May 19, 2017 - Helsinki

We walked Helsinki and explored on our own. As we entered City Center, a fashion show was getting underway, complete with a walkway. Pretty, blonde, blue eyed friendly girls were stationed everywhere distributing coupons and passing out fruit popsicles. Vendors peddled their homemade crafts. Julie bought a ceramic bowl. We had lunch at a bustling coffee shop. As we left, a Navy marching band was parading by replete with 4 mounted policemen. Our last stop was a modern chic department store where Julie got a unique sweater/scarf. We liked...

May 9, 2017 - Ivalo Lapland

We flew north to Rovaniemi, which sits almost on the Arctic Circle and into winter. There was snow on the ground as well as snow flurries and it was cold. Our first business was to take pictures commemorating our crossing "the line". We then took a bus further north to Ivalo - gateway to Lapland the home of the Sami, the indigenous people that have lived in northern Scandinavia since prehistoric times. Lapland, now called Samiland, spans northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Northwest Russia. The Sami are somewhat like the Indians...

May 8, 2017 - Helsinki

It was a pleasant 1:30hr. ride from St. Petersburg to Helsinki. It was drizzling when we left, but the sun was out when we arrived in Helsinki. After depositing our luggage at the hotel we took a long walk around market square and one of the many harbors of the city. The population of Helsinki is 635,000 - small compared to other European country's capitals, but being the capital, it is outfitted first-class. Unlike St. Petersburg that is striving to preserve its past identity and looks with strict building codes, Helsinki is embracing a...

Aug 24, 2016 - Helsinki, Finland - July 8, 2016

We docked in Helsinki around 7:00 AM and were due back on board at 3:30 PM. Carmen and I went exploring on our own and we took the Shuttle Bus which dropped us off near the downtown area. Our first stop was the Helsinki Cathedral. From there we worked our way to the Church in The Rock which was very interesting. It cost a dollar to use the restroom. Next we worked our way back toward the harbor to see the Uspenski Cathedral which was located on top of a very large rock formation. From there we returned to the Shuttle Bus stop and got on...

Aug 15, 2016 - Helsinki to St. Petersburg

Spectacular sunny morning! Got up early and headed off to revisit some of the sites we saw last evening. First off was the very impressive Uspenski Cathedral. The sun was in the right position, so we were WOWed by the light playing off the gorgeous spires. Unfortunately the cathedral didn't open until later, but we were still happy with our visit. Uspenski sits on a rise, so we got a great view overlooking the city roof tops of the Senate Square and the magnificent Helsinki Cathedral. Took a walk down to the square for more photo ops of the...

Aug 14, 2016 - Helsinki

Time to move on to Helsinki. We were somewhat disappointed to realize we weren't going to have much time there. This time we were travelling by plane so we had to be careful packing. It was just a 90-minute flight and went smoothly. We were picked up by bus and finally got on our way around 4 (we lost an hour due to entering a new time zone). We did manage to see quite a bit in our whirlwind 2-1/2 hour bus tour. Chuch of the Rock, a Lutheran church excavated out of the bedrock in the area; the lovely waterfront and marinas; the Sibelius...

Aug 13, 2016 - Another day in Copenhagen

A whole today to ourselves! We slept in, late breakfast, and with city map in hand leisurely started our day of exploration. Not far from the hotel we discovered Orestedsparken, a lovely large park complete with a serene pond encircled with weeping-willow trees, colorful floral gardens, and many elegant statues. Following one of the many canals, we came upon vibrant city squares with coffee kiosks, shops, restaurants, and lots of people. In one, we found the Rundetaarm - the Round Tower. One of the best-known structures in Denmark, it...

Aug 4, 2016 - Off to Scandinavia

Today we are leaving for our Scandinavian Adventure. We don't fly out of JFK until 5:40 so we have the morning to squeeze in a one more sight. After a breakfast at the Brooklyn Diner just down the block (we split the cheapest breakfast at $16.95), we headed for the Neue Galerie, a small museum specializing in German and Austrian Art that has The Woman in Gold, the subject of the movie of the same name. The painting was acquired for the galerie from Maria Altmann after her successful suit to reclaim the 5 Klindt paintings seized from her...

May 30, 2016 - Helsinki, Finland

After the opulence of St Petersburg, Finland is literally a breath of fresh air! It is hot and sunny here. Apparently 2 weeks ago when the ship was here it was 0 and raining so we are very lucky. We take the local bus and transfer to a tram which delivers us to the beautiful market square. Right in the middle of everything here, the prime ministers office is right on the square and if the flag is flying overhead he is inside working. He wasn't there when we arrived but he was when we left. There are lots of stalls selling fresh fruit and...

May 24, 2016 - Arrive Helsinki

Tuesday May 24 We arrived in Helsinki around 07:00 on a sea that was as smooth as a millpond. We spent some time on our blog and sorting through dozens of photographs. After a late breakfast in the World Café sometime after 9:00, followed by a short look around at the fitness centre on deck 1 (small but very well equipped). We disembarked around 10:45 on a brilliantly sunny day for our bus tour of Helsinki. Our first stop was at the Sibelius Monument and Park to view “Passio Musicae”; a sculpture by Eila Hiltunen (1967) dedicated to the...

May 22, 2016 - Finland

Sunday today is just a day without sun or I should say rainy even if the evening coming I got a partial sun. It was time for museum and I visited one about Same people customs and the National parks in Finland as it was a 60 year anniversary. Many shows and 2 wonderful films about nature flowers and animals as well as landscapes from boats. Then the program was driving with pause as soon as any trigger as animals, rennedeer on the road or sunset. Very few pictures today with my cell phone.  Tomorrow annoncing better ? 

Apr 20, 2016 - Madrid to Helsinki

The Arrival To-Do List Wednesday, April 20: Madrid to Helsinki Weather: Drizzling in Helsinki Highlights: -- a relaxing flight to Helsinki -- completing everything on our "Arrival To-Do" list -- staying awake long enough to get a good night's sleep The 4-hour flight to Helsinki was much smoother, with only a few turbulent minutes where drink service was suspended. For the first 2 hours announcements were made in English and Spanish. They changed to English and Finnish for the final 2 hours. As I dozed, I thought how nice it would be to...