Our last threesome group selfie inside the Temppeliaukio Church in Helsinki. Built directly into solid rock, it is also known as the Church of the Rock and Rock Church. My last tour day with Richard and Tania before moving on to my next group, the Baltic Explorers going to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Thank you Richard for taking the lead on seeing Helsinki. And, thank you Tania and Richard for being such joys to travel with. (July 30, 2022)
We arrived in Helsinki, Finland, on Friday after an overnight ferry from Stockholm. The idea of an overnight ferry ride sounded great. I’ve done an overnight train ride in other countries but never a ferry ride to get from one country to the next.
I’m the one who pretty much always pays the single supplement. I enjoy socializing during the day on a group tour but in the evenings, I need time to myself to decompress, to download the day, cull through the hundreds of photos I take and write about my day. But I knew going in that my single supplement would not cover the overnight ferry ride and I would need to share that accommodation with one of my tour companions…in this case Tania, whose company, along with Richard’s I’ve enjoyed throughout this trip.
The description for the evening read: “Please note that your cabins for the night are bunk bed cabins, however we have booked one cabin per 2 passengers to allow for a bit more room. Each cabin has a private bathroom. If you have booked a single supplement, please note that the night on the overnight ferry is an exemption and you will share a cabin with one of your fellow travellers.”
For me, that was just fine. And even though there were cabins with two sets of bunk beds, which I was under the impression we would have, Tania and I shared the one set of bunk beds in a room barely big enough, and with no window, for one person to move around in. I’m writing about this because I don’t normally have emotionally and physically exhausting experiences where I wake up in a panic during the middle of the night. But I did in this room on this trip. I did get a couple hours of sleep but once I woke up, I could not go back to sleep and the longer I laid there the more panicky I felt, in this closet-like space. I had to get out of bed, get dressed and leave the cabin at around 4:00 in the morning. Tania was great as a roommate, very kind and very patient. Even she had issues with the tight closet-spaced room. I would ask Intrepid to more thoroughly inform us travelers and re-think putting two adult people in such a tiny space. And, as for myself, I now know that a tiny space with no window is just not an ideal setting for me so I won’t put myself in that position again!
Let’s move on!
When I arrived Friday morning in Helsinki, I was physically tired because I did not get much sleep on the ferry while also dealing with my allergies and quite frankly emotionally drained. As much as I wanted to participate in our little group’s orientation walk, I bowed out and instead chose to rest. Wise choice on my part. My mind and body needed it.
Thankfully I woke up Saturday morning feeling better, not at my peek, but better. And, since it was not only my one and only day to explore Helsinki, it was also the end of my traveling with this group, including Richard and Tania (except Garry) on this portion of my tour called Scandinavian Explorers.
Richard made the best of the day with a planned out itinerary so my brain cells could rest and go along for the ride. Thank you Richard.
We began the day after breakfast with a variety of little adventures that truly made this day lovely. And, I got back to the Arthur Hotel in enough time to meet my new tour group and leader for the briefing on the next stage of my northern European adventure, the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
Let’s check out Helsinki and close the door on this portion of my Scandinavian explorations. And, a toast to Richard and Tania who are delightful travel partners.
This is where I spent my first day in Helsinki, Finland, the Hotel Arthur, after arriving on the overnight ferry ride from Stockholm, Sweden. Between the lack of sleep on the boat ride and dealing with allergies, this was the best place for me when we arrived. I was thankful the hotel was able to provide me with a room before check-in time. (July 29, 2022)After breakfast, the next morning after arriving in Helsinki, we got in our last group selfie. The next phase of the tour will include both a different group leader and group members. Garry and I were the only two from this group continuing on to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. From left: Tania, Garry, Richard, Marina-the Intrepid tour leader and me. (July 30, 2022)A walk along Kluuvikatu Street in Helsinki, Finland. (July 30, 2022)Since this was my first and only day to enjoy Helsinki, Richard took the lead as our guide as we began with a walk along Kluuvikatu Street. (July 30, 2022)A walk along Kluuvikatu Street in Helsinki, Finland. (July 30, 2022)A walk along Kluuvikatu Street in Helsinki, Finland. (July 30, 2022)Esplanadi, an esplanade and urban park in downtown Helsinki fondly known as Espa with the statue of Johan Ludvig Runeberg at its center. Runeberg is the national poet of Finland and the statue was made by his son Walter Runeberg. (July 30, 2022)The statue of Johan Ludvig Runeberg at the Esplanadi urban park in downtown Helsinki. Runeberg (1804–1877) is a Finland-Swedish author, national poet and priest. His son, Walter Runeberg (1838-1920) designed and sculpted statue. (July 30, 2022)This sculpture of a young woman wrapped in bearskin and by the pedestal below the statue of Johan Ludvig Runeberg in the urban park of the Esplanadi in Helsinki, symbolizes the Maiden of Finland. She is holding a laurel wreath and an inscription with the words of three verses of the Finnish national anthem in Runeberg’s native language Swedish. Walter Runeberg designed and sculpted this statue in honor of his father. (July 30, 2022)An afternoon performance at the Esplanadi urban park in downtown Helsinki, Finland. (July 30, 2022)The mermaid sculpture, the Havis Amanda fountain, at the Market Square is recognized as one of the most important and beloved pieces of art in Helsinki. She is standing on seaweed as she rises from the water, with four fish spouting water at her feet, surrounded by four sea lions. Vile Vallgren, the sculptor, intended the fountain and statue, erected in 1908, to symbolize the rebirth of Helsinki. (July 30, 2022)The mermaid sculpture, the Havis Amanda fountain, at the Market Square is recognized as one of the most important and beloved pieces of art in Helsinki. She is standing on seaweed as she rises from the water, with four fish spouting water at her feet, surrounded by four sea lions. Vile Vallgren, the sculptor, intended the fountain and statue, erected in 1908, to symbolize the rebirth of Helsinki. (July 30, 2022)The monument, at the Market Square in central Helsinki, is an obelisk made of red granite, topped with a gilded bronze sphere. On top of the sphere is the symbol of Imperial Russia, a double-headed eagle. This is considered as the oldest public monument in Helsinki. The monument was revealed on Dec. 18, 1835 to commemorate the first visit to Helsinki by Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, wife of Emperor of Russia Nicholas I. The monument was erected at the spot where the imperial couple stepped ashore from the steamship Ischora on arrival in Helsinki on June 10, 1833. (July 30, 2022)On the ferry in Helsinki to visit Suomenlinna (Sveaborg), a sea fortress, which was built gradually from 1748 onwards on a group of islands belonging to the district of Helsinki. (July 30, 2022)Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a fortress belonging to the district of Helsinki, Finland. It was gradually built from 1748 onwards on a group of islands. The work was supervised by the Swedish Admiral Augustin Eherensvärd (1710-1772). Suomenlinna has been under the rule of Sweden (1748-1808), Russia (1808-1918) and Finland (1918-). (July 30, 2022)The pink-plastered Jetty Barracks, at the Suomenlinna sea fortress, was built during the Russian era and is the main gateway to the fortress. The building dominates the northern shoreline of Suomenlinna. It is the first building visitors see as they arrive at the main quay. (July 30, 2022)The pink-plastered Jetty Barracks, at the Suomenlinna sea fortress, was built during the Russian era and is the main gateway to the fortress. The building dominates the northern shoreline of Suomenlinna. It is the first building visitors see as they arrive at the main quay. (July 30, 2022)There was quite a bit of renovation and construction going on at the Suomenlinna sea fortress. We did walk around, but not for long. (July 30, 2022)There was quite a bit of renovation and construction going on at the Suomenlinna sea fortress. We did walk around, but not for long. (July 30, 2022)Getting back on the ferry ride to Helsinki from the Suomenlinna sea fortress. (July 30, 2022)Back on the ferry ride to Helsinki from the Suomenlinna sea fortress. (July 30, 2022)The Market Square and the South Harbour of Helsinki. (July 30, 2022)The Market Square and the South Harbour of Helsinki. (July 30, 2022)Entering the Vanha kauppahalli market hall, Helsinki’s oldest market hall which was opened in 1889. (July 30, 2022)The Vanha kauppahalli is Helsinki old market hall which opened in 1889. It is the oldest of the city’s market halls. (July 30, 2022)The Vanha kauppahalli is Helsinki old market hall which opened in 1889. It is the oldest of the city’s market halls. (July 30, 2022)Inside the old market hall, Vanha kauppahalli, in Helsinki which opened in 1889. (July 30, 2022)Inside the old market hall, Vanha kauppahalli, in Helsinki which opened in 1889. (July 30, 2022)One of many salmon and seafood stalls inside the old market hall, Vanha kauppahalli, in Helsinki which opened in 1889. (July 30, 2022)One of many seafood stalls inside the old market hall, Vanha kauppahalli, in Helsinki which opened in 1889. (July 30, 2022)One of many seafood stalls inside the old market hall, Vanha kauppahalli, in Helsinki which opened in 1889. (July 30, 2022)The Finnish Salmon Pie at a stall inside the old market hall, Vanha kauppahalli, in Helsinki which opened in 1889. (July 30, 2022)Walking towards the Helsinki Cathedral in Senate Square. (July 30, 2022)The Helsinki Cathedral is located at the center of Helsinki at the Senate Square along with the state of Alexander II in front of the cathedral. The Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral of the Diocese of Helsinki was originally built from 1830–1852 as a tribute to the Grand Duke of Finland, Tsar Nicholas I of Russia. It was also known as St. Nicholas’ Church until the independence of Finland in 1917. The main figure in the statue depicts the Grand Duke of Finland Alexander II giving a speech at the 1863 Diet of Finland that he had assembled, wearing the uniform of an officer of the Finnish Guards’ Rifle Battalion. (July 30, 2022)The main entrance to the Helsinki Central Railway Station is the main station for commuter rail and long-distance trains departing from Helsinki, Finland. (July 30, 2022)The main entrance to the Helsinki Central Railway Station is the main station for commuter rail and long-distance trains departing from Helsinki, Finland. I’m not sure if its the stone men dressed in soccer jerseys or the impressive building, inaugurated in 1919 and clad in Finnish granite. (July 30, 2022)The main entrance to the Helsinki Central Railway Station with its distinguished clock tower and two pairs of “Stone Men” statues holding the spherical lanterns, lit at night-time, on either side of the main entrance. The station was inaugurated in 1919. The stone men are dressed in the Finnish men’s national football (which we call soccer in the U.S.) team’s jerseys. (July 30, 2022)Richard leading the way to the Kamppi Chapel, a simple yet beautiful place for appreciating peace and quiet in the center of Helsinki. (July 30, 2022)The Kamppi Chapel, a place for appreciating peace and quiet in the center of Helsinki. The chapel, designed by Mikko Summanen, Niko Sirola and Kimmo Lintula, architects belonging to the Helsinki-based practice, K2S Architects was completed in 2012. The chapel is made of three different types of wood with the external walls of the chapel being made of spruce and coated in a special type of wax that uses nanotechnology. (July 30, 2022)Another view of the Kamppi Chapel, a place f peace and quiet, in the center of Helsinki. (July 30, 2022)The internal walls are made of alder that was milled into shape, while the fittings and internal door of the chapel are made of ash. The chapel was opened to the public in June 2012. The chapel is intended for personal peace and quiet. (July 30, 2022)Me at the Subterranean outdoor exhibit by the Amos Rex Art Museum in central Helsinki. (July 30, 2022)The Subterranean outdoor exhibit by the Amos Rex Art Museum in central Helsinki. (July 30, 2022)The Subterranean outdoor exhibit by the Amos Rex Art Museum in central Helsinki. (July 30, 2022)Getting ready to board the orange metro in Helsinki. (July 30, 2022)Inside the orange metro in Helsinki. (July 30, 2022)The Puu-Vallila wooden house district in Helsinki known for its quaint, colorful wooden homes that date back to 1910. (July 30, 2022)The Puu-Vallila wooden house district in Helsinki known for its quaint, colorful wooden homes that date back to 1910. (July 30, 2022)The Puu-Vallila wooden house district in Helsinki known for its quaint, colorful wooden homes that date back to 1910. (July 30, 2022)The Puu-Vallila wooden house district in Helsinki known for its quaint, colorful wooden homes that date back to 1910. (July 30, 2022)An interesting-looking biking and walking trail by the Puu-Vallila wooden house district in Helsinki. (July 30, 2022)Our last threesome group selfie inside the Temppeliaukio Church in Helsinki. Built directly into solid rock, it is also known as the Church of the Rock and Rock Church. My last tour day with Richard and Tania before moving on to my next group, the Baltic Explorers going to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Thank you Richard for taking the lead on seeing Helsinki. And, thank you Tania and Richard for being such joys to travel with. (July 30, 2022)The Temppeliaukio Church is Helsinki’s church that was carved into the bedrock. The copper domed roof church was opened for use in 1969. (July 30, 2022)Inside the Temppeliaukio Church with its copper clad dome roof is Helsinki’s church that was carved into the bedrock. The excavation surface of the walls has been left rough for acoustic and aesthetic reasons. (July 30, 2022)Inside the Temppeliaukio Church with its copper clad dome roof is Helsinki’s church that was carved into the bedrock. The excavation surface of the walls has been left rough for acoustic and aesthetic reasons. (July 30, 2022)My group, now called the Baltic Explorers for the remainder of my Intrepid Travel tour from Helsinki, Finland through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. We are about to have our first group dinner at the Restaurant Zetor in Helsinki before leaving Sunday morning for Tallinn, Estonia. From left: Sara, Nina, Laura, Rhonda, Gundega (our Intrepid Travel leader/guide who is from Latvia), me, Garry (who was also on my Scandinavian Explorer tour from Oslo, although he actually started his travels in Copenhagen) and Fred. This is not only another small group, but we’re once again all solo travelers. (July 30, 2022)My dinner choice at our Baltic Explorers first group dinner at the Restaurant Zetor in Helsinki before leaving Sunday morning for Tallinn, Estonia. It is called “The weather may change but the vendace stays the same.” A witty dish of vendace (small lake fish) rolled in rye flour and baked in butter, served with traditional mashed potatoes. Paistetut muikut, or fried vendace, can be considered the ‘fish and chips’ of Finland. (July 30, 2022)
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