We often mention our love for Åland and the archipelago. It is our safe place, our spark in our creation, but above all our home.
We Ålanders have lived in and together with the sea for generations. The archipelago life has been our lifeblood, which we have depended on at all times. It has shaped us and created the people we are today. We have been dependent on boats to get to different places and ship loads to gain access to raw materials of various kinds. We have had to learn about fishing and about life in the sea, in order to get food and nourishment. We have had to learn from and with each other and to live together.
Living in the archipelago can sometimes feel somewhat restrictive, and that is sometimes true. It requires more planning and preparation if you want to go somewhere. It also requires more willingness to cooperate to make our small community work.
But, the advantages strongly outweigh the disadvantages. Living in an archipelago landscape, we think is the best thing there is. The fact that we have the opportunity to see all our beautiful nature outside our door is nothing but lovely. Our store in Åland is located in the Maritime Quarter in a red wooden house. Outside we see the blue sea, which teems with boats during the summer. Schooners resting along the docks. Someone is out for a walk along the eastern coast. It is small, peaceful and safe. We have everything we need, and that's enough. We live, and learn.
We are promoting our little island in the Baltic Sea, to the archipelago and to the nature and sea that surrounds us. If you who are reading this have not been to Åland - visit our workshop and shop in Mariehamn. Get out into the archipelago and discover Åland's beautiful places. Breathe in the calm, tranquility and happiness in the small.
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