Helsinki

 Yesterday I was able to understand why the Fins are always running, cycling and bathing in ice cold water - the epiphany happened when I went down to breakfast! The smorgasbord of food items was overwhelming! Wonder if they have this every day!

Just one small section of cold meats and cheeses! There was honestly so much variety that I didn't know where to start! Needless to say I didn't need to eat again until the middle of the afternoon! Walking over 20,000 steps helped me feel better!

After my 'foodfest' I walked to the harbour to catch a ferry to the island of Suomenlinna. The ferry ride was quite short and passed a few small islands.

 

The temperature was a cold 8C! There were quite a few school children on board -I thing they were on an overnight excursion! After seeing which direction they were heading in, I headed the opposite way!!

 

Suomenlinna is a sea fortress and a UNESCO world heritage site. The fortress was shaped by three historical eras when it helped to defend first Sweden, then Russia and ultimately Finland. I spent my time wandering from spot to spot.

The central dome of the church doubles as a lighthouse - one of very few in the world!

There were a couple of museum's related to World Wars 1 & 2. You wander the exhibits and look at what happened during those times and yet a war is raging so close to this region. Why haven't 'we' learnt anything?

Unfortunately there was only one cafe open - I think the tourist season really only starts on 1st May! A warm drink was needed as a cold wind was blowing and it's always good to prop my arm up when it starts to ache!

On the ferry back I sat outside- well the sun was shining! The city looks different from the wedding water.

By now the temperature had reached a balmy 9C and obviously I  could no more imagine sunbathing like this fellow but there must be something in the air!!