Scandinavia: Helsinki
Despite the adventure having started on August 15th, the genuine discovering began on the following day, when the Silja Lines cruise docked in the port of Helsinki. We started by visiting the Sibelius park, which holds an organ monument dedicated to the Finnish composer and violinist Jean Sibelius. We continued to a suburban area, where we our curious outsider snooping (within respectable limits, of course) had surprised quite the some Finns. Really, we were just admiring the cleanliness, organisation and peace that the people in Finland live in.
Afterwards followed the Temppeliaukio church, which is carved in stone. There was an actual mass in motion during our visit, so to say I felt a bit intrusive is an understatement. The bright side of that was getting to experience the incredible acoustics, as there an orchestra playing. Next we checked out Finlandia, whose surroundings left me speechless. As opposed to Slovenia, all project proposed in Finland are actually carried out, all renders made reality. I was quite the some trouble trying to comprehend the surrounding park and apartment buildings, because I’d only seen this kind of architecture in photoshopped renders that are in my country mostly synonymous to a creative, but naïve idea that is for a variety of reasons never going to be built.
As it goes in Helsinki, we too took our time to have a look around the Russian church that protrudes proudly through the Helsinki skyline. It was especially humorous to see how very laid-back the protestant religion is, as the Russian church has both a café and toilets, which are most likely on the receiving end of criticism by the dogmatic catholics.
Lastly followed a stroll through the city centre and the market. I strongly suggest you visit the Marimekko and Artek Finnish design boutiques. For souvenir shopping it is advisable to have a look around the market stalls, as they offer anything and everything Finnish, be it food, sweaters, prints/postcards, and other craft goods. If you have the time and sweet tooth, please invest into a Mustikkapiirakka- a blueberry pie type pastry, which is served in generous portions.
Things I learned:
1. It is said that the Finns drink a lot of coffee. Upon having a taste of their coffee that is understandable, as it is not good and very weak (at least for my standards. I’m a spoiled coffee brat).
2. Finland’s population is 5 million. They have 3 million registered saunas. What.
3. Cities that are most often associated with relentless winters and an abundance of snow have a strange, almost fairytale-like atmosphere when there is none of that. I like it and I’d like more of it.
4. I would not mind living in Helsinki. At all.
What is your stance on Helsinki? Don’t hesitate to share below!
x, Valens
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