Although Helsinki’s cobbled streets and majestic architecture formed the background of my early life, my world was anchored by a cozy cocoon of a significant place within the city. In the northeastern reaches of Helsinki, where the city’s pulse slows and nature’s embrace charms, lies the picturesque neighborhood of Itä-Pakila. It’s where my childhood summers unfolded, in a charming little summer cottage, a spot where time seemed to flow at a more unhurried tune.

It was in this tranquil corner of the world that my childhood summers found their canvas. The cottage itself was a masterpiece of simplicity, with its weathered wooden boards and red felt-covered roof. The well-worn garden swing that graced its front yard swayed gently in the breeze like an old friend eager to share stories. A welcoming rustic porch with creaky wooden floorboards underfoot provided a perfect spot to enjoy the delightful scent of lilacs in full bloom.

The hours seemed to stretch indefinitely, granting my younger brother and I, the luxury of endless exploration. The woods were our kingdom, the trails our untamed adventures. We tracked wildlife, picked berries, climbed apple trees, built secret hideaways, and reveled in the thrill of discovery around every corner.

The garden, bursting with colourful blooms, was a world of wonder for curious children like us. We would spend hours exploring its secrets, hunting for ladybugs, and chasing butterflies that danced among the blossoms. Our small hands would dig in the earth, looking for worms, planting seeds or harvesting potatoes while our love for nature grew.

In this enchanting realm of the summer cottage, we discovered the true essence of childhood—the magic of curiosity, the freedom of imagination, and the luxury of unhurried time.

As I look back on those special summers in Itä-Pakila, I can’t help but smile when I think about our tiny cottage and all the adventures we had there. Those times were incredible not just because of the beautiful nature around us, but also because of the wonderful people we shared them with.

Our cottage was like a magnet for friends and family. It radiated a warm and inviting atmosphere. Sometimes, out of the blue, our grandpa would drop by with the most delightful surprise – vanilla ice cream. And on other occasions, our grandmas would come over, sit on the garden swing, and do their sewing, crocheting, or knitting while chatting about what was going on in the world.

Our cottage wasn’t just a building; it was a place where we kept our traditions alive. We celebrated the Finnish way of life there with so much enthusiasm. Those summers in Itä-Pakila were like a perfect blend of serene nature, quality time with loved ones, and a deep connection to our Finnish roots.

As the years passed, and my childhood summers gave way to adulthood, the memories and values instilled in that small haven in Itä-Pakila remained with me.

Just a few months back, my brother and I found ourselves in Finland simultaneously. It was a remarkable occurrence because, since our childhood, this was the first time we both had set foot in Finland together.

Returning to our family’s summer cottage after all these years was like stepping into a time capsule of our shared childhood. The moment we arrived; memories came flooding back. It was as if the cottage had been patiently waiting for our return.

The garden still bore the same colorful blooms we remembered from our youth. The cottage itself seemed smaller than we recalled, but its cosiness was as comforting as ever. It was as if time had stood still, and we were transported back to those carefree summer days of our childhood.

This place shaped our formative years, instilling in us a deep love for nature and a profound connection to each other as siblings. We realised that while time had moved forward, the memories and bonds we shared with this special place and with each other remained steadfast and timeless, like the enduring spirit of Finland itself.

Being there in front of our summer cottage alongside my brother felt like a reunion with our fondest memories. The cottage, weathered but welcoming, stood as a silent witness to the countless adventures we’d shared. It was a sensory journey that evoked a deep sense of nostalgia.

Today, as I look back on my entire childhood, I realise that those summers in the embrace of nature of our summer cottage, were the foundation of who I am. They taught me the importance of cherishing simplicity, nurturing curiosity, and valuing the connections we share with both the land and the people who enrich our lives. It was a powerful reminder that some things in life are timeless, etched into the very core of our being.

My entire childhood was confined to the sheltered embrace of a tiny, northern nation called Finland, but it was in the tiny, northern corner of Helsinki, in the neighborhood of Itä-Pakila, that I discovered the true essence of what it means to be Finnish.