May 04, 2019 | Written by Patricia Murphy
First Stop: Helsinki
Helsinki is always a treat–though I have only been there in summer. This trip we arrived on May 4 and it was snowing and chilly. So I can only imagine what it must be like in really bad weather. Helsinki proper has a population of about 650,000 people, which is about the size of Portland, OR, and I would argue that there are some similarities. There is a nice laid back vibe. People eat well. People make art. People speak very good English.
We only had two nights in town this time so we made the best of it! Our dinner at Juuri was delicious and so much fun! What a great way to start the trip of a million calories. Europe called–there’s no more food left!
We also enjoyed buying art at The Association of Finnish Printmakers. We spent about two hours studying all of the artists! Such wonderful work being done. We also enjoyed dips in and out of the sea/sauna at Allas Sea Pool. The Finnish sauna is a must do!
Helsinki greeted us with a snowstorm!
It’s a lovely spot.
We made reservations for Juuri months ahead.
Cute art across from the restaurant.
This is a Cucumber concoction and a Good ole Helsinki Gin and Tonic.
Finn cattle milk with yellow beet
Pork with Kohlrabi
Herring with egg
Oh my goodness this bread and butter.
Parsley root with parsley
Picke perch with horseradish.
Baltic herring with fennel and tomato.
Chicken liver with carrot.
Herring with potato and sour cream
Lamb with broad bean.
The walk home was quiet, chilly, and dark.
Breakfast at our hotel was simple and good.
Choices!
Sightseeing.
Sightseeing.
Sightseeing.
Sightseeing.
Sightseeing.
Sightseeing.
Art shopping!
We really loved this print but it was too big to fly home.
So we got this beautiful print!
A walk to the harbor.
At the market.
Oooooo.
Loyly sauna was booked.
So we went to Allas Sea Pool.
It was a perfect day for it though a touch chilly.
They seawater pool didn’t get many takers.
Wet head walk!
I always love Helsinki.
Classic Car!
