We docked at Helsinki about 8 am and it was fairly foggy. We had to decide whether to go out early or wait for the weather to clear. We went early and got the first Hop on Hop off bus that came to the pier where our ship was docked. This ended up being a good choice as the weather cleared but got a lot colder later in the day. If you got out of the breeze it was just beautiful, but I don’t think that would have been easy on the top deck of the bus later in the day.
A full loop of the city usually takes about 90 minutes. However today the Helsinki Marathon is being run so we were told to expect delays.
This is the first time I have heard people on a tour bus chuckling to the commentary. The explanations of many of the sites were quite funny and it was great to see a city that can laugh at itself. Finland has the highest tax in the world on alcoholic drinks. This coupled with the explanation about the local passenger ferry that takes people to where alcohol is not taxed, people are more beautiful, jokes are funnier and everyone has more fun was quite amusing. The guide said that uni students fill the ferry on weekends, going to nowhere!
A more serious comment was made about Finland having the best education system in the world. I wonder if this is linked to the high tax on alcohol. Now that is a good topic to explore for masters paper!
Again this is another enjoyable city. It is very clean with beautiful architecture.
The roads seem very narrow and again with so many tour buses trying to get to the same places the drivers need to wait and give way a lot more than usual. I found this version of a roundabout quite amusing. A round one would not fit in the road. But the large buses manage to navigate them easily.
The traffic also had to give way to all marathon runners.
When we returned to the ship I sat in the sun on the balcony and watched the marathon and the yacht races. This was very relaxing as I had a spot out of the wind.
The marathon runners had to do a lap of the port where we were docked.
We had to be aboard by 4.30 pm to set off for Stockholm in Sweden.
Another country I’d love to visit…. but, giraffes in Finland??
Hi Sue. I re-read my whole post trying to find if I had a typo about giraffes. Then I realised it as in Paul’s movie. As we came around the corner to that hotel, there was a gasp on the top deck of the bus as everyone saw the girafffes on the balcony. It was very cute. Then today in Stockholm there was crane beside the canal painted and made in the shape of a giraffe. Not sure what the connection is up here. Lots of fun though. Cheers Ruth
Uni in Helsinki would have suited us Tosh.. we didn’t drink much in our Armidale days!!!!
Just loving your photos & videos . Thank you both for sharing your journey.
Hi Lyn. I think our uni days were a bit like that! These cities are just so lovely. Every day is fabulous. I am praying for rain for you. You would think the new prime minister would do a rain dance or something!!!! Cheers Tosh
Hi guys love following your journey have not got to see all yet but the one I have seen are fantastic so can wait to view all take care be safe x Chris
Hi Chris. Four nights of cruising left then back on land for a week before heading home. Hope you are well. Ruth
Really enjoying your tour especially places I have not visited
We had rain here last few days….great rejoicing
Sally & Fay left yesterday on their tour, commencing with Germany. Jenny & Andrew are on an Aussie walking tour.
Hi. Thanks for the update. So glad it has rained. But it hasn’t spread far across the state I fear. Saw Jenny’s posts about her holiday – sounds great I hope Sal and Fay have a great time. Cheers Ruth
Hi
Great to see you both having such a wonderful trip 🙂
Thanks Christine. Finished cruising now so back to having to look for a restaurant for dinner. So much choice where we are. we are lucky. Ruth
Enjoying the beautiful photos, thanks. Glad to hear you are having a wonderful time. Cheers Krystyna.
Hi Ruth
Over the weekend we had the pleasure of the company of a lovely young lady from Brisbane , who came to help Melissa celebrate her birthday in her new house. We all had a wonderful weekend. Missing your company, big catch up when you get home, after our trip. Cheers Krystyna
Hi Krystyna, Lys sent me a photo of herself and Melissa. So glad she was there to celebrate with you. On the home stretch now. Finished our cruising. Will send you a longer email. Ruth
It has been great sharing your trip with you
Great photos
Are you over living out of suitcase yet
Nearly time for home ✈️???
Hi Wendy, thanks very much. I think one of the best parts of cruising is that you aren’t really living out of a suitcase. So all our clothes have hung up for the last 24 days and others are in cupboards, drawers and our stuff is in the bathroom and you just get off the ship each day or so and explore a new place. Now our cruise has finished we are back to living out of a suitcase again which I admit is a pain. Yes sadly drawing to a close but both looking forward to being back home which we love very much. cheers Paul.