Helsinki
When we got off the boat, we were ready to explore Helsinki, which ended up being my favorite stop on the trip so far.
The first place we went as soon as we got settled was the outdoor market on the pier. I was so happy to be out in the fresh air, off the ocean, after our overnight boat trip. The market is right off the water and it is bright and cheery, with neon orange stands
and fresh smells. There are many souvenirs, but what really caught my eye were the fruit stands. I’m a fruitaholic, so when I see fresh strawberries and blueberries, I just can’t resist. It may have actually been the first time that I liked the blueberries better than the strawberries! The blueberries were perfect. I mean this in a completely unexaggerated way. Juicy. Sweet. Perfect. We also grabbed some lunch from one of the many vendors selling salmon, my favorite of all fish. The market is right on the harbor, so you could see fishermen bringing their fish to the stalls. Then, the vendors cook the fish in the stall, on a grill right in front of you. It’s no wonder that the Prime Minister of Helsinki brings visiting diplomats to get lunch there- the food is so good and fresh! I simply loved the taste. Even though we visit many markets on our journeys, none has matched up to this one. I don’t think I’ve had an experience quite like it. This market had the freshest vegetables, the best fish, and the plumpest berries. Nothing can top it.
When we finished our delicious harborside meal, we headed on to the Helsinki Cathedral on Senate Square. We went inside and, though it isn’t 
very opulent, the organ sure is pretty! What’s great is that this church is just a few steps away from the harbor. From the top of the stairs leading up to it, you can see the ocean peeking out. We then headed out of the cathedral to the Esplanade, a huge long park. We walked past statues, street performers, and souvenir shops. Once we reached the end, we walked over to the Stockmann Store. The Stockmann Store is a big department store in Finland. We journeyed inside the store to grab some hot chocolate and look out upon the people walking by through the window. When we finished our people watching and hot chocolate treat, we headed past Stockmann to the train station, which is pretty nice. The Helsinki Train Station has solemn statues guarding it. It’s pretty cool! Once we had looked over the well-decorated facade of the station, we headed to the Kamppi Chapel of Silence, a place of silence and solitude with some nice architecture. The building itself is a big, beautiful wooden cylinder. Inside are benches and an altar. However, where there might be some hymns or prayers floating in the air, there is just silence. It’s amazing to sit there with others and just be quiet (not easy for a kid, but worth it!). I would go to this city just to sit there and take in the special quiet moments.
About a half-hour away on foot is the Temppeliaukio Church. This unique church is built right into the bedrock and because of this, it has wonderful acoustics. It’s so cool to be walking within the rock. Where else can you find a church built into rock? We were lucky enough to catch a concert. When the concert was done- or shall I say- when we were done with the concert, we headed over to Uspenskin Katedraali. Long name, right? Well, let me tell you, the name is not even close to as ornate as the inside of the church. If I had tried to paint a piece of paper with the amount of detail the builders of the church used, my hand would die of exhaustion. It’s pretty cool and it has a great view of Helsinki.
I loved Helsinki. It was digestible but at the same time had so much to explore. There was one unique thing after the other. I love to visit all different places, but this is a place I would come back to over and over even if it was just for the salmon!
STAY TUNED FOR MY NEXT ADVENTURE… SAINT PETERSBURG!
love your sensibility.