So this trip was just a shy under 8 1/2 years in the making. A trip that I could not let slip by me as Finland seemed so close all year. Not only do I cross it off my list, but I got to visit a good friend who came to UNCG last year. He welcomed me to Finland, but also into his apartment for the week.
Day 1 (Arrival) ; Day 2 (Sightseeing)
I arrived into Finland this past Monday night, a bit groggy from leaping 2 hours ahead of UK time. That and I had only briefly prepared myself for how bright the nights would be. But pay no mind, Jussi had me awake at 7am for breakfast before he went to work. He had picked his usual spot where he said, "all the beautiful girls go here." (Can't fault him for that kind of decision making!)
My tour around Finland's capital began after a hearty breakfast that included fresh bits of salmon. The city surrounded by water looked eloquent under the blue Finnish skies. Perfect weather for any tourist. And as that, I got started on the main sights of Helsinki. From the famous Helsinki kauppatori or "main market square", I ventured east around the harbor. Along the route, I passed by Alexander Hotovistsky's Uspenski Cathedral. It loomed atop the city, rich with the Russian's architectural design c. 1862.
I next passed by Helsinki's own Helsinki Cathedral. Helsinki Cathedral is definitely one of the most iconic attractions in the city. It can be seen from the sea as a beacon between Helsinki & the nearby island, Suomenlinna. From the Cathedral I ventured up Mannerheimintie, the main shopping street. The street runs by many landmarks and museums, such as the National Museum of Finland. It continues to pass along the banks of the Töölönlahti bay, Olympic Stadium and out of the city.
By the time I returned to the market square, Jussi was on his lunch break. Neither of us were particularly hungry yet, the breakfast was just too filling! Instead we got ice cream and walked along the market. His break was over in a flash and he departed after helping me get my ticket to Suomenlinna.Suomenlinaa (Castle of Finland; 1917) is important as the place of surrender to Russian forces. It was originally designed as Sveaborg starting in 1748 under Swedish ruler Augustin Ehrensvärd. The 6 islands are home to several sights like Ehrensvärd's grave, the old chruch, and The King's Gate. Nowadays, it is a touristic attraction as well as a place for locals to relax on the rocks.
I once again met up with Jussi following the end of his work day back on the mainland. He suggested we go back to his place to relax a bit before dinner at a restaurant he's a a regular at. Prior to arriving at the restaurant, he walked me along another harbor. There, he explained that the richest neighborhood was home to the Swedish inhabitants of Helsinki. Buzzing with hunger, we did end up arriving at a restaurant called Sea Horse. It specialized in Finnish cuisine and had done so since 1934. It is a famous place as it's served Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda, trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and more. Under the direction of Jussi, I ordered the Scandinavian Hash. It was comprised of ham onions served amongst potatoes with a fried egg on top. So to say the least, I was very pleased with the selection!While we were eating, Jussi's younger brother arrived. Following the meal, we were all heading to a local party to celebrate the 4th of July!
Happy Birthday, America!
And welcome to Finland!
