Ana Lorena Tuomas-Avena
Originally from Mexico, I am your local North Pole resident and nature enthusiast.
I fell in love with Lapland 20 years ago, have traveled the Nordics up and down , and I am on a mission to make everyone else fall in love with this land of extremes.
I believe traveling is about that feeling we get as we step into a completely new place, the collecting of memories, flavors and new ways of seeing life. About discovering the world and let it leave its mark on you.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I specialize in sustainable travel to natural sites, hikes and true local experiences in all of Lapland, but particularly Northern Finland.
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How did you get involved in travel?
"I came into travel by way of the kitchen. I worked as a chef in Rovaniemi for many years and watched tourists come and go. Working in an open kitchen I was approached many times by people visiting for the first time, asking for places to go, things to do, see and eat. I loved pointing them in new and exciting directions, or on the rare occasion even join them and take them to that one perfect spot to see the northern lights or the best hike in the area.
Eventually I found a traveling company that truly cares about their impact in the communities, the environment and the well being of the people and animals involved, so I jumped at the opportunity to join MonMon Travel and here I am!"
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I traveled to Scotland for a concert, I didn't exactly planned much more than the concert and a few sites I wanted to see around Edinburgh, I only had 4 days so I decided I would stay in the city and make the best of those days walking around this gorgeous place. The day of the concert I went in a little gay bar and saw a sign for a trip to the Highlands the following morning, I continued to sip my beer and stare at the sheet on the wall... I can't go, right? I have a concert tonight and I will be knackered in the morning... Well, next thing I know I am up at 7 am and jumping in a bus to the Scottish Highlands, listening to the ins and outs of whiskey making whilst the most beautiful scenery kept rolling out in front of me. I splashed in Loch Ness, sang my heart out with Glen Nevis behind me, ate the BEST whiskey ice cream in the smallest of towns and even got to hug a couple of Highland Coos.
That day I saw a sign (literally) and jumped hear first and the opportunity, that day will forever be one of my favorite days ever. "
Ana Lorena's favorite itineraries and travel advice
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