Helsinki, Finland

  

view from boat - leaving Sweden

July 4-5, 2013
 Mom and I arrived by ferry/cruise Silja Lines about 9:45 on Thurs. July 4 and followed the agencies directions to the tram which led us not to far from the Opera House - Crown Plaza.  Though this hotel was the nicest and largest one by far, it was also the furthest one from center of town.  Though we changed (finally feeling more like summer 21 degrees C) and walked the 25 minutes into town.  After getting a little confused about where to find the Hop On and Off bus (our 3rd one for the trip!) we finally found one, hopped on for one stop and then hopped off again on the Market.  The Market is open daily and began in the 18th century.  It originally (and still does) sell fresh fish, veggies and fruits.  Some of the fish were sold right from the boats!  There are also stalls selling souvenirs, furs, knitted wool hats and mittens, knives and glass jewelry.  This is where Mom and I bought our Christmas ornaments - wooden hand-painted bells with Finland on them.      We enjoyed a typical Finnish lunch right there in the market of salmon, fried white fish (similar to smelt),  round potatoes and mixed veggies.  

    We then got back on the bus and stayed on it for entire circle to learn more about Helsinki and see the sights.  After the loop, which took about an hour, we continued shopping around.  There was this major street called Esplande which was their "5th Avenue" street.  We also wandered in their department store called Stockmann and headed to the 5th floor for the souvenir area.  Lots of looking not much buying.  we basically saw most of Helsinki, didn't go into any of the buildings but we were exhausted by this point ~ 9th day straight of sightseeing.  

selling fish right off the boat at the market

Even on a boat!

last day :(
We decided to choose a restaurant close to our hotel rather than going all the way back in town.  After walking around to the 4 recommended restaurants, the last one was perfect... called Toole.. after the lake.  Mom and I sat beside each other looking onto the lake and watching the cyclists and walkers go by on the path and saw 2 hot air balloons ascend in the sky.  A perfect setting for our last dinner.
    Mom's flight was early in the morning, mine in the afternoon, but it was neat to say "See you in 10 days" rather me usually saying see you in 10 months or a year!  Now off to Toronto - it's been 3 years!