Day 5: Helsinki

In the morning we popped down to the waterfront market and bought some fruit. We also sat down and had a cup of tea and Alex had a custard and rhubarb cake.

Thereafter we took a ferry to Suomenlinna, which is a large fortress island off the coast Helsinki. The island has many gun and cannon installations, fortress walls and accommodation like these lovely houses.

Many of the houses have been turned into beautiful tea houses and restaurants.

There are loads of caverns where gun powder and artillery shells were stored.

First rule of gun safety, never look down the barrel.

This former harbinger of destruction is now a lovely feature in someone's garden.

Overall Suomenlinna is really interesting, a long walk, has great views and lots of places to stop and eat or rest. A definite recommendation if you are in Helsinki.

When we got back from Suomenlinna we explored down by the waterfront again. We found a very nice inside market in an old tram or train station (very pretty). Here we bought some Reindeer salami for Alex and some brown bear meat and caviar on bread for Ian.

We then explored an area of the city above the harbour where this lovely fire station is.

We found a Filipino restaurant nearby called Paisano and had lunch. Alex had Calamari, which he enjoyed and Ian had Seafood Paella, which was wonderfully presented, but actually my own Paella is better tasting.

After this we explored the area of the city near the train station, which is a bit more modern.

And then back to the hotel for some ZZzzz...

Thank you

                                     Ciitos