Villa Kivi - our first day in Helsinki

So, finally, after hours flying over the vastness that is China, Russia, and the various -stans, we were in Finland.  From the air it appears to be more water than land, but Helsinki is an easy, calm city, built around the water, but with lots of space.

We arrived Saturday afternoon, with an easy transfer from airport, to bus, to hotel, briefly entertained at the airport money exchange by a laid back Russian who wanted nothing more than to chat.  He was unmoved by the steadily growing queue and reminisced about his home in St Petersburg and his hatred of caviar.

One of our first encounters was with a man so drunk that one of his legs wouldn't unbend; he amazed gravity by surviving the downwards escalator.  We left him to it, later observing him in the company of two, not very friendly looking, armed, airport police.  We were mystified - had never seen the likes.  Later, at the pub for our welcome drink (Thank you St Urho) the puzzle was solved.  Liverpool FC was playing a friendly vs Helsinki.  The whole town was covered in red-shirted fans (local and from further afield).  No one appeared to be supporting the home team.  To be fair, airport man was the only paralytic we observed before the game (we were tucked up in bed after) and the majority seemed to be having a good time, but not a GOOD time.

Sunday morning arrived sunny and promising.  However, as you'll see from the photos, the weather waxed and waned a bit, with the very best of it earlier, and an increasing threat of rain (which never arrived).  Geoff had found a guide to seeing Helsinki in a day.  Finding our hotel located in the midst of the route we duly set off.  It was gorgeous around Toolonlahti Bay where, amongst the paddleboarders and trees and roses and ducks, we found Villa Kivi.

The villa is a writers' house. Built in 1890, overlooking Toolonlahti bay, it has 14 workrooms for writers and also hosts literary functions, weddings, etc.  We didn't go inside, but thought it looked like a lovely place to find a bit of inspiration and quiet.

Not far past the villa we arrived at a small boat harbour overlooked by several cafes.  We stopped for a quick espresso and a rest, before pressing on to Tervasaari, a small island (or reclaimed hillock) connected by a causeway.  Here was a geocache.  Geoff hardly had to scramble round on the rocks for very long at all (about ten minutes) before we found our prize.  It was so hot in Shanghai we didn't even try, but Finland has a little more promise...

Further around the harbour we came to the markets where, amonst many other things, we found these amazing raspberries.  Best. Raspberries. Ever.

We also saw Doris (of Helsinki) and a number of other tourist boats heading out to the islands.  This is a treat we still have in store, most likely when we're back in Helsinki at the end of our trip.  You can see the Finnair skywheel in the background.  We haven't been on that either.  We did visit the Uspenski Cathedral, a magnificent brick and gold-domed edifice right on the water. 

Later, we wandered in to the design district which was CLOSED.  Then,  for some variety, we got lost for a while, and couldn't find anywhere open for restorative food, drink, or rest.  We pressed on, found ourselves again and, eventually, a place to stop and eat.  On the way home we took in some gardens and found the home of the moomin-sneaker.  I am trying to get myself a pair.

Below is a screen shot that shows where we're staying (blue dot) right next to Toolonlahti Bay (to the right).  The 'island' where we found the geocache is just above the E75 sign and the cathedral and markets are pretty close to the final 'I' in Helsinki. The part that we became lost in (I think) is below the HEL - how apt.