Day 11

Helsinki

the view from the window this morning

Today’s agenda included a library, a chapel and some shopping – a pretty good mix – and a plane flight ‘home’ to Sweden. So here is the agenda in pictures…

cone of silence for mobile phone users.

                                 

I got a great pic of a librarian who I’m sure was doing a send list but you’ll have to wait to see that one. I don’t blog people-pics unless I have their permission and she was doing the Finnish don’t-talk–to-me face so I didn’t like to (a) ask if she was doing a send list or (b) ask if i could put up her pic.

This chapel was in the same complex as the library and the shops. It was a wonderfully calm place and I couldn’t help but wonder how many Dad’s, husbands, boyfriends etc. had spent time praying for a reprieve from shopping and money left in the wallet.

     

                                                                 the ever-patient MGM with prayers unanswered

      

The walk back from the shops                                     outside the door this container
                                                                                 for a candle is made out of ice.

We had a Finnish feast for lunch.

smoked whitefish, eggs, potatoes (in the bowl with the lid on), pickles (that you eat with Russian sour cream and honey) a basket of bread, some herring and, in the little white boat, salmon roe that you eat piled with sour cream and Spanish onion, and some herring.

I have a strict try-the-local-food policy even when the look of the food is not attractive to my eye but I guarantee you ALL of this was absolutely y-u-m-m-y, yes even the pickles and sour cream with honey. The other dish on the lunch menu was reindeer (I didn’t get a pic of it) from which our host kindly gave me an exemption on account of it being red meat. I must admit I wouldn’t have been able to have a go at that but MGM did so you’ll have to ask him what it tasted like and whether he’s worried that he might now be on Santa’s naughty list for next Christmas.

Dessert was cheesecake

 which, in Finland, is actually cheese, that you cover with sweet sauce. It is so strange because it squeaks when you eat it. Something that’s very hard to describe.

After lunch it was time to bid farewell to Finland, saying a very hearty tack (thanks) to our hosts and allowing enough time to dig the car out of the parking lot before driving on snowy roads to the airport.

this is not the car we were driving but it is a good example of what happens if you sit to still for too long here. I hope you’re not getting too soggy down under, the floods are making the news even here in Sweden.

Day 10

Helsinki

A lot of people visit grave yards or battle fields or buildings that have some history or family significance and find themselves strangely moved by place. Well here we are in the land of my ancestors, Finland, and it really is amazing…this connection with my roots. It is an absolute joy to be in the snow and cold – I feel I belong in it; The Finns like to be quiet – now I know why I don’t like the small-talk thing; none of the Pellas clan I’ve met are morning people – hELLoOOo!

The only gene I seemed to have missed altogether is the culinary gene oh well I can work on making up for skipping that one.

So here’s the view from the window this morning…

After brekkie (which I;m not a fan of but everyone else seems to really enjoy) we took a bus into the city and then a tram around the city.

The main street looking left and                      

         and right  

 

kids will play anywhere. Here they are 
making a game out of the snow-ploughed
  snow. There was a lot of snow on the
  streets. It was –15 when we set out in the
  morning.

 

We wandered down to the frozen harbour. This shot is looking up at the distinctive red Catholic Cathedral which, unfortunately was closed.

Below is the harbour market

                  

Where we had a little Finnish snack…

salty, lightly crumbed, slightly sardine-ish fish called Muikku.

not exactly yummy but well worth the experience. It’s always good to add a new flavour to one’s repertoire.

The Lutheran Cathedral, below, was not only open but there was a choir in rehearsal, glorious. Doesn’t it look wonderful in its all-white-ness with the snow all around? That’s MGM standing out in his bright red, borrowed jacket . We are lovely and warm thanks to a loan from Pernilla and Christian.

            

Allans Abroad rule #1. always look up…

Helsinki university library                                       Train station

            

We covered a lot of ground looking for a Russian restaurant for a late lunch. I was so skippy-happy just being in the snow, didn’t really matter what we saw or where we ate but, as so often happens when you’re relaxed, we ended up having the most wonderful Finnish meal ‘cause we couldn’t find the Russian restaurant to eat bear meat. Mine was the local whitefish y-u-m! Monica and Evan had salmon soup, another traditionally Finnish dish – there’s just not enough room for all the good things!

With batteries re-charged we went in search of The Temppeliaukio Kirkko – The Church in the Rock, the most visited tourist sight in Helsinki (according to our guides) and such a stark difference to the other Lutheran church we visited today. What wonderful symbolism to build a church by blasting it out of the rock. Inside the rock has a physical and metaphorical presence. There’s usually signs asking for silence when you’re gawking at a church and this church was no exception but the musician in MGM jus wanted to clap a couple of times to check out the acoustics (he didn’t he’s way too respectful to do that).

It was dark outside and the dome was covered in snow anyway but I don’t really like taking pictures with a flash in a church – it seems so crass, so here’s someone else’s pictures so you can see what we saw…

       

remember rule #1?

looking up you see the most amazing coiled copper wire.

        

Weary but happy we journeyed home to warm up with delicious coffee and pigs, a favourite cake from Monica’s childhood that she picked up from the Harbour market this morning. Kind of like a sugar twist but not so donut-y.

Time for bed…love you my cherubs.

Day 9

Helsinki

It’s amazing what you learn about yourself when you travel. One thing you learn very quickly is just how much ‘stuff’ you need to survive and really, it’s not a lot. I thought we were traveling pretty light, we each have only one bag and one carry-on. Having reduced my entire life to this small capacity now we’ve reduced even further on our side-trip to Helsinki.

We didn’t want to fuss with checking luggage in so we each have a backpack that we can carry-on the plane. I have a spare shirt some smalls and my toothbrush but I couldn’t bare to leave the laptop behind ‘cause I wanted to show you the ice-ferry.

-15 is not that cold when you’ve got the right gear on + anticipation adrenalin pumping. This trip was a compromise in as much as it is not the icebreaker trip across the Baltic to Finland, which takes about 12 hours and at this time of the year is no place for landlubbers (MGM is not a fan of sea travel). No this is the much shorter trip across the Baltic to a Swedish island where Monica’s brother lives.

We had lunch here today (my goodness these people can cook!) and dropped Nikita off for her long weekend holiday while we’re in Finland. Then we drove to the airport for the 45 minute flight across the Baltic to Finland. I suppose it’s better than 12 hours in a boat but I would definitely have been up for it – what an experience.

We arrived in Finland to be greeted by another cousin and made the short journey to their home which will be ours too for the next few days. After another sumptuous meal we were treated to a tasting of home made liqueurs made from summer berries and fruits and good conversation.

How’s this for civilized!

We’re going to Helsinki for the tourist thing tomorrow – hope you have a good day and that it’s not too hot down under.

Day 8 Segeltorp

Segeltorp

Another quiet-ish day today. We wandered down to the local shops which include the afore-mentioned world’s largest IKEA and today it was open! so in we went, of course. Along with half the population of Sweden attracted by the Rea (sale).

We broke up our IKEA experience with eating – as you do. Some very Swedish meatballs for MGM (had to be done) and I had another popular Swedish dish prawn and egg sandwich (that description does not do it justice). We had a go at asking for it but apparently our accent are hilarious. After much laughter we took the server out form behind the counter and pointed at the picture. Monica taught me how to say it when we got back but I can’t spell it so you’ll have to wait for me to get home to hear my wonderful Swedish accent.

Then we entered the labyrinth that is the IKEA trademark until, exhausted we found another cafe. This time Swedish strawberry cake and coffee revitalised us enough to hunt out the exit. What seemed like hours later but was probably only 20 minutes we saw the light of day … hooray!

Then back to Monica’s and Even’s for a short nap (due to all the food) as we await more food (am fast growing out of all my clothes!) when we have dinner with their children and grandchildren. I don’t know whether I just happen to be lucky in my family or whether all Swedes cook like this but every meal we’ve had here is very gourmet-like and I’m told that the Finnish rellies we’re visiting tomorrow are renowned for their culinary skills too – yikes!

Anyway here’s what we saw on the way to the shops, see you tomorrow…

Day 7 Sweden

Stegelthorp

Well we flopped into bed at 2am this morning, very content with snow gently falling outside. So we all slept in and then, with the snow still gently falling, decided we deserved a dressing-gown day.

We started the new year in the best possible way on skype with the girls. It was so good to see their smiling faces. They were at home cooking dinner together (actually I did notice that it was Cam who kept ducking away to turn the food in the oven etc.). And I got to chat with MYS (my young son) during his new year’s eve party so I don’t feel so far away from them all today. It is so good to know that it’s 40˚ there as I sit and watch the snow falling. 

want to see some pictures?

 

 the view from the breakfast table

   

 

 

 

snow ploughing - a necessary job

                              

                                                                          MGM ‘can I have a turn?’

In the front yard!

We’re visiting Stockholm tomorrow and then on Monday we’re flying to visit rellies in Helsinki where it is predicted to be –20˚. Even Monica says it’ll be cold there.

Talk to you soon.

Day 6 31st December

*** Look * at * this ***

No this is not a post card this is Monica and Evan’s home! Into which we have been welcomed with true Swedish hospitality. I’m Monica’s cousin once removed (she’s my Dad’s cousin) but for the Swedish we are just family and while it couldn’t be further from my home and life it feels strangely home-like here. We went for a wander today down to their local shops today here’s what we saw along the way…

Here we are ready to go for our walk. Moncia has her ‘sparka’ (kick) sled. She’s the only one in her part of town with one, she takes it out when she walks the beautiful Nikita and of course I had a go – so much fun!

Monica and Evan did the grocery shopping while MGM and I paid a visit to the largest IKEA in the world, but alas it was closed…boo.

and they’re having a sale too. here’s the sign ‘rea’ (sale) out the front …in ice!

We thought we knew the way home but did have a moment when we were unsure which way to go, the snow blanket makes land-marks a little uniform, then we spotted the kick tracks and followed them home like Hansel and Gretel with the breadcrumbs.

Later in the evening we drove the short distance to Trollbacken (where Monica’s daughter and family live) where we were treated to a four course meal (they celebrate in style here) to celebrate the end of the old year and immanent arrival of the new.

Y-U-M-M-Y
(yes that’s lobster and it’s the entre!)

and then Sweden turned on some snow for us. With snow falling we let off fireworks in the front yard! Some of you will be able to remember cracker night? Well it’s still allowed here and just the same only colder (I know a certain young son who would have been in heaven!)

Then off to Skansen (an amazing open air museum and zoo) for fireworks and concert. It will be ‘quite mild only –7’ Evan said because it was snowing (it’s colder when it’s NOT snowing) and by the time we arrived there it was only –1 … positively warm!

Imagine the Sydney fireworks but with snow falling and you’ve got a picture of our new year’s eve. Even with the water because the fireworks were over their harbour too. Nothing stops the Swedish the stage-hands were actually shovelling the snow off the stage can you imagine the OH&S issues if us Aussies were faced with such conditions?!

Skol! Happy New year EVERYONE!