Helsinki

An early morning taxi to the airport and a four hour Finnair flight later, we arrived in Helsinki. We waited about an hour and a half to get to customs, where they whisked us through. The Chinese trying to get in were questioned at lengths, and some even turned away. Once out of the airport, we took the bus and then had a bit of a walk to our Air BNB. It was right in the centre of the city and even walking out into the street we were already falling in love with this place. Our hostess Maija met us and the apartment was perfect. That night we went to the supermarket and had our first home cooked meal since we had left NZ – bolognaise.
The next morning we headed out quite early and walked around the park close to our accommodation. We went to the marina where a cruise ship had docked up and walked further along to the markets. They were bustling as it was a Sunday. There was the most amazing food for sale from berries and fruit, jewellery and souvenirs to small fried fish, massive salmon fillets and white fish with vegetables and potatoes. It was buzzing and there were people everywhere. We ate some reindeer dried salami which was 8 euros!! But was worth it to give it a go! We had a cinnamon scroll which is really popular and some fried fish. It is hard to explain what it was about the city, but we had the most euphoric feeling walking around. We visited three cathedrals and walked around the streets. We saw some buskers and a guy playing popular classical tunes on wine bottles filled with different amounts of water, it was really cool. We went to the museum and learned about the progression of the country. It was a really good museum with lots of interactive things including being able to do some weaving which we both tried (in the kids area haha).
The next day we went to the sauna 'Allas Pools' which was right on the waterfront. It was very cool to be able to do something so traditional for Finland. We went into the mixed gender one and were in there for 10 minutes – then we had a very quick swim in the sea pool which was freezing! Finnish people sit in the sauna and then jump in the snow – often naked! So this was nothing. We had another turn in the sauna and I went into the warmer pool but Kyle jumped in the sea one again. It was nice and sunny although it was a bit cold - however it was a nice contrast with Asia. The sauna felt amazing and we can see how it would be very cleansing, especially when it was done all the time. No wonder the Finnish people are so beautiful.
Then we were back onto the marina, this time to the island Suomenlinna (Suomi is Finland in Finnish). It was a quick boat ride in the mist but it fell quickly which was quite cool. Once on the island we explored the fortresses and went to the two museums on it. It was interesting to learn about the conscription to the army in Finland even now. We had a packed lunch looking out onto the ocean, and Kyle had a Finnish beer at the brewery there before hopping back on the boat to the mainland. No one checked any of our tickets and we were a little worried but seemed to be the norm!
On our final day in Helsinki we went for an early morning walk to Fazer Café which is well known for its hot chocolates. I had one with cream -full noise – and was amazing! We had lunch at the markets and shared a three fish platter which was delicious! We walked around and went to a cathedral and then to the supermarket to get some supplies for Iceland, then checked out of our apartment. With heavy hearts we went to the

airport to catch our flight to Iceland.
- Danielle