Earlier this month, I had the immense joy of reuniting with my Harvard Business School AMP 182 classmates for our 13th-year reunion in Lapland and Helsinki. We were 31 strong, graciously hosted by Mika Hagberg, his wonderful wife Laure, and their daughter Emme. What unfolded was a journey of wonder, warmth, and a deep dive into the surreal beauty of the Arctic.
The Long Road to the North
My adventure began with a 24-hour journey from Manila → Doha → Helsinki → Ivalo. I arrived armed with 23 kilos of carefully curated winter gear (thanks, ChatGPT) and the same level of excitement as my classmates, many of whom were on the same flight to Ivalo. As we stepped into the crisp Arctic air, a faint aurora greeted us—ethereal, elusive, and whetting our appetite for more.
Arctic Thrills: From Snowmobiles to Saunas
The next morning, we distributed resort-issued winter suits because, apparently, neither deer nor huskies are impressed by sleek ski wear. A four-hour snowmobile safari took us across frozen lakes and silent forests, ending in a simple yet memorable lunch in the wilderness.
Later, we gathered for an Aurora Borealis workshop—equal parts science and story. We learned how solar storms create shimmering displays in the sky and heard captivating legends: Finnish fire foxes, Sámi spirits, and Inuit soul-lights. The science was powerful, but the mythology made it magic.
Afterwards, we relaxed in a sauna with panoramic views of a frozen lake, then dashed outside to do snow yoga (yes, that happened) and finally bundled up for an aurora campfire evening. No aurora that night—just clouds—but the warmth of marshmallows, mulled berries, and laughter under Arctic skies made it memorable all the same.
Encounters with Reindeer and Sámi Wisdom
One of my personal highlights was visiting a local reindeer farm and meeting a Sámi herder. We learned how these remarkable animals survive the Arctic—insulated fur, snow-digging hooves, and a diet of lichen. The cultural insights were just as profound: every reindeer is owned, marked, and part of a herding cooperative. Reindeer are not merely animals; they are the heartbeat of Sámi identity.
Our afternoon visit to the Siida Museum and Nature Center in Inari deepened this understanding. Exhibits on Sámi culture, Arctic wildlife, and Lapland’s eight seasons reminded us of the intricate rhythm of life in the North. It was more than educational—it was spiritual.
When the Sky Opened
And then, it happened.
On our second aurora-chasing night—this time on snowmobiles—the skies finally opened. Curtains of green, swirling with pink, danced above us. It was a soul-stirring, time-stopping moment. The kind of beauty that makes you forget about cameras and just breathe.
We eventually took a group photo under the lights (yes, I tried a headstand—seven layers of gear turned me into a flopping snowman). But more than the pictures, it was the silence, the awe, the feeling of being part of something vast and ancient that I’ll carry with me.
Back at the hotel, we toasted with champagne—because some moments deserve bubbles.
Snowshoeing, Huskies, and Our Final Farewell
Our final day offered quiet reflection through snowshoeing in the forest, like walking inside a snow globe. In the afternoon, the mood lifted with a cinematic husky safari: blue-eyed dogs, flying sleds, and winter wonderland trails. It was exhilarating and tender all at once.
That night, we dressed warmly for our farewell Lappish dinner, preceded by a heartfelt talk from a Sámi speaker. He spoke of cultural survival, of spiritual joiks, and of the enduring bond between land, people, and reindeer. It was powerful, grounding, and the perfect frame for a dinner of Arctic char, reindeer with lingonberries, root stews, and golden cloudberry desserts.
Reflections from the Arctic
This wasn’t just a reunion trip. It was a journey through culture, nature, and history. We arrived as classmates; we left as storytellers—with tales of dancing lights, Arctic silence, snowbound laughter, and wisdom older than time.
Lapland wasn’t just a place we visited — it became part of who we are.
To magic.
To friendship.
To light in the coldest places.
Reconnect, Reflect, and Explore with Purpose
Inspired by Carol Dominguez’s unforgettable Lapland travel experience with AMP 182? At John Clements Consultants, we believe that meaningful journeys—whether professional or personal—foster growth and lasting connections. Let us help you chart your next one.
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