We arrived this morning early in
Helsinki the Capital of Finland. A city on the water surrounded by
small rocky islands. It is a very green city, with classical
architecture. Finland became independent from Russia in 1917. A
country with a population of 5.3 million people in a vast northern
territory.
Presidential Palace once prior to 1917 was the residence of Tsar Nicholas II.
We are stopped here for a few hours, we
took the opportunity to visit the downtown core with its Lutheran and
Russian Orthodox Cathedrals, the Presidential Palace, the Central
bank building and Parliament all located within a few blocks of each
other. The market area is just off the docks where all the cruise
ships arrive. We made a few purchases, tempted to buy vacuum packed
smoked ell and herring for our friends back home as gifts, an unusual
sort of gift.
Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Helsinki appears as a quiet city, it
has in its architecture, the look of Russian classic city planning of
the late 19 or early 20th century. Our stay is too short
to give us a better appreciation for it all but I am happy to say we
came and were able to walk around on a sunny day.
Fountain on the Esplanade, Lady and the Seals.
Helpful sign on the dock.
Tomorrow is the highlight of this
cruise St-Petersburg, Russia. The old Imperial Capital of Russia in
the happy days prior to 1917. Much restored since 2001 for the
greater enjoyment of visitors.
Harbor of Helsinki.
