Helsingfors, Finland
It´s just after eight a.m., Sunday April 1st. I’m sitting in a car in Malmö, with my backpack in the backseat and the expectations in my head. Not to forget: the cup is filled with coffee (also known as the drink of life), which will be my best friend for the next 372 miles to Stockholm.
When I arrive to the capital, I get on the boat that will take me to my first stop on this trip: Helsingfors. Entertainment, food and wine, casino and blackjack.But maybe the best of all: spa and Finnish sauna. As you can tell, Viking Line has treated me very well.
The morning after, I woke up to winter in Helsingfors. Or maybe winter is an understatement because here it feels like the ice age. Snowstorm combined with sneakers and a spring jacket? Not the best idea. Anyway, me (and my cold injuries) was fighting our way to Helsingfors cathedral: Suurkirkko. I understand why it is Finland’s third most visited church. My dear friend Google just taught me that over 350 000 people visited this catholic church in 2006. Cool? Yes!
Another cool thing is the reindeer steak I enjoyed, along with a glass of Koskenkorva. A glass of Merlot might have been more appropriate, but when you are in Finland, you drink Kosken. After all, it is the national drink of the country.
Perhaps it´s for the best to appreciate the vodka, since I´m leaving for Russia tomorrow, and we all know that Russians loves their vodka. What else will I do in Russia and St. Petersburg? Eat Kasha or Shchi? What are even those things? Well, stay tuned to find out!
