24 hours in Helsinki

I left Tallinn via the Tallink Silja MyStar Passenger Ferry to Helsinki for a quick 24-hour stop in the Finnish capital. The ferry was smooth and relaxing, allowing me to write a blog post and do some digital cleanup on my phone during the two-hour journey between ports. 

The first views of Finland from the ferry

I had bought snacks and water before the trip to avoid overpriced ferry items. However, I had my second blunder of the trip when my e-SIM wouldn't connect to the network in Finland, and I hadn't downloaded any maps when I had Wi-Fi, assuming I could rely on my data to navigate. With no Wi-Fi at the port (plenty on the ship!), I struggled for 20 minutes to recall my hotel's location and transit options before taking an expensive cab (likely ripped off by the driver). My hotel, Hotel Finn, was a clean and perfect single room in the city center. I appreciated the shower pressure! The hotel had a cute, small elevator to the 6th floor, but my window was closed and covered due to construction next door.

After unwinding, I visited the award-winning Yeastie Boi bagel shop for dinner. The vibe and food were delicious, with a crispy tofu bagel and home-brewed lager. 

One of the best tofu bagels I've ever had

Helsinki is quite expensive compared to previous countries I visited. For example, an Aperol Spritz ad in Tallinn yesterday and Helsinki today highlighted the price difference. 

Tallin vs. Helsinki

Luckily, I stumbled upon Helsinki's annual "Night of the Arts" festival, featuring artistic pop-ups throughout the city. Highlights included a samba band, free photo art prints, a personal poem writer (too long a line to wait), a protest march against arts funding cuts, and various street musicians. I enjoyed a delicious blueberry ice cream while wandering the streets before bed.

Exploring the Night of the Arts

The next morning, I visited Fazer's Cafe, recommended by a former student's pareny (Thank you to Emilia's mom Riita for all her reccomdations). I indulged in a latte and cinnamon bun. Karl Fazer is known for his chocolate, earning him the nickname "Willy Wonka of Finland." I brought some chocolates home to share. 

This girl runs on coffee and cinnamon buns.

Since this was my 4th walking tour of the trip, I was becoming a bit disengaged. However, I still managed to retain a few interesting facts: 

- Finland gained independence from Russia in 1917 without Soviet occupation, has mandatory military service, and closely monitors its border with Russia. 

- The Havis Amanda statue, a symbol of Helsinki, was under repair during my visit, but we got to catch a glimpse of her when they removed the barricades to allow construction vehicles to enter. 

Glimpse of Havis Amanda

- I also learned about Lonkero, a drink invented during the 1952 Olympic Games, consisting of gin and lemonade/grapefruit. Turns out I actually drank this drink when I was in Tallinn! It was delicious.

The walking tour ended at Oodi Library, an impressive, state-of-the-art facility. As a former teacher-librarian, I was particularly interested in the maker space, offering 3D printing, vinyl printing, sewing machines, music rooms, and more. The top floor featured a cafe, viewing deck, and book area, while the kids' section had a play area and appropriate shelving height!

Oodi Library

After the library, I treated myself to salmon lunch at a cute cafe and explored the market by the Harbour before heading to the airport for my last destination of this Eurotrip: a return to London.