We Split, Split…. Our trip to Split Airport was interesting to say the least. Rather than being on a freeway all the way it seemed like we were on back roads in the outback. If that wasn’t amusing enough, when we arrived at the airport, we left the bus and were escorted into what could best be described as a tin shed. We lined up and discovered it was the check-in counter for people off the airport bus. It turned out to be very efficient, as we jumped the huge crowds at the check-in desks inside the terminal. Efficiently went through security and immigration and into the waiting area which was packed. Not a seat in sight and no business class lounge to use. The joys of travelling.
We arrived in Helsinki on time, caught the airport train to the city and walked a short distance to our apartment. A modern, well equipped apartment overlooking a large park with views over the Finlandia Entertainment Centre. After settling in, we walked to the local supermarket. Always an adventure in a foreign country. Not much English so fun finding the basics. Thank goodness for Google translate. Purchased some nice eye fillet steak at a very reasonable price and had a lovely home cooked dinner. A nice change after restaurants for the last two weeks.
The Big Day…. Next morning was the ‘Big Day’, Liz’s birthday. Breakfast in bed then on with the walking shoes. First to the Museum of Contemporary Art, some very thought-provoking art, then to the National Museum of Finland with lots of history to absorb, and very well done.
We then walked to the Temppeliaukio ‘Rock’ Church. This church is built into solid rock with a magnificent roof that filters in the light. Most unusual and crowded with tourists off the cruise boats. We then jumped on a tram and went down to Market Square where there are food and gift stalls laid on. Walked around for a while, checked out the sightseeing cruise boats and then headed back to our apartment for a rest before the big celebration.
A Memorable Event…. The delightful receptionist at our apartment made a booking at a classy restaurant called Restaurant Kappeli. This restaurant was established in 1867 and is housed in a beautiful old building on ‘The Esplanadi’, a tree lined esplanade in downtown Helsinki. We took a chauffeur driven stretched limousine to the restaurant! Our table for two was in a unique semi-circular atrium away from the rest of the diners. Our three course
meal with matching wines for each course was sensational and a great way to celebrate the big day.
A Short Cruise…. Next day we took a sightseeing cruise around the Helsinki Archipelago. This is a magnificent area for holiday homes on the numerous islands, for pleasure boating, swimming and relaxing. The only problem is the short season. All boats have to be taken out of the water in winter as the ice can be up to a meter thick and would crush the hulls of pleasure boats. We then had lunch in the ‘Old Market Hall’, a unique food market with small cafes, plenty of food shops and salmon to die for. After lunch onto a Panorama Bus to see some of the outskirts of Helsinki and to visit the Arabia Design Centre.
Continuous Daylight…. What we are struggling to get used to is the continual daylight. Whilst the sun is setting at 11:00 PM and rising again before 4:00 AM it never gets dark. Between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM it is like dusk in Melbourne. People are still out in the park opposite our apartment having picnics at midnight. Winter is different, only 6 hours of daylight. Light at about 9:15 AM, dark at 3:15 PM. An interesting sideline. In Croatia there are
ATM cash machines on every corner. In Helsinki we could only find 6 in the entire city and none in the tourist areas. Finland is almost a cashless society.
A Ferry To The Fortress…. An early start with the tram to Market Square and a ferry to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. A video presentation and the museum gave a good understanding as to why the fort was built. We then went on a guided tour of the fort giving a great insight into the history. Back on the ferry and lunch at the Old Market Hall. Delicious smoked salmon on rye bread. Then onto the hop-on hop-off bus for a tour around Helsinki.
This really is a beautiful city with some stunning architecture along with usual crappy buildings all cities have. A stop at Senate Square where we disembarked to walk up to the Helsinki Cathedral and then descended
into the Crypt where Liz became an “angel” for a minute! What a magical place.
Downtown Helsinki…. Downtown Helsinki for our third day, first to the Amos Rex Private Art Museum, a walk around the city and then to the Ateneum, The Finnish National Gallery. This is a beautiful city with some sensational buildings. It is hard to believe that Helsinki only has a population of 650 thousand people and Finland a population of 5.5 million. On the way back to our apartment we called into the modern Helsinki Central Library and were blown away. This place is amazing. Not just a library, but a meeting place and learning centre for everyone. Hundreds of people in the library, children everywhere and two cafes. Over three floors, the top floor being
the library, the second floor a learning centre with computers, 3D printers, robot labs and even sewing machines and ironing board. All for everyone to use.
A Day in Tallinn, Estonia…. Up at 5:00 AM this morning for our day trip to Tallinn, Estonia to visit the ‘Old Town’. Ferry departed at 7:30 AM and arrived in Tallinn at 9:30 AM. A 15 minute walk and you are in the ‘Old Town’. We wandered the streets searching out the main sights, the Gothic Town Hall, Aleksander Nevsky Cathedral, Toompea Castle and other notable sights. A late lunch in the ‘Old Town’ then we wandered back to the ferry via the Nautica
Shopping Centre located close to the terminal. On the way back on the ferry we watched people going crazy buying clothes, food items and especially alcohol to take back to Finland. Duty free allowances are very high
in the EU so people had trolleys stacked with beer, wine and spirits.
A Trip Out of Town…. A slow start next morning due to the big day yesterday. We took a local bus to Porvoo about 50 km from Helsinki. What makes this town unique is the beautiful old wooden houses and shops painted in soft pastel colours. An excellent tourist walking map is supplied so we walked the streets and looked at the highlighted sights of the ‘Old Town’. The cobbled streets are a feature but certainly not good for wheelchairs, bikes or scooters.
A Moment of Silence…. Back on the bus to Helsinki and our last tourist stop was the Kamppi Chapel or as it is known ‘The Chapel of Silence’. A non-denominational church built of timber and acoustically designed. You walk into this building and it is totally silent from the hustle and bustle of Helsinki. You can sit and contemplate life without interruption. At the entrance door are counsellors and a priest and if you are having any issues, they will
confidentially talk with you and help if they can. Just a great way to finish our 9 week trip.
