Ivan Fesenko

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialize in Central and Eastern Norway with an accent on luxury format of traveling. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"My mother has been in travel business almost since I was born, so I was raised surrounded with all what comes with it: travel plans, tickets, travel documents and, most importantly travelers. I think this influenced my career direction to a large extent."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"I was on a several day self-drive with my spouse and daughter. We were crossing the border between Norway and Sweden through some vast lands realizing we would need to stop somewhere to have lunch. We stopped at a small privately owned cafeteria, which seemed to be just lost near this narrow dusty road, occasionally busy with some cars passing by.

The venue looked a bit like a hunter's home - a clean wooden cabin with deer's horns and a bear's skin. Only one man, in his 50's welcomed us. He was dressed like a cook, and as we watched him, he was taking orders, delivering the orders, taking plates and payments, almost at a same time. A light smile never left his face. He had a smooth yet confident posture, gentle yet precise gestures, simply charming.

The menu did not promise anything except cold sandwiches or hamburgers. Not the best choice when driving for a few days with a little child. The man, however, agreed to make some soup specially for us. Not only he cooked a hot meat soup, but he served with great care, offered some extra cake and just took our last paper Norwegian krones, which was way lower than all that cost. He reasoned it with "I am the owner, I decide how much money I take".

I believe tourism is about people. No matter how beautiful nature can be, it is people who create the meaning. That man in his little wooden cabin in the middle of nowhere makes his best in what he does. For me he is a reminder to be honest, to be genuine, to put effort and great care for a traveler. This encounter is perhaps the most meaningful travel experience for me."