During May 2015 I had the opportunity to travel to Europe with my two brothers to visit friends and family. Our first stop was Finland. While it would have been interesting to venture out into the countryside, we decided to spend all of our time in Helsinki, our father's birthplace; for me it was a dream come true and long overdue.
Fortunately, we were able to stay at a friend's apartment that was conveniently located near public transportation, so everyday we climbed onto an old tram and took a short ride directly into the downtown area where we explored buildings, stores, parks, streets, and neighborhoods all day long.
Even though it was already springtime, it sure didn't feel very springlike. In fact, on more than one occasion the skies darkened and snowflakes began falling all around us. Actually, it was freezing cold the whole time we were there, and for us coming from sunny, warm California, it felt more like winter! In fact, we had to wear our winter coats, hats, and gloves. The trees were just starting to show a bit of leafy green growth, but colorful spring flowers were no where in sight. For the most part, though, we had dry weather which allowed us to walk around comfortably and get to know the many quaint neighborhoods that make up this capital city.
Here is a small sampling of photography from our city walks and a few excursions that we took. (Most of these photos were taken with either my iPhone or iPad)...
Welcome to Finland...
An early morning jogger...
The Music Center...
The Olympic Stadium Tower...
City views from the stadium tower...
An interesting building...
Fresh growth on a tree...
The downtown shopping district...
An empty sidewalk cafe...
The main Railroad Station...
Sibelius Monument/Statue...
Another solemn-looking statue...
An indoor shopping mall...
Views around the Helsinki Cathedral AKA the big white church...
Senate Square...
Near the market square...
Uspenskin Cathedral...
Gossip tabloids....
Old wooden boats...
Love locks on a bridge...
An apartment building...
A quiet residential street...
Johannes Church...
Reindeer statues...
Mother-child statue...
An old Peugeot in the university district...
Harbor Cruise...
City skyline...
Kaivopuisto - Well Park...
A visit to Soumenlinna, an old castle on an island...
Fast food...
Fast beer...Cheers!
