Blogs from Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, Europe - page 9

Took yesterdaymorning the 7.30 ferry to Helsinki. Arrived at 9.30 and took a taxi to the Glo hotel Art near the centre. Fortunately they had already a room available. Starting price of a taxi in Helsinki is euro 5,90 . Asked the driver if that was the fixed price to the hotel. It was not. Not to far to drive so it ended at euro 10.-- Never been in Helsinki before except to change plane. Strange to see that all streets has the name in finnish and swedish. Probably still to thank that they belonged 500 years to Sweden. Also at schools Swedish is the second language . Temperature is around 20 degrees and for them it s really summer. If it comes to 25/28 degrees they talk about a heat wave.Made a tour around Helsinki ... read more

Arriving monday at about 17.00 hours in Tallinn I took a taxi to the hotel. Taxidriver was complaining about the euro: Less tips, higher prices, divorced, human rights. Fortunately the kids were o.k. and his new wife helping a lot. Hope his kids are not with him. I asked him about the human rights what s your problem you re white.No, human rights had to do with his earnings he was human and should earn more.It was not his own taxi but he worked for a company and the only way to earn a bit more is to turn on the taximeter after the first 3 or 4 km. Than the passenger had to pay more than the meter indicated but they understood, O sorry I did it again forgot the meter. The distance will be ... read more

I went to Finland to attend James and Karita's wedding. You may remember them from my travels in India. Their wedding was done really well. Great people, great food, and a great venue. I have included a few of my favorite pictures from the wedding. While I was there, my friend Mirva was in Helsinki. She showed me around Helsinki and we met a few of her freinds. Enjoy!... read more

Sunday, August 21, 2011-Trip Notes Why don't they they let you get wifi for free like in the states? I've been to very few places who'll allow a fee connection. I guess I'll wIt until I hit the info center. I set my alarm for 5:00 AM, but rolled over and got up at about 5:20 AM. I needed a shower, so I spent a little extra time on that. I packed up, got out, and was off by 6:30 AM. Fumbled around trying to find Route 140, Old Helsinki Road. Found it, stopped for breakfast, and was on my way. Pretty good. I usually get very lost finding my way out of a city. Route 140 was just too easy. All of the traffic was on highway. Add to that the fact that it was ... read more

Niin kauan kuin olen tuntenut Matiaksen (eli n.11 vuotta), hän on halunnut matkustaa Japaniin. Haave on vihdoin toteutumassa parin päivän päästä, kun lähdemme toukokuuksi reppureissulle Japaniin. Japani vaikuttaa todella kiehtovalta maalta, eikä vähiten siksi, että tähän mennessä kaikki tapaamani ihmiset, jotka ovat käyneet tai asuneet Japanissa, ovat pitäneet Japanista. Luulen, että moni innostuu Japanista juuri harrastusten - itsepuolustuslajien, sarjakuvien, ruuan, cosplayn tms. - kautta. Itse tutustuin Japanin kulttuuriin paremmin harrastaessani aikidoa nelisen vuotta yläaste- ja lukioaikoina. Matias on puolestaan harrastanut judoa ja pelannut japanilaisia konsolipelejä. Matias on haaveillut Japanin matkasta sen verran pitkään, että hän jännittää hieman, vastaako maa odotuksia. Työkaverit ovat kyselleet: Miksi juuri Japani? Matiasta kiehtoo se, että Japani on kehittynyt maa, mutt... read more