Daylight Robbery

An early morning arrival of the ferry means that I have all day to explore the serene harbor city that is the National capital until disaster strikes!

Confronted with the paradoxical problem of everything I had taken out of my panniers (minus several magazines) no longer fitting back in the very place they were removed from twenty-seven hours earlier... Confused? Me too. I try for half an hour to fit everything back into the panniers, as one by one my new, well meaning, acquaintances ask if everything is alright… I bite my tongue  :)

Much to the relief of the crew, I solve the problem and get a personal escort to the exit of the port – as if they did not trust me to not get lost!?!  ;-)

I head to the hostel for a quick pit stop and then off into Helsinki to explore the sights and sounds. I kick off my tour by grabbing a Fish Burger in the Kauppahalli and stretch my legs by wandering around the Kauppatori (Fish Market). Here I witness the most perfect seagull stealing scenario that I have ever seen :D

Next I take the short ferry ride to the Fortress of Finland (or Sweden – depending on which story you believe). Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a tight cluster of islands with the old fortifications still well preserved.

Back on the mainland and with ice cream in hand, I wander around the town taking in the Tuomiokirkko, Uspenski Cathedral, Esplanad Park, Stockmann’s Department Store, Vanha Kirkko and Temppeliaukio Church.

Weary from the all the wandering, I stop for food at the odd Zetor.  My menu choices include a main course of reindeer and chocolate beetroot cake for pudding. I finish the day off with a high-altitude drink at Ateljeer Bar, the easiest way to see the whole city :)

Distance: 5.9 miles

P.S.  Happy Birthday Pops!!