The time that I spent living abroad was the most miserable time of my life. I was away from all my old friends. I had to learn several new languages. Overnight I had to acclimate to a whole new environment. The thing that kept me grounded was the Kummeli tapes we brought with us. Those episodes, which we copied from friends of the family who had taped them when they first aired, were shot right where I used to live. The gravel pit where they shot many episodes was right next to my old school. Matti Näsä drove along the same road that I took to see my grandmother. Watching them again and again was not just something that gave me a laugh, it was a nice reminder of home when I really needed it.

In the darkest time of my life, Kummeli was there not just to entertain, but to keep me grounded.

Thank you for everything, Mr. Silvennoinen.