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Helsinki was fantastic. Chris and I got an early start and headed into the city centre on foot. The plan was to do a bit of shopping and head over to the off shore island fortress.
Lonely planet suggests a morning coffee. We had a Starbucks coffee and added to the cup collection. Sitting in a sunny cafe seat on the shopping street of Helsinki. Of course we had Starbucks in a paper cup which goes against the grain in many ways.
After coffee we walked down to the Kauppatori markets and bought berries, and cheese scrolls and boarded the ferry to Suomenlinna Fortress Island. This was on my bucket list for this trip.
Suomenlinna was built as a fortress when Sweden lost control of Helsinki and the Russians arrived. Most of the fort town was build from the late 1700s through to the mid 1800.
We caught the ferry and walked around the town. It was beautiful and fascinating. As most of the town was built at the same time Sydney was settled by the first fleet, it was interesting to see Finland history mapped against Australia's.
After many Kodak moments and more coffee we came back on the ferry to the city.
Back in the city we walked around and looked for clothes and at the architecture that makes up Helsinki.
We are attempting another self catered meal with Chris in charge of cooking in the YHA kitchen. Blue cheese risotto with cheese pasties for pudding.
Tomorrow we head up into the Arctic Circle. We have an earlyish train to Roveniami. 13 hours on one of the smooth green trains. Three day in the Santa Village. Big ticketing item on the trip. Expect many selfies and blogs.
Written by Rod
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