Monday, June 11, 2012

Helsinki, Finland June 7 - Part 1

 

Boy, were we surprised by Helsinki.  We really like it.  It is the capital of Finland, but it is not a big city.  The buildings are beautiful and since Finland was neutral during world war II, the old buildings are still there.  Here are some pictures.

 

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IMG_0380 (1024x765)    Lots of water in canals makes the city very attractive.

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No one on the ship or at the visitors center seems to know exactly what this building is.  A lady sitting in the park here, tried to explain it in broken English.  The best I can guess is that it houses a museum or a memorial to people who have family crests.  It sure is nice.

The city has lots and lots of islands off it’s coast.       This one has a huge building on  it.                                                                                                                IMG_0398 (1024x766)

And of course churches….

 

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In the square below this church, there was a festival going on.  On the stage, a group, that was obviously a kids entertainment, sang and all the kids, including Duane and the 4 year old sitting next to him, joined in the singing.

 

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While looking for a money exchange place to sell our leftover Rubles from St. Petersburg, we came across a bunch of people.  Whenever you see people gathering, find out why.  We have discovered some wonderful stuff that way.  In this case a group, dressed in traditional costumes, was singing folk songs.  When we get home, ask us about the videos we took.

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We have seen bridges like this in many countries.  Here is another Bridge of Love, with locks to keep your love safe.

 

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One of the cute trolleys that run all over the city.  Electric. 

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