My place – Mari Jalava

“We bought a house in Ruokola in September 1997, 10 days before the birth of our first child. We had previously gone for a drive in the area, and there was a house in a corner plot that had caught our eye. When the house went up for sale a few months later, it only took us half an hour to make a decision to buy it, although normally we take time with our decisions and can be a bit picky. Not once have we regretted the decision in the 24 years since.

The home was exactly what we had hoped for – an unrenovated house from the 1950s with a large plot of land. I also instantly fell in love with Ruokola. The green residential area with parks, old houses and large gardens was peaceful and cosy. I’m especially fond of 1950s architecture, which is present in the older part of Ruokola, and I’m, of course, also interested in the history of the area. Ruokola is the best example of a post-war residential area in Uusikaupunki.

I’ve always been fascinated by the cemetery at the edge of Ruokola. Back in the day, both of my children had fallen asleep in their prams during a stroll on the dirt road of the cemetery, and I still walk that way when I go for a walk. The cemetery is beautiful as a park, and it is full of stories.

We are lucky to have the best neighbours. We have spent our May Days and Midsummers together for the past 20 years. Our backyard is bordered by a playing field, and the sounds carried from there also feel like home. It would be great to organise an event in the oak lane behind the field sometime. To show off the nice surroundings we have here.”

Who?

Name: Mari Jalava

Age: 54

Occupation: Director of Uusikaupunki Museum. Also known as an enthusiastic domestic traveller.

In the article series, Uusikaupunki residents share important places from around their hometown.