Return to Finland

 November 17 - 19, 2022

After a decent night's sleep, I went down to a good breakfast.  Radisson Blu has a very busy breakfast room with multiple food and drink stations.  A notch above most chain hotels that I've been to.  It was crowded though, so I got a table in an overflow area in the back, making it a hassle to go back for more food or drink.  

When I'd had my fill and finished off several cups of coffee, I went and zipped up my bags and hauled them to the lobby.  I hadn't paid for an airport transfer, but had noticed a sign in the lobby for an airport bus that went every half hour.  So around 9:30, I walked out to the curb, boarded a bus and bought a ticket for about $7.  It was considerably cheaper than prepaying through Hurtigruten, and 45 minutes later, I was dropped off right at the Bergen airport.  And before long, I was in the air for the short flight.  I had a great view of the many islands and rugged mountains.

When booking this trip, I found it was more expedient to get a round trip ticket to Finland, so instead of flying from Bergen home, I was returning to Finland for a couple more days with my Helsinki area family.

Settled back in to the cozy basement guestroom, I joined my sister-in-law and her family for a relaxing Friday.  Anne and I did a little local shopping, stopping for lunch at the Nepalese restaurant we went to on the earlier portion of my trip.  I bought a few more gifts for the grandkids, but had the most fun shopping for candy.

Supper with family was followed by an evening of visiting and playing games.  And of course there was candy on the table.  I rarely play games, and had intended to just observe, but I got talked into playing and really enjoyed it.

Saturday morning some of the kids joined us for a delicious brunch.

While we were eating it began to snow.  Big fluffy flakes that soon turned everything white.

Anne had a busy afternoon planned for us, so once the dishes were done, we headed into the city.

At home I'm not usually involved in politics, but here in Finland, I'm happy to join in any peaceful cause that doesn't go against my beliefs, if it means spending more time with family.  Anne expertly handled the snowy roads and got us parked downtown Helsinki for the day.  Well bundled against the cold, we first joined a rally supporting the rights of oppressed women in Iran.  

There were many yellow and blue flags, showing support for Ukraine as well.

From this location, in front of a shopping mall, we walked to Senate Square, where a crowd was gathered in front of the massive steps of the Senaatintori, also referred to as the Government Palace, or the Senate House.

This gathering was protesting the heavy-handed government regarding, among other things, the current protocol on vaccines.  Across the world people were gathered for World Wide Freedom Day, but with varied agendas.

Finnish people aren't known for huddling close together, so it got a bit chilly standing still on the frozen ground.  Much of what was said was in Finnish, so the time got long.  Still, it was enjoyable to spend time doing something less touristy.

Nearby was a huge, creatively designed public library, where we went to warm up.  It was quite an incredible building that I neglected to take interior photos of.  With at least two levels, part of the floor swooped up like the deck of a ship.  Anne knows a lot of people, so we joined a friend of hers for supper at the cafeteria.  Then a gentleman, with aspirations for public office, joined us.  When he and Anne got very involved in a long conversation, her friend took me on a tour of the library.  

From the upstairs windows we could enjoy views of the snowy streets below.

With days so short, it was dark already in the afternoon, but there was still several hours for enjoying Helsinki and for some last minute shopping.  I was on a quest for some husky dog stuffed animals for the grandkids who were caring for my Tia back home.  White lights were strung up everywhere, and shop windows were festively decorated.

The light snow had turned to ice on the streets and sidewalks, so walking was quite treacherous.

Given the hazards of walking around, we finished our evening off in a warm, multi-level department store.  It was there I found not only the stuffies I was looking for, but several adorable Christmas decorations. 

Stores were closing by the time we headed back to the parking garage.  To save some walking, we boarded a street car and rode it for several stops.

Back at the house, we had a little time in the evening for visiting in their cozy living room, while enjoying a warm, spicy cup of glogg.  Then, it was off to bed for my last night in Finland.