Finland's natural beauty a grounding experience

By Michael Turtle
Updated July 2 2021 - 3:42am, first published May 10 2020 - 12:00am
Bright sparks fill the room as my host, Pekka, throws ground coffee onto the fire. Pictures: Michael Turtle
Bright sparks fill the room as my host, Pekka, throws ground coffee onto the fire. Pictures: Michael Turtle

Amongst some snow-covered trees, in the half-dark of a winter's day in Finland, I meet Pekka Vaananen, who introduces himself by declaring, "I am a man of the forest". He's a rugged-looking Finn, with bright narrow eyes and rough skin on his face that shows his age. He smiles broadly and welcomes me to his home.