| Page Views: 3,468 Last Visit to Helsinki: July, 2004 | Helsinki...A Nice Place to Start...or end;-) by Michael_D - last update: Dec 9, 2005 |
I just returned from a trip to Russia, Estonia and Finland. Helsinki is the best jumpoff point to Russia and Helsinkis' Vantaa Airport is a great place to land and get your bearings before venturing into RF.
I spent a day in Helsinki initially, traveled to Russia, Estonia, other parts of Finland and capped it off with 12 wonderfull days in Helsinki(Helsingfors;-)
That last part of the trip included seeing every possible tourist site, park and venue in Helsinki and was repleat with many good friendships and fun times. The 2 guys from Denmark(Karl and Yano), the 2 university students from Spain(Carlos and Andreu), the 2 rocker girls from Dusseldorf(Deedee and Sabena), my friend from Morocco Fahim/now living in Sotkamo and especially Monica from Barcelona who had just cycled the Baltics and was in dire need of a hot meal and a guided tour of Helsinki at midnight. It was a compeletely wonderfull time and I thank you all!
This was my 3rd trip to Helsinki. MY first trip to Helsinki was in 1994 with a musical group that toured Russia and Eastern Europe.At the time there were only 3 ways to get to Russia via either Helsinki... Frankfort or Amsterdam and all three required a layover.I have had the good fortune to have been able to do all three layovers.Of the three , Helsinki was both the most laid back and the most expensive. However the trip was always made worthwhile by the many interesting things to be seen. I will list some of those sights...along with some observations in hopes they help you on your next trip. |
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OK...Ill admit it. I am a soft touch for massive architecture. Im even more swayed by massive sculpture and also trains. These two humongous figures holding glass world-globes at the train station just blew me away. Once again , this was the type of huge sculpture I expected to see in Russia..not Finland. Helsinki was full of surprises. |
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This is the ROCK CHURCH or TEMPPELIAKIO. , it certainly is unique. I thought it was gorgous.
I have a fond memory of my 1st trip here singing with a gospel group from USA. We sang a few songs here.
That said I have to say Finns arent initially the friendliest people in the world.(untill you get to know them) Ive travelled all over the world and never seen more public drinking and less eye contact LOL One day three Finns made eye contact in ONE DAY and it went in my diary. To this day remains a record.
You know you are a Finn when:
1-When a stranger on the street smiles at you assume:
a. he is drunk
b. he is insane
c. he's an American
2-You know that "religious holiday" means "let's get drunk."
3-Its -2Celsius and snowing lightly and you think SPRING is finally here!
4-You see hoardes of tipsy partiers and ask, "What Holiday is it?" and the reply is "Friday!"
5-You accept that 80°C in a sauna is chilly, but 20°C outside is freaking hot.
6-The reason you take the ferry to Stockholm or Tallinn is:
a. duty free vodka
b. duty free beer
c. to party heartily...no need to get off the boat in Stockholm or Tallinn, just turn around and do it again on the way back to Finland.
7-You associate pea soup with Thursday.
8-You don't think twice about putting the wet dishes away in the cupboard to dry.
9-You no longer see any problem wearing white socks with loafers.
10-You know how to fix herring in 105 different ways. | | |
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| Pros: | "The city is wonderfull and the people are very mannerly" | | Cons: | "A whole lot of drinking going on!(yet I didnt see even one single problem;-)" | | In A Nutshell: | "A great stop-off on the way to Russia" |
Michael_D's Helsinki Travel Tips
 Comments for Michael_D about Helsinki | | | | |
BillNJ Sat May 3, 2008 20:56 UTC
Thanks for visiting my Helsinki page. Your Helsinki page is great -- you really know the city! I especially like your tip on the HEO Hostel. Sounds like a great deal! Best from NJ, Bill | Kisu Wed Oct 3, 2007 19:22 UTC
You named it!! I had a great laugh with your Helsinki page! =) | nixca316 Mon Mar 26, 2007 02:38 UTC
These are great tips...I haven't finished them yet...I shall return! Take care! (happy traveling...from Costa Rica, where to?) =) | VikingHarald Wed Mar 7, 2007 11:14 UTC
Hi Michael and nice comments-really from Helsinki. I laughed for reason you have fined "some Finnish deepest charachters of invidual-and true". Try sometimes Finnish argipelago area with summer. Best regards WikingHarald From Moomland |
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