THEISLANDS
...that
inspired
the Moomins
Writersin searchof a distraction-free
environmentmightlookto Finlandand
its 40,000or so islands.Thecharmworked
forToveJansson,creatorof theMoomin
books.Shespentchildhoodsummers
in thePellingeIslandsontheGulfof Finland
eastof Helsinki,andlaterbuilta threadbare
hideawayontheremoteskerryof Klovharu.
Theislandsareknownas ‘Pellinki’in Finnish,
butaremainlySwedish-speaking,as was
Jansson.Takethechain-ferryfromthe
mainlandto findvillagesof red-painted
cottagesamidpineandbirchforestsripe
forforaging,givingwayto rockyshores
notunliketheseascapesexplored
byMoominpappa.
Findlinksto cottagerentalsin theislands
at http://www.visitpellinge.fi.THE ISLAND
...where you mig ht
meet Luke Skywalker
A long time ago, on an island far from worldly temptations,
Irish monks built beehive-shaped stone huts on precipitous
hillsides, and stared out past wheeling seabirds at the horizon
that marked the edge of the known world. Great Skellig,
also called Skellig Michael, remains an intensely spiritual place
eight centuries after the hermitages were abandoned.
In two recent Star Wars films, the bigger of the saw-toothed
Skelligs made a natural location for the hidden Jedi temple
on Ahch-To. The boat crossing may be rough, but at least
the chance to step ashore on this island refuge doesn’t
require a hyperspace jump.
There’s a daily limit on visitors to Skellig Michael, so book ahead.
Many tours only circle the island; find a list of operators who land
there at http://www.skelligexperience.com/other-sea-toursTRAVEL FOR ISLANDS
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