Around Helsinki, Finland

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!

Since we arrived before the height of the summer tourist season, the city had a very quiet, laid-back feel. I can imagine that the streets must be bustling with activity and color during the busier summer months - and the weather is no doubt warmer. The city is very pedestrian friendly and easy to get around in even if you don't speak any Finnish. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Helsinki and its residents and felt right at home. Next stop: Germany.

San Felipe, Mexico

Over the years, I traveled to many corners of Mexico, but one area I had never explored was Baja California, that particular part of Mexico which happens to be the closest to where I live. My friend spends part of each year in lovely San Felipe, so I was thrilled when I was able to schedule a trip down there to visit her and see what life is like south of the border. (I've posted some shots from our road trip from San Diego to her home in my two previous posts - San Diego and Roadtrip: San Diego to San Felipe.)

The drive along Highway 3 from Ensenada is very picturesque and passes through a variety of landscapes. Driving in Baja seems quite easy; however, I was warned that it is imperative to purchase adequate car insurance before setting foot across the border - note to self should I ever plan to drive my own vehicle down there. Luckily my friend chauffeured me around in her SUV.

San Felipe is a sleepy, little fishing town located on the Sea of Cortez. It serves as a hub for many of the expats who either live down there year round or spend part of the year there, like my friend. Unfortunately, the area has been suffering from the detrimental effects of our recession and the perceived opinion that Mexico is dangerous. It's a shame because it is a very pretty destination and for the most part seems quite safe for visitors. I think, though, that you'd want to avoid it during the hot, humid summer months. I was lucky to visit in April when the heat had not yet settled in and every day was gloriously pleasant.

Here are some shots from my visit...

Typical desert landscape near San Felipe...

Pete's Camp - a popular expat neighborhood...

Beach views in Pete's Camp...

You can rent palapas and park your vehicle and camp right on the beach...

Ripples formed by the morning breeze...

 Sand art...

  View looking back at Pete's Camp...

My friend's dog...

Some typical homes in the neighborhood...

Mexican tiles...

Chilling out at the local pool...

San Felipe and its beach as viewed from the shrine...

An abandoned restaurant...

Streets scenes along the Malecon...

Souvenirs for sale...

Building meets sea...

You can hire boats...

A popular night spot...

Mexican art...

A panga or Mexican fishing boat and an old truck on the beach...

This bridge takes you to a hill with a shrine and terrific views...

View looking inland around San Felipe...

A boat out of water...

The lighthouse...

Back at Pete's Camp...

Enjoying a desert sunset...

Sunrise on the morning of my departure...

Heading north on Highway 5 towards the border...

Taking a reststop...

I was very lucky to be able to make my flight from El Centro to Burbank. The border crossing took longer than we anticipated and then due to a glitch on Google Maps, which took us to the WRONG side of the airport, I made my flight with seconds to spare. (Note to self: don't always trust Google Maps). But unlike larger airports where it's virtually impossible to get through to an airline rep on site, I was able to contact the rep by cell and let her know that I was on my way. She relayed the message to the pilot who agreed to wait for me. Now that's customer service. Thanks Seaport Airlines!

View of the Salton Sea from the little plane...

Flying into Burbank...

San Felipe was fun to visit and my friend has made a nice life there for herself. The desert and sea landscape are very colorful and full of interesting places to explore. There's hiking, biking, ATVing, boating, fishing and restaurants to try and souvenirs to buy.

Unfortunately, it's not the easiest place to get to. Coming from the SF Bay Area, it's a good 16-hour drive, or you can fly into the small airport in El Centro and then either rent a car or if you know someone down there, they can pick you up. I've also heard that some people hook up for ridesharing through Craigslist. There are no direct flights, however. The airport in San Felipe used to have flights from California, but they have been suspended due to the decrease in tourism. Hopefully, things will pick up in the near future and San Felipe will once again become a thriving tourist destination.