Saturday 14 May 2011

Helsinki – Capital in the North

We arrived Helsinki in the morning approximately 10:00 hrs. Our docking place in perfect location; we could not have wished for a better one; right down town next door to the famous local fish market and the local open air market.
We expected cold temperatures and rain and we were welcomed with sunshine and moderate temperatures. It seems that the “Weather Fairy” fell in love with the guests aboard MV FRAM and with Helsinki.
Today’s program was dedicated to the main sights of Helsinki. Most of us went out and on tour to see the famous Senate Square dominated by the impressive Cathedral. Other highlights of the city were the Orthodox Church, the Uspenski Cathedral with its onion shaped cupolas, the Kaivopuisto quarter with its beautiful park and the Olympic grounds. A tour to the countryside featured the home of composer Jean Sibelius a pleasure for music lovers. Culinary treasures could be found in the market hall, the delicious display invited many of us to buy and try some of the local specialties.

The Port Talk in the evening gave us an outlook of the coming Port: St. Petersburg. We cannot wait to see the city which is also known as a pearl along the Neva River.
The waves sway us gentle asleep……