City Tour, Helsinki

After spending 2.5 weeks in the DRC, Helsinki was now the complete opposite; a lot more ridge and sterile. Nevertheless, I had a decent exploratory urban meander: UNESCO designated Suomenlinna; Finland Design Museum; Museum of Modern Art Kiasma; Botanical Gardens; Seafood, Vodka, etc. I was most surprised by the Design Museum. I had no idea of Finland’s design history.

Uspenski Cathedral

Old Market Hall - Lots high-end cute shops and restaurants 

Helsinki Cathedral 

City Park Life

Outdoor Art - in front of Music Center

Akvavit - Traditional Local Spirits

Sailboats at Dusk

The hotel breakfast buffet had an iPad connected to the juice fountain.  Select the type of juice on the iPad and it would flow out of the fountain. 

Museum of Modern Art Kiasma

"Visiting the Rainforest"

Dramatic Art

Patrons can sketch the Mannequin

The sketches were then displayed on the wall. Some people had talent and some didn't. It was intriguing to see the variety of sketches. People seem the same thing in very different ways. 

Again intriguing to watch what the people was actually do on stage in front of a group of strangers. 

A Dying Swamp

Contemporary Art Building are often as intriguing as the art itself. 

Finland Design Museum

I was most surprised and impressed by the Design Museum, especially of Finland’s design history.

Oysters, Crayfish, Roe, and Vodka Tasting, Helsinki

An afternoon snack!

Oysters

Finland Vodka Tasting

Roe and Crayfish

Botanical Gardens, Helsinki

The flowers outside were in full bloom! The inside was a little disappointing because it was replication of rain forests and pacific island plants, and I visited the "real" thing recently. I guessing it would be very interesting to someone who was unable to visit the "real" thing or actual locations. 

Suomenlinna, Helsinki

"Suomenlinna is an 18th-century sea fortress and nature area with centuries-old artillery and defensive walls, spread across 6 linked islands. Walking trails cross parkland between popular sights like the King’s Gate drawbridge and Suomenlinna Museum, which recounts military and maritime history."

It was worth the visit, especially the one hour walking tour which provided a lot of historical information.