Based in Lafayette, California, Tom Velken leverages over two decades experience in real estate finance, development, and acquisition to lead Viking Real Estate Group, which he founded in 1995. Having traveled extensively in Italy, Tom Velken’s favorite destinations include Lake Como and Rome, as well as lesser-known sights such as Bassano del Grappa.Situated near Venice, Bassano marks the spot where Veneto’s fertile agricultural plains rise into the Alps. With archeological finds showing a settlement pattern extending to prehistoric times, the city was known as Bossianus by the Romans and was developed into a fortress in the 10th century AD that ultimately grew into a castle. A covered bridge was constructed around 1200 and reflected growth in commerce in the area.With a location at a cultural crossroads, Bassano was fiercely contested through the 15th century and taken over by a number of rulers in succession, including the Vicenza, the Scaligeri, and the Milanese Visconti. Its primary products during the prosperous period of Venetian rule were wool, silk, and ceramics.Today, Bassano is known for its quality grappa, which has been produced in the region since the late 18th century. The hard alcohol is created from parts of the grape left over from the winemaking process. A highlight for many visitors is strolling across the covered pedestrian bridge, which adheres to Andrea Palladio’s 16th-century design.
Tom Velken is the founder of Viking Real Estate Group, a full-service real estate investment company based in Lafayette, California. In his capacity as a company principal, he works directly with clients and engages in management tasks. During his leisure time, Tom Velken enjoys traveling with his family. He has visited the Lake Como region of Italy. The Rhaetian Alps frame Lake Como, which is one of Italy's beautiful attractions. Villages dot the shores of the Y-shaped lake, and one of them, Bellagio, has notable features that include steep cobblestone staircases, colorful dwellings, and bright gardens. Another attraction in this picture-perfect village is i Giardini di Villa Melzi, a tranquil park that offers unforgettable views of Lake Como. Moreover, the Basilica di San Giacomo gives visitors a taste of Italy's rich religious history, and a day of kayaking on the lake should appeal to adventurous travelers. Bellagio has a wide selection of restaurants, hotels, and other tourist amenities. Travelers are encouraged to visit in the middle of the week since Bellagio tends to be crowded over weekends.
Based in Lafayette, California, Tom Velken serves as president and owner of Viking Real Estate Group, a real estate agency assisting individuals and companies in the acquisition and financing of their individually held real estate investments. When he's not working, Tom Velken spends time traveling. In June 2016 he ventured to Norway, where he hiked in the mountains above the Sorfjorden village of Reidsete. The trail head which leads up to the Folgafonna glacier has been partially fortified with stone steps recently reconstructed by Sherpas. On the other side of the Sorfjorden, near the city of Odda, the Sherpas have also worked on the more famous Trolltunga trail.According to an article on the website, The Norwegian American, Sherpas first began working in Norway in 2000 and have built paths and stairways in over 100 different Norwegian locations. Much of their work has been filmed by a documentary team from national broadcaster NRK, who interviewed a number of the Nepalese mountaineers.“The film sets out to show the trails seen by the Sherpas in Norway,” filmmaker Jannicke Farstad told NRK. “I’m not sure people realize how much they’ve contributed to the country. “We also wanted to find out what it means for Nepal that the Sherpas come here to work.”According to the article, Farstad told NRK that she had personally witnessed the effects of the Sherpas’ Norwegian wages in Nepal, particularly after the April 2015 earthquake in which over 8,000 lives were lost.But it is not just the potential for earning a wage several times larger than would be earned at home, according to the Sherpas themselves, who spend between seven months and a year working on the Norwegian paths.“Money comes and goes. The things we have learnt in Norway will be with us for the rest of our lives. I feel like we are creating history. One day, my grandchildren will be able to come to Norway and see what we have built,” Nima Sherpa told NRK.
