Scandinavia - Finland~


On our way to Helsinki, we boarded Silja Line cruise ship for an overnight trip.  Just like the usual cruise ships, they take your picture as you board, and you'll see them on sale later on in the gallery. ^^  Our tour director picked an early dinner buffet reservation since there are many guests on board.

After dinner, we went to the upper deck to enjoy the sunset.  The wind was so strong that we had to hold on to our jackets, lol! XD  We walked around the lobby and checked out the shops before we finally decided to hit the sack to prepare for another day. =)

The next day after breakfast, we finally arrived at Helsinki, Finland! =)  We went straight for a city tour passing by Finlandia Hall, Senate Square, Market Square, and the Uspenski Cathedral.  Next we stopped at Sibelius Park to take some photos of the Sibelius Monument before we head to our hotel for check-in.

That afternoon, we head to the city on our own to check out the places we passed by on the tour and the long shopping lanes that are heaven to branded bags lovers.^^  We first got to Uspenski Cathedral and visitors are allowed to enter the Orthodox church but no taking pictures inside.  Walking further, we passed a bridge with lots of locks put there by couples, it's called the Bridge of Love. =)

At the Senate Square, we saw a stage set-up for a concert that night, and there are already people sitting on the long steps of the Helsinki Cathedral.  Next is shopping time! ^^  We checked out the shops first since the Market Square is on our way back, but when we walked back, the market is already closing.  We only caught few stalls still open and just bought some souvenir to take home.

That night we had a very delicious dinner at Kasakka, a Russian restaurant in Helsinki.  The borscht soup with sour cream was really good, and the main course was grilled beef with different side dishes.  We're leaving Scandinavia the next day to head to St. Petersburg, Russia. ^^ 

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