Beza comes from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. In 2010, she moved to Vaasa to study, and in May 2014, she packed up and moved to Åland.

– It was love that brought me here. I followed my then-boyfriend, who is today my husband.

First impression

When Beza arrived in Åland, it was summer, and she moved there without knowing much about the place beforehand.

– Everything was green and beautiful, and I remember that already in the first week I told my husband how peaceful everything felt.

The nature and the sea in particular made a strong impression.

– It felt like a place where you can truly breathe.

Everyday life in Åland

What Beza appreciates most about life in Åland is the sense of safety and having nature always close by.

– It's family-friendly and simple, and I appreciate the sense of community. Life here feels balanced.

She finds it can be difficult to explain Åland to someone who has never been there before.

– I usually say that there are friendly people here. We are more Swedish than Finnish, but still a part of Finland. The winters can be long and dark, but the two summer months make all the waiting worthwhile.

Advice for newcomers

Being open, learning the language, and daring to reach out to people is Beza's advice to anyone considering moving to Åland.

– It takes a little time to find your place, but when you do, it's truly worth it.

As a newcomer, it was love that made Beza stay, but over time Åland has become her real home.

– Here I have built my life, started a family, and found a community that means a great deal to me.