“Helsinki is truly beautiful,” I think as I cycle through Kumpulanlaakso, past Vanhankaupunginkoski, along the Vantaanjoki river, and through a few extra wooded detours caused by Raidejokeri construction sites, heading towards Tattarisuo. The end of August has brought wonderfully sunny weather. As I check my watch and hurry on my single-speed bike, I also notice how hilly Helsinki is. At the gate of Nyyttipuisto apartments in Tattarisuo, Marja Terttu Katavisto is already waiting, having agreed to be interviewed. My intention is to find out what living is like in Alppikylä Setlementtiasunnot.
Katavisto’s life changed when her husband unexpectedly passed away in 2008. Katavisto had lived with her husband in Espoo. The Matinkylä area had become dear to her. Slowly, however, a move elsewhere became inevitable. Katavisto was on the waiting list for a right-of-occupancy apartment and had also applied for a rental apartment. Setlementtiasunnot then called about a studio apartment in Alppikylä. The decision to rent the apartment was made the same day, without even seeing it. “It was good luck,” Katavisto says.
“You always grow fond of your home,” Katavisto muses. However, she lists many good aspects of Alppikylä Setlementtiasunnot; the building is peaceful, there are flowers and gardening to do, and the building’s laundry room is like a utility room where you can do all sorts of things. “If someone doesn’t appreciate this, then nothing will!” The resident common room also serves as a shared coffee spot, where Katavisto, who admits to being an avid baker, sometimes brings coffee buns. Katavisto has also made friends in the building. It’s wonderful to be able to give a spare key to a neighbor, and there’s always someone around to check on you if they haven’t heard from you in a while.
Katavisto mentions her eight grandchildren as one of the riches of her life. She can visit the nearby sports field with her grandchildren. Katavisto’s adult children have also grown fond of their mother’s living environment and the nice-looking buildings.
Katavisto answers a few questions:
What makes a house a home?
A home feels cozy when there’s nothing superfluous. Katavisto says it took a couple of years to make the home truly her own. Some old furniture has been culled, and many other items have been given away.
Tell us about your residential area? Where should one go?
On the Jakomäki side, there is beautiful nature and sights including old wartime trenches. The jogging paths are also excellent. In winter, it’s worth participating in sledding events, Katavisto advises. The Estonian shop on the corner of Tattarisuo also receives praise. However, there is a need for a good cafe.
What is the best place to relax in the immediate vicinity?
There is a small park nearby, where Katavisto says she sometimes sits on a bench. However, she enjoys her own yard – and it’s easy to understand why once you’ve seen it. Many flowers are still blooming beautifully even at the onset of autumn. A small volunteer group from the building takes care of the flowers.
What would you improve in your housing company?
Community spirit could be more visible. However, Katavisto reflects that community cannot be forced. Some people prefer to keep to themselves. Additionally, Katavisto is bothered that not everyone utilizes the building’s excellent waste sorting facilities. “It’s just something you do.” Katavisto encourages people to sort their waste and believes that every home can find a solution to make sorting easier, even if there isn’t enough space for waste bins in the kitchen cabinet storage.
Praise a neighbor!
Katavisto has a neighbor who helps if, for example, trousers need mending. And another neighbor can even do her hair. “Everything has fallen into place,” Katavisto summarizes. In the evening, a neighbor might call and ask her to join them in watering the flowers. While watering, they chat about the world.
Katavisto is an active volunteer. In addition to spiritual volunteer work, she participates in surplus food distribution on Fridays. “I enjoy it here,” Katavisto says, probably referring to living in Nyyttipuisto. However, she gives the impression that she generally enjoys her life – despite the fears and all sorts of boogeymen that come with it. “I enjoy it here” sounds good.
Text and photos: Ella Niini
