We recently got a beautiful testimonial from one of our guests after they joined our Wilderness Lunch Experience with their family. We are grateful to share it here in their own words.
Sometimes you meet people who let you experience their life and vision in a way that gives you the energy you need to make a change in your own life for the better.
Tomasz and Theresa (or Tessa, as Theresa would say) are those people….
Taking the last turn to the right, the road to the small village of Vasaraperä is one that promises serene views over a frozen lake, hidden behind the snow-covered trees.
The reward comes at the end, when arriving at the “communal” Kota, where you quickly experience views that reach the hills of the Riisitunturi National Park, and the first smile appears on your frozen face.
Theresa and Tomasz greet you with warmth and enthusiasm that feels like visiting an old friend who has been awaiting you for years!
Entering their small wooden cabin feels like an embrace from a warm coat in wintertime. The burning fire and coziness of the Kota make you forget that it’s freezing outside.
First, Tomasz and Theresa tell their inspiring story—how they got to where they are now. How they made a big change in their own lives and found not only each other, but also their way of life, and how they are still on this beautiful journey…
Getting to the cooking part…
Tomasz takes you on an experience of a lifetime, where he lets you taste all the flavors that Lapland has to offer. With a good sense of humor, a lot of knowledge of local ingredients, and excellent cooking skills, he creates the most fantastic and surprising dishes. Mixing Lappish cuisine with other parts of the world, it’s fusion cooking at its best.
Also, the process of preparation is fascinating—from growing vegetables, picking berries and mushrooms in the wild, getting freshly caught fish from the local fisherman, to using a spruce branch for filtering coffee. Everything takes time, effort, and passion, which makes the taste even better.
Meanwhile, Theresa tells stories of the old days—how local life was and how the indigenous people used to live, with harsh conditions in wintertime and making full use of the long summer days. All of this adds to the feeling that you are truly part of their perfect world (even if just for a little while).
Looking back on this experience, I can only say that I have experienced the real life that Finnish people lead. They are interested in what you’re doing and take time to listen and answer your questions with great pleasure.
The warmth and love they put into their meals is the same they give to you as a person…
Thanks for letting me enter your world and making me aware of the small things that matter…
Good food and real talks!!
It’s right to say it’s an experience—one that goes far beyond the food!!”
/Gert Tukker
