MD Sabbatical 2010: Finland, May 2010

Ferry terminal:

On May 18^th, I traveled by boat from Tallinn to Helsinki. Upon arriving, I felt as though I had entered a different time era. The city, compared to those in the Baltic States, is very large, booming, and very cosmopolitan. far less poverty too. There are also many more tourists probably because like Tallinn, it is a large port city - a major stop for cruise ships. It is also very expensive - much more so than the cities in the Baltics. I was suddenly paying double for a smaller cup of tea.

Most everyone spoke English and very well – even compared to Sweden and Norway. Overall, the city is very beautiful with tree lined streets, especially along the Esplanades. Cafes are everywhere - with the best hot chocolate ever.

Along The Esplanades

The day I arrived was museum appreciation day so all admission prices were waved. This was my cue to take in as many as I could in the three hours remaining before closing. I managed only two – Ateneum (Finnish National Gallery), and the National Museum of Finland. Not bad considering a 20 minute walk from one to the other. And, yes, I did go through both and did not just visit the gift shops (I have pictures). I just walked through fast. Both were great, especially the Ateneum, where they have a special exhibition called Onerva – Women of the City. The exhibition illustrates the life of women in 1910s Helsinki through the eyes of writer and critic L. Onerva.

Ateneum

National Museum

Now that I have visited the three major Scandinavian countries, I have noticed they all claim to be the “Official Home of Santa Claus”. Not sure who will win this competition but my bet is on Norway – all the souvenirs say “made in Norway”. So those that say “Finland – Official Home of Santa Claus” have “from Norway” on the underside. Those from Sweden are the same.

Stockmann Store (their version of the Bay, Harrods, Macy's, etc... and very popular and where you can buy a "Finnish Santa from Norway"!)