a very beautiful setting (BTW the Baltic seems to have frozen well enough by now). It's physical. It strengthens your body, mind and spirit.

It's one of those things that you luckily don't miss when you haven't got it. And when you've got it, it feels so heavenly that you wonder how some people can possibly survive without ever skiing.

Island Life

The picture on the left shows the morning view I had from my little Utö hut called Linnunpönttö. I find the view absolutely restful and calming.

Back home on the mainland - which, in fact, is not mainland but another island albeit located in a larger city - I'm still being carried by the calm.

The ferry ride as well as the rather long drive home went quite enjoyably. Back home, I want to carry on with the good island life i.e. doing one thing at a time, and avoiding excessive fuss. So far, it's going quite well.

Utö

The silence on Utö is unforced and natural.

Some ice is finally building up in the harbour bay. New snow flakes are gently falling. The wind is fairly mild, fortunately.

I arrived here after a long drive, and a 4-hour ferry ride on Tuesday. The next ferry towards mainland leaves on Friday! Life on the island forces one away from busy-ness.

Yesterday, after many hours of warmth and cosiness (and some board game excitement) with my host family, I made a late evening walk in the village. Five or six houses altogether showed signs of habitation. It is very different from life in a city! I feel so privileged to have come here. There is a time for everything. City life can wait.