Helsinki and jet-lagged

Finally on our Finnair flight to Helsinki. For an international flight the plane was not very big. Capacity was only around 250 compared to a standard 400. The flight path took us up and over norther Japan and Russia. At times when we looked out the window all we could see was white ice and snow and white mountain tops. Its true Siberia looks cold and miserable. Once we moved alittle south again and were over the water you could see pack ice that was breaking up. AT one stage I could see where an ice breaker ship had been through. From the air the ice looked like oil on water, being little and bigger circles floating on the water. As we flew over Finland there was endless miles of pine trees and lakes.
After a 10.5 hr flight it was good to get out and stretch our legs again. We were through customs and immigration in record time. For the most, everyone on the flight was transferring to a connecting flight. We jumped into a taxi and the driver was full of information on what to see and do during our time here. We were expecting 0 - 5C but it was around 15C as we left the airport. Only a little bit of snow on the side of the road and footpaths. The drive in showed how flat the city is and the scenery was mostly silver birch forest and lots of large rocks. In the city the buildings are 5 - 6 storeys tall for the main and are old but well maintained.

We took the taxi drivers advice and headed up to the bar at the top of Torni Hotel. He said we would get 360 degree views from there and we would see the ships leaving the harbour, for Stockholm. The bar area wasn't big but was busy. We grabbed 2 glasses of champagne to toast our arrival in Helsinki and then stood on the outside deck to take in the views. By this stage the temp had dropped to 4C and the locals were keeping warm with rugs around their legs they had pulled out of their bags. We noticed in the distance an amazing white building (probably a church). We decided to head towards it and check it out as well as see waht we could along the way. Unfortunately it was closed when we got there but enjoyed the walk, scenery and people watching. Mostly the paths and roads were constructed of cobblestone and you oculd hear the cars coming because the tyres have metal studs on them and they make a clicking sounds on the road.

On our walk back we stopped off for dinner of meatballs and mash potato, this was great. We were tired by this time as for us it was 11pm from where we had started in the morning. Needless to say we were in bed early (around 8pm local time).

This also meant we are awake early (Dominique woke at 2am!!!). This hotel has internet access in the room on the TV. We are now typing this blog from our bed. Its 6am and we are wide awake.

Today we are planning to see a bit more of the city centre and then at midday we may pop over to Estonia for the afternoon and early evening. This is more advice from our taxi driver. We had planned to go to Porvoo near Helsinki but he said we would see it all in 5 min and that to take the ferry over to Estonia (I think the city is something like Talin) we would see the same as Porvoo as well as much more Russian type buildings that are beutiful. He did mention to take hats, gloves scarves etc. Guess it will be cold!!

Bye for now
Mark