Helsinki For The Day

Dun dun duuuun!

It was the last weekend before regular season. The last few days of freedom before the crazy schedule takes control. I'm ready for it all. Bring it on! And I'm pretty sure the hubs is ready for it all too.

But before hockey could take over our weeks, we decided to take advantage of the weekend and head to Helsinki for the day.

I know, I know, we are pretty dang lucky. Exactly an hour train ride from our home and we were right in the heart of Finland's capital city.

And the weather was gorgeous! I feel like I am totally jinxing myself by saying this, but we somehow manage to always get great weather. Every time we plan to go somewhere, it seems like it's going to be bad weather. And then we get there and the sun starts shining and it all starts warming up.

That's it. We're probably getting thunder storms on every vacation from here on out. I'm ok with that. After this weekend's sunshine and clear skies, I'll take it!

We didn't have too many specific plans for Helsinki. We love zoos (yes, we are 7), so had to make sure we ended up there. And heard that the markets by the harbor were really nice, so we wanted to see them too.

Easy trip into the city, off the train and wondering around, making our way down to the water. Stopped by the Helsinki Cathedral, or the Tuomiokirkko. Beautiful and massive cathedral was completed in 1852 as a tribute to Nicholos 1, the Tsar of Russia.

In front of the cathedral is Senate Square, complete with a statue of Emperor Alexander II. He was the emperor of Russia, the King of Poland and the Grand Duke of Finland. Talk about an over achiever! And even though he was Russian, Alexander II is still regarded as "The Good Tsar" in Finland.

So of course I had to get my Alex (gasp, you found us out!) to stand in front of this Alex and do the same pose. I like to call it the "WTF??!?" pose. Looks about right, right?!

Sorry, hubs, hate me for this?? Note, the jacket around the waist was intentional, as in to be funny. Not serious. K? K.

The cathedral is literally a block away from the harbor and the Kauppatori, or market square. I am not sure if they have something every day there in the summer, but it was a Saturday and the market was hopping! Rows and rows of fresh fruit and vegetables, Finnish souvenirs, photographs and water colors, and furs. So many booths filled with pelts and furs!

I don't think that would fly back in North America. I can just see some crazy PETA lady running up and spray painting "Fur is Murder" all over these beautiful pieces.

That top funny picture is a shot of a bag of snow peas...at least that is what I called them. I'm so artsy, right?! Every booth was selling these peas by the liter. Practically everyone walking around had a paper bag of these things. They would snack on the sweet goodness while browsing. They were yummy. So fresh and so healthy!

While in the market, we stopped for a quick lunch. And yes, the hubs totally made fun of me for taking pictures of my food. There is nothing more I can't stand than people who take pictures of their food and post it in albums on facebook! Like, I don't care what you ate at that random restaurant last night.

But I had a good reason to take a picture with that plate. So I was allowed to take one :) That there on the plate is a reindeer bratwurst!! So I guess seeing my first reindeer was in casing and grilled to perfection. And boy, was it delicious. Tasted like a regular bratwurst, but with a hint of venison. Sooo good. You have to try one if you ever make it to Helsinki.

There is only so much time you can spend walking around the market, looking at fun but useless stuff before the hubs has had enough. Men don't do markets so well, haha. So we left dry land and headed for the zoo!

Yes, the Helsinki Zoo, or the Korkeasaari, is located on one of the many islands that makes up Helsinki. The ferry ride out to the island zoo is worth the trip alone. You get to circle around the city's waterfront and watch the sailing lessons out in the water. Beautiful!

The zoo itself was also a treat. It sits right on the water, so not only do you get a great view of the animals, but also of the Baltic. And of course, we got to finally see the real deal. Reindeer!

These are actually forest reindeer. A little smaller and thin-legged than the bigger dudes.

Although I think he was a little camera shy. Or maybe mad because I just made a snack of his cousin or uncle or someone he knew. Sorry buds!

And after a good walk around to all the animals, we were back on the mainland. Walked down the Esplanadi, a central park/walking area that runs through form the harbor to 'downtown' Helsinki.

What a nice, green pathway through an otherwise big and bustling city. I could not believe how many people were out and about! Granted, I have a feeling that everyone was out taking advantage of what is likely to be the last nice and sunny day for a while, but it was still really crowded there. Like NYC crowded.

The Esplanadi. Doesn't really do it justice for just how many people were out in the streets.

The hubs and I finished off the afternoon by having pizza and beers at a local restaurant's patio. What?! Italian food isn't what you think of when you think of Finland?? Haha, we were craving it, so back off. :)

We weren't in the city too long, about 8 hours total. But in that time we were able to see a lot and really enjoy our day there. 

If you ever get a chance to come to Finland, you will of course find lots to see and do in Helsinki. It is such a neat, clean and vibrant city. Well, at least it is that way in the summer months. And you will not be disappointed by the friendliness of the people. That I can guarantee any time of the year.

And make sure to be super cool like me and get your picture taken in one of these good ol' touristy items.

Yep, I'm alone in there. The hubs just rolled his eyes when I ran up to the cut out. What?! I look good in my tradition Finnish outfit ;)