First night in Finland, first night in the Far North. Barely off the plane in Helsinki, we hopped on our bikes and set off on our first pedal strokes along the impeccably maintained cycle paths. Our destination was a small floating cabin we'd spotted on a map, nestled on the shore of a lake. In this icy March, this rustic shelter embodied everything Jean and I love: simplicity, tranquility, and immersion in nature. That very night, this habit became a daily one: sleeping almost exclusively outdoors. By choice, by desire, for the sheer pleasure of feeling the crisp winter air upon waking. I remember saying to Jean a few days earlier, "Imagine if, on our very first night in Finland, we see the Northern Lights!" It seemed all it took was a wish. Camp set up, dinner ready… Barely had I swallowed the first bite, while taking a few photos in the darkness, when I glimpsed a thin, flickering green glow on the other side of the lake. In surprise, I exclaimed with my mouth full: "JEAN, AURORES!"
