CURRENT MISSION

Explore this corner of the world!

ABOUT ME

I grew up in northern Finland in a tiny town of Pyhajarvi, which only now has started to feel exotic. I studied and worked in business, learned languages, doggie genetics and the heritance of copper toxicosis in bedlingtons terriers, rode horses and showed dogs. All along I dreamed of living on Canada's west coast, having seen only a bit of it on two earlier trips. Finally third time I came to stay with two dogs and two suitcases. I settled in Courtenay on Vancouver Island. After 4 years, my studies led me to Victoria, where I have resided over 10 years, studying linguistics and teaching English to international students. Just recently I decided to take plunge into full-time studying and start my PhD studies in New Zealand at the University of Canterbury. I'm planning to study my native language Finnish in a place that is the furthest away from Finland! Go figure!

My free time is taken by outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, horse-back riding, stable chores, and walking with my dogs.

I'm excited about anything that breaks the normal routine. I can't wait to go "elsewhere", i.e., leave the ordinary circles and visit new places away from home. The trip starts upon closing the front door...

PHILOSOPHY

The older I get, the more I have been able to shed the notion that I should know what to do with my life. I'm learning to let life unfold for me, and I try making decisions trusting my intuitions. With this approach, I have noticed a positive correlation with happiness. I don't regret a day of my past life; I wouldn't be here today in this shape and form without my past life. Since all of my greatest dreams have come true, I keep dreaming. I appreciate all things beautiful whether they originate from the natural world or from people. I'm deeply saddened by the loss of diversity on this planet, the disappearance of plants, animals or indigenous people, their languages and culture.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I host whenever I can and would be more than happy to show Victoria and its secrets to those who come here. I also want to combine couchsurfing with my travels.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Very positive. I think it is an honor to have a guest visiting. Myself, I haven't done any official couch surfing - yet, but have crashed on couches unofficially...

Interests

Dogs, Bedlington Terriers in particular, horses and horseback riding, other animal friends, linguistics, languages, kayaking, skiing, (ultra)bicycling, handcrafts of all sorts, ... I'm also looking forward to a lot of traveling with my love, Andrew, who has trotted in all corners of the globe all by himself and who is willing to take me along for more trips.

• animals
• dogs
• horses
• culture
• walking
• traveling
• crochet
• knitting
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• equestrian
• hiking
• kayaking
• surfing
• skiing
• business
• genealogy
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

All my favorite music gives me shivers; just the genre changes: blues, classic rock, classical, good oldies, latino. Current popular music rarely does that.

Books I like include "Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck, "Jenny" by Sigrid Undset, "Alias Grace" by Margaret Atwood.

The way days usually evolve, there's no time to watch movies or TV. Most of it is no good anyway. An occasional chance to watch a GOOD movie is a real treat as are some BBC detective series, like Inspector Alleyn, Hercule Poirot (David Suchet), Sherlock Holmes (Jeremy Brett) and Inspector Alleyn.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Three times I have been a crew member in Furnace Creek 508 bicycle race through Death Valley, 508 miles (818 km) in 48 hours! Truly amazing experiences! Thank goodness it was my brother biking, not me!

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you how to quilt, knit, crochet, or sew. If you like my Finnish dishes I serve you, you get the recipe. And I'm always willing to learn more!

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Finland, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Russian Federation, Sweden, Taiwan, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Finland, New Zealand

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