I just returned from an exciting weekend with my friend Anna in Helsinki, Finland. First, the weather was actually good. It only rained one day, and of course it was the day we were in Estonia. Otherwise, as Anna told me, the weather was unusually hot. Global warming at its best. My first impression of Helsinki is that is has an eccentric population. Anna and I sat in the city park for a few hours just people watching. It is amazing how creative people can get with their clothes, hairstyles, baby carriages, etc. We would play guess where this person is from games. Apparently, Finland has a Swedish population as well. I was surprised to see a Russian influence on the city. Overall, Finland is a mix of modern times and still displays proof that they were once occupied by Russia. Everyone that we met were friendly and helpful. And, luckily for me spoke some English.
I loved Estonia! It definitely appealed to the romantic side of my nature. The streets were windy narrow cobble stoned paths leading always uphill. I know that is impossible but it did seem like we were always going up. The city boast a still standing castle and the longest surviving city wall. It was a medieval paradise and included a cheesy tourist restaurant with the men servers wearing green shorts and red overalls in the "medieval" style playing awful beer wenching music. Estonia also has a love for handicrafts. I bought a nice handmade wooden mug for Charles and a small wooden rectangular bowl for myself. They also have lots of things made of wool and linen. Some of the stores sold only yarn. It was very colorful. And cheap. I would go back to Estonia if given the chance and bring a camera next time. opps.
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