Who?
Heli Rantala, visual artist
Best thing about UNITY Tampere?
"Peace and quiet, the nature is close, warm-hearted people, and it doesn't feel like an ordinary hotel room."
A Safe Haven for a Woman and Her Dog
Heli Rantala, who returned from Canada to Tampere, found a summer home in UNITY where she can find solace and enjoy life after tumultuous years. Also enjoying it is her dog Elda, whose life on Pyynikki is like that of a little princess.
"When I returned to Tampere from the metropolis of Calgary, it felt so quiet here. However, after moving to UNITY, I started enjoying it almost immediately. It felt like, 'Wow, this is so good,' I feel like I'm on vacation here," says Heli Rantala.
Heli, who had lived in Tampere for a long time in her youth, went to Canada ten years ago in pursuit of love. However, tragedy struck just a couple of years later. Her husband fell seriously ill, and her time was spent supporting him as a caregiver.
"Fortunately, creating art helped me, and at one point, I had my own studio in the Rocky Mountains where I even had a small exhibition."
After her spouse passed away, Heli returned to Tampere to be closer to her daughter. Heli, who herself suffers from MS and is on a disability pension, wanted to find a peaceful and tidy place to live in the city. She asked her daughter to find a place that met her criteria.
"Airbnb accommodations didn't offer anything, and staying in my favorite hotel would have been too expensive. UNITY impressed me immediately. This is a hidden gem!
Everything works, but the best part is the spa
Heli moved to UNITY in May with her dog Elda. Everyday life has gone just as well as Heli had hoped, especially for her dog.
"The staff has treated the dog fantastically, and Elda has been able to be here like a little princess. Elda and I move around a lot, and at the Aitoleipä café, she sits next to me. There, Elda gets her treats, slices of cucumber," Heli says.
Heli gives credit to all the services in the area, from cafés to shops.
"I've brought friends for pizza to Mad Finn. However, the best part is the Pyynikki Helmi spa, it's absolutely wonderful."
The only small complaint about the apartment itself is the lack of storage space.
"I came with seven suitcases, and I haven't been able to hang every piece of clothing at the same time."
"Airbnb accommodations didn't offer anything, and staying in my favorite hotel would have been too expensive. UNITY impressed me immediately."
– Heli Rantala
Incredibly beautiful city
Returning to Tampere has made Heli see the city with new eyes. Tampere has also changed for the better in her opinion over the ten years, exclusively in a positive direction.
"I feel more at home in this city than anywhere else. After all these years, it's even warmer and more colourful here, people are friendlier, and I've had many wonderful spontaneous encounters," Heli says.
"This is an incredibly beautiful city."
At the moment, Heli is most looking forward to finding a new studio for herself and getting back to art.
"I dream of having an art exhibition in Tampere, and of course, in UNITY premises!"
"The staff has treated the dog fantastically, and Elda has been able to be here like a little princess. Elda and I move around a lot, and at the Aitoleipä café, she sits next to me."
– Heli Rantala
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