The Market Square

Prior to this trip, the only product I've associated Finland with was the Nokia phone. I've been a Nokia user for a long time. For many Pinoys back home, even getting a new Nokia meant always checking from a cell phone dealer whether that latest model is originally from Finland or *gasps* from China. Nothing elicits a confident smile than knowing it is actually made from a Finnish factory.

With a few more hours to kill before our ferry ride to Tallinn, Estonia, we decided to check the Market Square, Helsinki's famous open air market located at the end of Esplanadi, a major thoroughfare. It is actually close to where we board the ferry, so close enough to the water that sightseeing boats also depart from there. Like the victorious Vikings of yore, we wanted to snag some memento of Finland (and not just the phone that I already use everyday, duh!).

A Walk Around Central Helsinki

As is true with many cities in Europe, biking is a popular mode of transport in Helsinki, especially during summer. Even the hotel where we were staying offered free use of bikes for its guests. Unfortunately, they only have one left available by the time I came to ask and the rental office somewhere nearby doesn't open until an hour later. We were so ready for exploration anyway so even without bikes, we set off . . . to walk around the city.

Helsinki, Finland

Back in April, my planned visit to the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania was abruptly aborted. As you all know, an Icelandic volcano decided to throw a terrific tantrum which grounded all planes going to and from northern Europe. In the chaotic weeks that followed, I desperately tried to sort out things and I eventually ended up having my frequent flier miles re-deposited back to my Marco Polo account without penalty :) As summer approached, I was faced with a dilemma as where I should go. Destinations came up to my mind and I was toying with the idea of either going up north to Alaska or going south to Ecuador - both with volcanoes that may potentially erupt and cause travel disruptions again.