I believe our passions define our personality. But you know what really reveals our character? It’s those unexpected quirks and silly fascinations.
So, let’s set aside the work talk and dive into some of my uncool peculiarities. Trust me, there’s plenty to explore – since, the only cool thing about me is that I’m not trying to be cool.
Okay, I might not be out there giving trees bear hugs, but I definitely harbor a deep affection for them that goes beyond the norm. Especially when it comes to the ancient ones—those monumental 300-year-old oaks, towering redwoods, rugged pines perched on cliff faces, black alders gracefully leaning over waterways, and weathered apple trees just waiting to be climbed.
I’ll come clean: I’ve got a serious soft spot for trees, and it genuinely bothers me to see the majestic ones being chopped down in my neighborhood. I’ll admit, it’s not the coolest thing to get worked up about, but hey, what can I say? My parents raised me on hikes through ancient forests, instilling in me a profound reverence for nature, forests, and, of course, trees.
Solo fishing in absolute silence can undoubtedly be a Zen experience, and I wholeheartedly respect that. However, for me, fishing is more about cracking jokes and having fun with buddies. Against all doctrines and dogmas, I also prefer sunny summer days for fishing, unlike the proper anglers who brave the November darkness in pursuit of giant pikes.
So yes, I’ll admit it: I’m a chatty, unambitious, and uncool fisherman. That means I don’t reel in as many fish. But honestly? It doesn’t really bother me.
While many people dream of the vast open sea or serene lakeshores, I’ve always found myself drawn to rivers. There’s something captivating about flowing water, whether it’s the gentle trickle of a spring stream or the thunderous rush of mighty rapids.
No, you won’t find me tackling extreme white water rafting. While I can appreciate the allure, it’s not quite my cup of coffee. Instead, I find solace in kayaking along the serene currents of a yet unexplored river, especially during the hushed nights of the endless midsummer twilight. There’s an exhilarating thrill in not knowing what awaits around the next bend: A bathing moose? A dam over the river made by beavers? A beautiful pond? A perfect campsite? Nudists playing beach volleyball? Or a fierce white water rapids? Aye, pure magic.
One of my top recommendations for exploration is Vaikkojoki in Eastern Finland. Stretching approximately 60 km, it meanders through picturesque forests and boasts over 30 rapids ranging from class I to III—most of which are quite manageable, though a few may present a challenge, particularly during low-water midsummer excursions (a lesson my wife and I learned the hard way). However, in spring, Vaikkojoki transforms into a gentle, welcoming river, ideal for both novice and seasoned paddlers alike, offering an idyllic backdrop for fishing and camping as well.
Everyone has vices, right?
We all need at least one to make our soul sing.
I don’t gamble, I don’t do drugs, I don’t kick ducks, I don’t dress up as Shirley Temple, I don’t torment senior citizens, and I rarely drink heavily, so this is my only proper vice: smoking long and chunky Cuban cigars that last an hour. Few things beat engaging in big talk and great laughs with a good friend while enjoying an extra juicy Romeo Y Julieta Churchill.
An ugly habit? Well, maybe so, but I only smoke one a week, so shut up.
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