| Helsinki, Finland |
On 8 September a high-speed ferry took us across the Gulf of Finland to Helsinki, Finland's
capital and largest city. We visited Helsinki on a previous trip a few years ago but were
glad to be there again. At the ferry terminal we were met by our local guide, who first took
us to Parliament Square, where were the bus stayed for about an hour. During that time
Virginia and I walked down neighboring streets and entered a department store where a very
professional fashion show was in progress; a runway, professional models, loud music, and
fancy clothes; unfortunately we could stay only a few minutes, as we had to get back to the
bus.
capital and largest city. We visited Helsinki on a previous trip a few years ago but were
glad to be there again. At the ferry terminal we were met by our local guide, who first took
us to Parliament Square, where were the bus stayed for about an hour. During that time
Virginia and I walked down neighboring streets and entered a department store where a very
professional fashion show was in progress; a runway, professional models, loud music, and
fancy clothes; unfortunately we could stay only a few minutes, as we had to get back to the
bus.
Helsinki Cathedral
Street in downtown Helsinki, Finland
Fashion show in a Helsinki department store.
Our only other stop on this Helsinki bus tour was at Temppeliaukio Church, better known as
the "Rock Church". It is one of the main tourist attractions in Helsinki but basically
consists of a hollowed-out rock quarry which has been roofed over and furnished as a modern
church. It is unique and crowded with tourists, but did not seem like a place anyone would go
to worship. The church also has the distinction of having restrooms with the highest charge
we have ever come across --- about two dollars.
the "Rock Church". It is one of the main tourist attractions in Helsinki but basically
consists of a hollowed-out rock quarry which has been roofed over and furnished as a modern
church. It is unique and crowded with tourists, but did not seem like a place anyone would go
to worship. The church also has the distinction of having restrooms with the highest charge
we have ever come across --- about two dollars.
Our bus continued touring for another hour or so and then arrived at the Helsinki airport
about two hours prior to our Finnair flight to Berlin.
about two hours prior to our Finnair flight to Berlin.
At the crowded Helsinki airport
confusion reigned and useful
departure information was
difficult to obtain, surprising for
a country as developed as Finland.
We managed to complete the
departure formalities in good
time and had the opportunity to
share refreshments with our
fellow travelers before boarding
time.
confusion reigned and useful
departure information was
difficult to obtain, surprising for
a country as developed as Finland.
We managed to complete the
departure formalities in good
time and had the opportunity to
share refreshments with our
fellow travelers before boarding
time.
After a flight of about two hours we arrived at Berlin's Tegel Airport around 6:00pm
local time.
local time.