Early summer

In the summertime, my favourite café is this old villa that was originally a private summer residence but has been owned by the town of Turku since the 1950s now serving as a café, event venue and inn. Its popularity does not spring from its offerings or interior but rather from the great location on the furthermost cape of the Ruissalo island.

Who wouldn’t love to enter this building and walk through the glassed-in porch to the garden to be able to sit with some refreshments under the aged oak trees and maples there? Show me such a person and I’ll show you an unfeeling zombie.

Café Villa Saaro opened the season on May Day and we have kept visiting watching the surroundings come to life.

At the moment, it is apple blossom time. All the broad-leaved trees that were only slightly green last week are now turning all bushy. Two weeks ago, the lifeless leaves of last year were still hanging from the barren-looking oak trees.

The lovely path bordered with oak trees will take you from the garden to the beach which will be crowded before too long. And so will the beach huts and barbecue shelters.

Spring and early summer constitute such an overwhelming season you cannot but wonder in amazement: is this really happening? You’ll be struck by the eternal dilemma of Nordic life. The winter season is so dark and depressing you’ll find it hard to have anything extra done. The summer season is so light and fabulous you’ll find it needless to accomplish anything extra. Thank goodness we no longer have to waste this glorious time at an office.