Helja

Hey!

I moved to Ikaalinen to work as a classroom teacher in 1976. The place immediately felt familiar because of the lakes, forests and rolling terrain (I am from Kuhmoinen). We started a family, built a house and worked for the city's education department. The children left, my husband died of illness and I retired eight years ago. At that point, I thought a lot about how and where I would continue my life.

The good recreational opportunities in Ikaalinen weighed heavily in the balance. The community college has a diverse offering, and the cultural life is lively. There are plenty of opportunities for exercise, both organized and free in nature. There are many different associations, and being involved in them is fun. Important to me are, for example, our knitting group, the Karelian Society and the Kalevalaiset naiset.

I still live in a detached house. Neighborhood help and professionals are easily available if needed. The local food chain REKO works great in Ikaalinen. Living in the city center, I haven't even needed a car, distances are short and cycling is good exercise. Ikaalinen provides all the basic services, and Tampere is close by if I need to go out in larger circles sometimes.

My favorite lake in Ikaalinen is Kyrösjärvi. It caresses the entire city beautifully and offers opportunities for a variety of water sports. Morning swimming is part of my routine during open water time, and in winter there is an open water swimming opportunity in the sauna club's brand new VillaVihta.

Life here is full of life.

Helja Tuokko