Helsinki

Today we took some time to explore Helsinki. First we went to the Hakaneimi Market Hall where we wandered the halls and saw the fish, meats, cheeses, and pastries. On the second floor there were also lots of non-food items including clothes, jewelry, postcards, and all sorts of stuff.

For transportation the next few days we decided to get a 5-Day pass which allows us to use all of the transportation options in/around Helsinki. Then we took the metro to University of Helsinki and went to the Senate Square. There were lots of impressive buildings there including the Helsinki Cathedral. Not far from there was the Cauppatori market square. It was a really cold windy day with wind chills just above freezing, so we both decided to get some warm hats from the market. Then Matt got some fish for lunch and I got some coffee and a classic Cinnamon roll from the Old market hall.

Helsinki Cathedral:

New hats!

Then we decided to ferry to Suomenlinna fortress island. We got lucky and walked up to the ferry just seconds before it left port. The island is a UNESCO world heritage site and construction was started on it in 1748 to protect against Russia from expanding into Sweden. The island is formally part of the city of Helsinki but it's also kind of it's own town within the city, with about 900 permanent residents. Which makes it unique that it is a living community as well as a museum to the past. It's also one of the most popular tourist attractions as it's quite beautiful. We walked among the islands (it's made up of eight islands) along the standard route from the Main Quay to the King's Gate quay. We saw several cool things along the way (including a rather pathetic looking beach and the biggest rabbit I've ever seen) but our favorite part was walking through the fortress. We were able to walk along the dark tunnels where the cannons were kept and some were still there. Outside it almost looked like Hobbiton in the Shire of The Lord of the Rings with all of the green hills with doors going down into them. It was especially pretty with the sea in the background.

After we ferried back to the mainland we walked through the esplanadi park where there was a band playing and people gathered enjoying the free music. We also walked through downtown on our way back. Tonight we just hung out and made dinner in our apartment. It's nice to have a home-like place to stay where we can make some meals. Also, the blackout drapes were much appreciated to get some sleep last night!!