Helsinki, Finland

We departed Tallinn for Helsinki, arrived at the port in 15 mins, boarded our ferry for the 2 1/2hr journey across the channel.

We off loaded at the ferry terminal, and caught a cab to our hotel, a less than 10 min ride and cost us 27.50euro ($54). Not happy Jan.......

On arrival to our hotel, I was reading a brochure about Helsinki and the cabs are usually luxury cars and you pay for the privilege to use them.

Helsinki has a population of 5,000,000 and is a very expensive city, we were warned!

After checking into our hotel we went for a 2 1/2 hr walk to explore the city and what's on offer, and yes we did look at the prices for food and yes it is a lot dearer than our other countries that we have just visited. A bowl of soup is $20.

 Havis Amanda, 1906 fountain.

Markets in the square and along the promenade.

Tow headed eagle monument.

Fly over Helsinki.

Uspenki Cathederal 

All maidens in a row at Central Park.

Our metro station, this where we will catch our train to St Petersburg on Tuesday.

We had two nights in Helsinki, and this would be my least liked city so far, although, they do boast that it is a well kept secret on how wonderful it is to live here. 

Finland is the least corrupt and safest country to travel too. They have the best education system as well as excellent free medical care. 

1,000's of lakes and wild berries, leaders in Nokia, Linux and other likes.

The city held no charm for me at all, maybe because it was not as old as the other countries or the expense, who knows.

We had no language difficulties as most of the young people speak English and everyone was courteous, so we had a pleasant stay.

We are padlocked and ready to travel to Russia, first stop St Petersburg.

We had a great stay in Helsinki as we met a couple from Melbourne and spent an afternoon and dinner with them, Safe travels home Anne and Gary.