Hanging around in Finland
I have been dying to share with you guys about my time so far in Finland. So much so that I dreamt about it last night. So I figure in order to guarantee myself some sleep tonight I better get to writing!
One of the many parks in the city
Okay so let me set the stage, the plane has begun its descent, the gentleman who enviously has the window seat next to me, tells me to take a peak out the window. He knew it was my first time to Finland and very nicely allowed me to stretch over him as I gazed in awe. Finland has a bunch of lakes and ocean access so, when Landing in Helsinki it looks like a bunch of islands close together, in a word…amazing! I already know I want to return and I haven’t even landed yet. Oh, and not to mention it is sunset, and not a bad vantage point to witness what is easily the most gorgeous one I have ever seen. Basically every colour was being dispersed by the setting sun in a rich glorious display. What makes it even cooler..its 11pm!
Close to 8pm in Helsinki
So I land and follow my friends very detailed instructions of how to get to her place. I arrive around 12:30 and fall asleep around 3 something in the morning. All this time it never really gets dark out, after sunset it constantly looks like dawn, when the sky is that greyish blue and you know the sun is going to rise any minute.
Miriam and I at the Esplanade
Fast forward to the next day I go walking around this magnificent city and explore on my own until my friend returns from work. Now I can’t go on without mentioning Miriam. She is the one who has been such a lovely hostess and allowed me to not only stay with her but has been an amazing guide. We met over the christmas holidays in Thailand and have kept in touch ever since. When she found out I was coming to Europe, she extended the invitation to visit Finland. Now I had never even thought about going to Finland before nor had any expectations but was stoked to see somewhere new and accepted happily.
Helsinki Cathedral
Now as far as a city goes, it is absolutely beautiful, especially when you consider the fact that this is the capital with the highest population concentration in the country. There is so much greenery here it is meticulously maintained and the majority of the views are breath taking! I know you have heard this from me before, but this is bar far the most beautiful city I have visited. I have been actually seriously considering it as a place of residence (in the summer at least). I have never taken as many photos in one place in such a short period of time as I had yesterday. I probably walked a total of 2 million miles yesterday (well that’s how it feels) and loved every minute of it.
Family having a picnic in the city
Part of the day Miriam and I went to get ice cream by one of the boat docks, while walking around in lovely climate, at which point she looks at me and says, “Now this is summer.” I smile and nod in agreement as my neon coloured ice cream runs down my fingers. Helsinki…think I will rename it Heavensinki instead.
Ice cream break!
