We had a full day in Helsinki so headed out early (some may dispute the definition of early but i felt very rested!) to do a lot of sightseeing. First we stopped at a cafe for some breakfast where I learned that ‘toast’ on a menu means toasted cheese sandwich!
Next stop – the silent chapel. see the curved wooden structure behind me in the first photo – inside there is a beautiful small chapel that is completely silent inside. While that space is totally silent, we’ve found other places in Finland to be pleasantly quiet. The Finnair flight had very little chatter, and the Helsinki airport was very quiet, with subtle bird sounds coming from the loudspeakers. It’s really nice and quiet.
The second photo shows a hilly playground like structure that we thought Rory and Maddie would both enjoy! Also note that Helsinki has not only a muji but a muji restaurant! The votes on whether to check it out or not we’re tied and the pro- muji contingent conceded. So much else to do, sometimes you have to make some tough choices! The last photo is a soundscape wall, an experimental green wall that blocks traffic sounds.
The design museum showcases the excellent highlights of Finnish design. Fiskars scissors got a special shoutout at the front desk. On the second floor there was a really cool exhibit of tapestries from Finnish artist kustaa saksi. I really liked the spider pictured in a weaving – nature’s weavers!
We then headed to the marketplace for lunch where we had fish salads and salmon soup with dill. Delicious! And on the way we passed a lovely garden area with very cool bricks and plant areas.
After lunch we headed to the ferry for a trip to the nearby island of Suomenlinna, or Sveaborg in Swedish. A fortress on the island was built starting in 1748, while Finland was part of the kingdom of Sweden. We had a really nice walk around the island, sat for a bit by the sea, and took the ferry back.
After some rest at the hostel we went out for a really amazing meal at a restaurant called Ragú then a walk around in full daylight at 10pm. A good nights sleep later and now we’re on a train to Vaasa, in a very quiet car and by coincidence with assigned seats right next to our friends Stuart and Carla who we are here to meet in Vaasa!
I like the idea of creating quiet places. Beautiful tapestries and beautiful places to walk!
Lovely country side and beautiful tapestries.
Something about the reference to late night music made me feel like I was upstairs trying to sleep!!
Ooops wrong post but u know what I’m referring to!