March, 2019
The Unique Helsinki Vibe
This is a very cool city (literally and figuratively). What a mix of architecture from old to new, austere to decorative. And trying to pronounce the names of places is an exercise in fun and futility.
Whitecaps like we’ve never seen before! And in the Baltic Sea no less. This is the South Harbour, right in central Helsinki. The ice breakers keep the ferry lanes open (that's one of the ferries in the background) and the rest freezes into this chunky jumble.
And of course, this is the spot for a cold plunge...shame I didn't bring my bathing suit.
The Helsinki Cathedral towers over Senate Square. Its original name was St Nicholas Church after Tsar Nicholas I because it was built between 1830-1852 when Finland was a Grand Duchy of Russia. That's why it has a bit off a Russian vibe to it's style. Once Finland gained its independence in 1917, there was certainly no desire to keep the Russian Imperial name so when the diocese was created they went with a very simple but descriptive name: Helsinki Cathedral.
Watch out Granville Island...they’re coming!
The Oodi Central Library looks like a ship. This is by far the most remarkable “library”. The term library is used quite loosely. Opened in December 2018, it’s a massive and diverse public space in the centre of the city: meeting space, creative space, hanging out space, oh and there are books too. There are serious craft areas where you can draw, use their sewing machines, 3D print, play VR games and do large format printing. We didn’t manage to find the secret door to the fairytale land... I guess it’s just that secret...
The library is such a stunning building, clad in spruce with such sensuous curves.
Artwork incorporated into the circular stairway in the library. Nearly 400 words that locals were invited to submit describing who they felt the library was for. They are yet to be translated into English, but we did hear that the words range from “Thinker” to “Alcoholic”. It’s really a place for everyone!
The bow of the library ship.
Where there are lovers, there are love locks...
The National Memorial to the Winter War was just unveiled just over a year before we came here, at the end of 2017. The perforated soldier, called He Who Brings the Light, honours the 25,000 Finns who died when the Soviet Union invaded in 1939. Through the windows of the sphere you can see photos from all aspects of the war from the home front and international aid to women's roles and the fates of individual soldiers.
Kamppi Chapel of Silence...curse those squeaky shoes!
The egg-shaped chapel sits on Narinkka Square, one of the busiest spots in Helsinki and provides a little refuge from the hustle and bustle outside. It's just a quiet place, no services. While it's run jointly by the Lutherans and Helsinki's Social Services, it's for everyone regardless of beliefs. There are staff from both groups available if anyone wants to talk...but I'm not sure how you do that in this cone of silence.
Shh!
The amazing Temppeliaukio Church (aka the Rock Church) is built right into solid rock. It's a stunning space with light streaming in all around. We were fortunate to be there while a pianist proved the unbelievable acoustics.
The Rock Church in full.
The Sibelius Monument honours the Finnish composer. Interestingly it is comprised of 600 hollow steel pipes, resembling an organ but Sibelius wrote very little for the organ. It is meant to symbolize the waves of sound.
Lost in the pipes
The Regatta Cafe was originally built in 1887 as a shed for fishnets. Now it's a quirky homage to music and all things weird and wonderful.
Phew, one rental left! Just need the help of an ice breaker to get out.
You buy your raw sausage inside the cafe and then roast it on the open fire outside.
It’s cold here for the poor birds. Thankfully there is a reasonable vacancy rate...
...and a chair for two to curl up in (à la Friendly Giant).