HelsinkiJun 19, 2009
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Welcome to Helsinki
Hop on Hop Off Bus
Lutheran Cathedral
We woke to a seascape where it was difficult to determine where the sea ended and the sky began. Mist enshrouded the area. We went for breakfast and as we ate, some rocky islands appeared and the ship began to back into Helsinki port. We got ready and left the ship soon after it docked. The rain had lessened and we headed for the buses and decided to take the hop-on-hop-off bus with a recorded commentary. This took us round by the docks and up to the Lutheran Cathedral where we got off and looked around the building then went inside. Compared to the Catholic and Orthodox Cathedrals, it was very stark and bare, with a mural behind the altar and statues the colour of the walls of reformers, notably Luther. The main item of interest was the organ which appeared massive in its own gallery above the entrance.
When we came out, the rain was on again and there was a bus waiting, so we set off on it and arrived at Temppeliaukio Church. The Church in the rock. Not, of the rock, not on the rock, but in the rock. The building was carved out of the solid rock and a domed roof placed over the opening. Irregularities have been filled in by large rocks. It is an impressive building which evokes a quiet response from those who visit. A couple of things were noticeable. A sign in the middle of the church asked for silence in many languages, but not English. Do English speaking people not need to be reminded? The other is a desk as you enter. Entry is free, but you are required to pay to use the toilets.
When we came out it was pouring with rain. We quickly caught the bus and went round to the Sibelius monument. A controversial piece which is said to represent music. Many were displeased that Sibelius was not represented and the artist put his likeness at one end of the piece. We stopped just long enough to take photos then proceeded to the flea market which we had been told was a very good place to see a slice of Finnish life, as well as the goods on display. When we got there, we discovered that there was no market today as it was a public holiday. Unfortunately we had passed the stop which would have allowed us to go into the town. We stayed on the bus returning to the ship, then retraced the route to the Cathedral where we alighted and went down to the harbour where an outdoor market was in progress. We browsed there, then had lunch. David and Dawn went and had salmon, we elected for something lighter and had crepes at another stand. We met up again and finished looking at the stalls then headed up the main street looking at the closed stores - given the prices we could see through the window, it was as well they were closed. We passed Stockmann's, the main department store beside which is the statue of the three blacksmiths which is quite famous and a tribute to the working man.
From there we headed towards the Parliament building and caught the bus just short of there. One soon came and returned us to the boat. We were fortunate today on two counts. We had very little time to wait on the buses and when they came, except for the first one, there was always room. Given the weather, this was a blessing indeed.
We have now set sail and are on our way to St. Petersburg. We lose another hour tonight, and as, our dinner conversation seems to get later each night, I am posting this early, as we have two long days in St. Petersburg we will probably not get the opportunity to post again till we leave there.
