Helsinki

 We arrived at the port in Kiel about 8am, so after breakfast, we headed out to see the sights

We made it to:

Rathaus (City Hall)  - the facades still had bullet holes from WWII,

Opernhaus (Opera House) - not able to go inside,

Alter Market (Old Market)

Danische Strasse ( Danish Street) - shopping area,

Schloss (Castle) - nothing like you imagine a castle to be,

Schiffahrtsmuseum (Maritime museum) - being Monday, it was closed!,

St Nikolia Church

Holsten Strasse - shopping area

We also wandered through the city park and around a couple of large ponds. Autumn here is more advanced than the UK and cooler. We also nipped into Starbucks to get coffee and use wifi - sorry about interspersed photos in the blog, I was trying to be quick!

23/9 Day at sea.

Listened to another talk by the ex police office - were no nearer to solving any crimes. Jake and I decided that, no matter what, we were having a swim and hot tub. Beautiful sunny day, 12C , with a strong cold wind. I think we were lulled into a false sense of security when we saw others swimming because it was FREEZING!! Managed 2 laps before running soaking wet across to the hot tub. Oh joy, it was so warm and soothing, but my legs felt as if they had been cut a hundred times. We'll think carefully about the next swim!!!

Wednesday 

Arrived Helsinki 9am - 6C with a very chill wind.

After breakfast, we headed off the ship - slight mishap with sister as to where we were meeting!  

Hop on / off came up to the ship, so we headed out. Beautiful sunny day - reached 12C - so Helsinki was at its finest. Spent a number of hours seeing the sights.