yesterday's self-guided tour of stockholm was successful
so the plan is to do it again today and avoid excursions
ship organised trips seeming too controlled and crowded
we're first off the boat again at the port of helsinki
all looking quite industrial and a 30 minute hike required
but it's cold and there's a few flurries of white stuff falling
so a quick decision taken to jump on a local hop-on hop-off bus
funny how these things work out as an hour later we are more informed
we have done a circuit of the inner city and listened to a commentary
bypassing major public buildings, monuments, parks and the olympic stadium
we alight at senate square in the heart of the city and start our walk proper
up the granite steps of the large lutheran cathedral that overlooks the city
taking note of the silence-please sign we once again are staring up in awe
it would be easy to tire of cathedrals in europe but that would be a mistake
every one is different and technicalities alone means respect is required
this one has huge central columns and intricate ceiling artwork
it is also a working church and lighting of candles invited
a very calming start to our planned trek around helsinki
fortunately the weather has improved so we head to the markets
research indicating that there's all sorts of authentic goods on offer
it's a cold saturday morning with plenty of stalls but not many people
strolling around it does seem as promised - locally crafted products
knitted garments, fur-skin hats, souvenirs carved from antlers, artwork
prices are reasonable and sellers seem in need but we are limited
space our biggest problem so we pick up a hat and scarf
then move on to the section that holds most interest for us
food - fish mostly - smoked, marinated, fried - irresistible
calamari and crumbed whole anchovies with garlic sauce bought
done our bit for the local economy so we consult the map and walk
a very pleasurable wander in the impressive city centre
architecturally consistent buildings, a wide avenue, fountains
well labelled road names so easy to keep direction vaguely correct
there's a very orderly protest underway (ukraine?) near parliament house
a cafe next door delivers up the required irish coffee and wi-fi
map consulted and a wander amongst obvious inner-city apartments
we arrive at the stone church 10 minutes before it is due to open
not much known about this landmark so a clamber outside is taken
curious - all we can see is a low dome and a circular wall of boulders
at the front door there is applause as a wedding party emerges
we join in then move underground as the doors are thrown open
omg - this place is s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g - modern and unique
the roof a large dome of narrow circular copper strips
concrete beams intersecting it and atop surrounding glass
full rock and boulders making up the high floor to window walls
me quietly thinking that the modern church needs these modern buildings
we emerge in awe and thankful of the experience of the wedding and building
next stop - sibelius monument - we could bus it but decide to hoof it
we are delving deeper into suburban helsinki which is not a bad thing
a chance to observe normal life - a soccer match, homes, people out walking
the monument is well worth the effort - 30 tonnes of welded metal pipes
all held up by 3 central supports and room to walk underneath
time is moving on and a boat not to be missed so taxi time
into the backseat of the hybrid electric/diesel mercedes
an experience in itself as we are taken into the city
back on the hop-on hop-off bus, to port and all aboard
phew made it - saturday night on board
dinner, music, dancing, relaxing
happy day...
