I spent 3 weeks with Merete on Mesoya as a helper and it was an amazing experience that I'll never forget; from the beautiful views to the nature and various wildlife the Island is a paradise whilst Merete's kindness and extensive knowledge make her into a fantastic host and tour guide. 

You can observe Mesoya’s outline from Ornes’ harbor, the mountains adorn the skyline and loom over the crystal clear water, as you make the boat journey over the closer you get the more its beauty increases.

Once there I was surprised as to how much there is to do on such a small island, there's forests, beaches, mountains, a lake and of course the sea and all of that is shared by just a handful of incredible people.

I walked around the island many times without seeing a single person. You're more likely to spot a moose grazing in the distance or an eagle circling the island. Definitely one of the countless sheep some of which follow you around like a dog waiting to get pet.

You can easily lose countless hours and days exploring the island. The views are breathtaking and there's something for everyone, whether you want to go fishing at the lake or sea, mushroom hunting in the forest or just going for a swim you're always going to have your itinerary full. Just have to make sure you give yourself enough time to do it all.

While walking around the air is filled with bird songs and the sound of water hitting the beach and rocks. You can hear the sheep in the distance and the only sign of civilisation is the occasional boat making the journey to a neighbouring island. At night you can spot a few lights flickering over the sea reminding you how distant everyday life is.

My nights were spent trying to catch the famous northern lights, which Mesoya is a prime location for. I managed to faintly see their outline in the sky a few times. However the one night they vibrantly lit up the sky I had decided to go to sleep early and missed them by an hour, Although unfortunate it adds on another reason for going back at some point.

Living on a sheep farm is an experience in itself. Whilst they’re pretty low maintenance and only require feeding once a day it was always fun seeing them come running the second Merete calls them. One of my first days there I even got to shear some sheep for the first time in my life and I loved seeing first hand part of the initial process of making clothes from wool.

Even though the reason behind me staying there was mainly to help out around the farm the work never felt like work, it was more enjoyable than anything I had ever done previously and doing it amongst the beautiful scenery felt like a privilege most people would pay for. 

Merete knows more about the history of the island than anyone you will meet. She answered all my questions with ease and enthusiasm which provided a depth to Mesoya. It was fascinating to find out about the history hidden around every corner of the island and unlocking the past with Merete's storytelling. Her knowledge didn't stop there. We often went on trips around the local area, she showed me hidden gems that I would have never found without her and provided a detailed background to all the beautiful, but otherwise seemingly unassuming scenery and surroundings we encountered.

Merete is also incredibly easy to talk to and she never runs out of stories to tell. On my last day she drove 2 hours to the airport stopping along the way to show landmarks and attractions, explaining their history in detail.

I count myself incredibly lucky to have been able to experience this unforgettable trip. My only regret is not staying longer and I definitely plan on coming back at some point as there is still so much to do and see. Not only on Mesoya but in the area surrounding it as well. For now I’ll have to relive it through the memories and photos.

Alicja Ryzner, England