In 1993 in the pursuit of a simpler, modest life, Swiss couple, Claudia
and Thomas emigrated to rural Poland. Together with their nine children
they have been running an organic farm in picturesque Mazury, in the
northeast of the country. In stark contrast to the high standard of living
in Switzerland they first resided in an open fireplace tepee, leading a
much less modern existence. Their search for something different took them
through Italy and Southern France to find a land where they could be happy
and at peace. A piece of land where they could realise the project they’ve
always dreamed of, an ‘eco-village’. Their journey brought them to this area of
Poland but, unfortunately, their idea didn’t work out. However, besides the
bleak, depressing atmosphere and a really harsh first winter, they bravely
decided to stay. And they never regretted making that choice. They have
been living happily, in the village of Bachanowo, in a relatively poor
region of northeast Poland, working on their farm and producing their
famous Swiss cheeses for over 20 years.
