Architecture in Helsinki

I couldn't resist. And was very disappointed to discover that I do not have any Architecture in Helsinki on my iPod for wandering around. Dull. So, I did get up early on Friday and raced into town for some touristy shopping - I wanted to do the 10:30 tour, and then go over to Soumenlinna and given I will be out all day Sat and Sunday the shops are shut, I had to race. I did most of the shopping at the biggest department store in town, Stockmanns, and probably paid for the luxury, but I just wanted it over! I hate shopping. I then proceeded to get lost trying to leave - hint - don't follow someone who looks like they know where they are going - they are probably going to get their car from the underground carpark, and it's really hard to get out of there. Incidentally, that hint is usful in so many situations! I got back to the hostel and dropped off the goodies, and then rushed to get back for the tour. Missed the 10:30, which is guided by a real person, but got the 11:00, which is an audio tour, so you sit in a coach and listen on headphones. Warm, not so great for photos, but I realised that everything really is so close, so Sunday whilst I'm filling in time before going to the airport, (I think I have to check out about 10, and don't need to be at the airport until 3) I will check out some galleries, which thank goodness are open on Sundays, and wander taking more photos. I recommend, for anyone travelling to Helsinki, getting the Helsinki card, which is for tourists, you can get 1, 2 or 3 days, I splashed out on all three, and have more than made up the cost as it gets you in to all galleries, I got the tour for free, discount on the trip to Estonia, and free public transport. Nice. I'd also recommend this tour as you get to see a lot of the sights of Helsinki, and you get the history and some knowledge of the place and culture, then can go see them for proper. A good kick start - but if that was all you did, that would be very depressing. My favourite parts: strange choices of music in the background, and the line "Most Finnish men will say there is nothing better than a good sausage." I think many Finnish men would be surprised to hear this... The tour stopped at the Rock Church, not a cool, hip way to worship, but a church built into a huge rock with a massive copper dome, and also at the sculpture to the famous Finnish composer who wrote Finlandia... Can't recall his name. Annoying.





From there, I wandered over and (after a 40 minute wait) got the ferry to Suomenlinna, which is a series of four islands which were built into a fortress several hundred years ago. I did watch the video that explained all of this, but it was after I walked around in the extreme cold, and I think my ear canals were frozen solid... 18th Century, according to my book. It was very impressive - and to think that about 1000 people live on these islands in some beautiful old buildings. I walked around for quite some time, very happy for my many layers of thermals, but still very, very cold, looking at the old buildings, caves, cannons, and all kinds of things. I know I missed a lot, but I just had to get inside! I had lunch in the old brewery, starting with a hot chocolate with rum, then cooked herring and mashed potatoes (prior to this, they sent a gift from the kitchen - pickled herring with a mushroom side - beautiful!) and a beer, and by the time I rose to catch the ferry back, I was feeling a little lightheaded!

In Japan now, will have to finish the blog back in Aus, cannot email and do not know why. Hooroo (sayonara!)