On the Move

July 9, 2012

Sad to say that the bread (and breakfast) in Finland is inferior to our former experiences or perhaps we were just downright spoiled in the Scandinavian countries. On the other hand, our guide here is a delight as was our morning lecturer, Keith, an ex-pat who's lived in Finland most of his adult life. He is a professor at the University here in Helsinki. We learned so much about Finland's history and it's people in a short time and were highly entertained to boot. Talented guy.

We walked to our lunch spot from the hotel and then on to where we were supposed to get our charter bus to Seurasaari, an open air museum modeled on Scansen in Stockholm if you remember that. Good things for every traveler to pack: a sense of humour and a willingness to go to Plan B at a moment's notice. So we get to the pick-up point only to be informed that the bus has abandoned us. I am not quite sure why, but no bus, no ride. We walk back to a public bus stop and wait about 30 minutes and off we go. Painless really, except for the delay and needless walking. But hey, good thing to do after a hearty lunch.

The museum was quite interesting, especially the old church, and we had a sweet girl giving us a tour.

I lagged at the end since I was using the facilities and found myself having to RUN to catch the bus. Okay - total disclosure - I was also taking a few photos. It's not good for an old person to run, especially with a camera and large bag knocking you in the stomach. I was a bit heated once on the bus but gratified not to be left in the dust.

Back at the hotel we grabbed a slice at Pizza Hut since there was no time to spare before an organ concert at the Kallio Church. We all went via street car. Loved the two Bach pieces and the fact that the guy played a ginormous organ in the balcony of the church with enough sound to make your body vibrate. Awesome.

 

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