Who We Are & Why We Roam

We’re Joona and Emilia — a Finnish couple brought together by a shared love for exploring the world beyond the obvious.
Joona is a photographer and Arctic guide from the Helsinki region, with a deep connection to the mountains after years of living, working, and studying in the Austrian and Italian Alps. Emilia is a midwife from the south-east of Finland who has also lived and worked abroad, from the calm countryside of Sweden to the vibrant landscapes of Tanzania.

Our early paths might be different, but our passion is the same: discovering lesser-known corners of the world and telling real stories from places that are too often misunderstood or overlooked. We travel not just for ourselves — but to show others the beauty, culture, and humanity behind the headlines.

Together we’ve explored around 50 countries each, always chasing experiences off the beaten path — from the icy wilderness of the Arctic to the deserts of the Middle East and beyond.
This is our story. And we hope it inspires you to start your own.

This blog has been a long-time dream, especially for Joona. For years, friends have asked, “Why don’t you have a blog to share your travels?” And now felt like the right moment to finally bring that idea to life.
But it’s about more than just stories and pretty photos.

We created this space to challenge perceptions — to show that people are not their politics, and that the soul of a place can’t be captured in a headline. Far too often, the media paints entire countries with a single brushstroke, pushing fear, division, and outdated stereotypes.

But when you go there, when you talk to the locals, when you walk their streets and share a tea — you find something entirely different.
This blog is our small rebellion against that narrative.

And beyond that, we’re quietly dreaming of turning this website into something more: a helpful, welcoming hub for curious backpackers. A space where like-minded travelers can find inspiration, honest tips, and the courage to explore places that aren’t always listed in guidebooks.

This is our story. And we hope it inspires you to start your own.