Finland VIII: Extra

In all, Finland was lovely. I was amazed by many things but most importantly the people. They are neither fiesty nor rude nor reckless. I'm sure there are people like that as well but compared to the hectic cities I've lived in, people seemed very tame and poised of their daily lives; I suppose this must the Scandinavian way of life although I do know that I'm stretching myself a bit to make a hugely broad comment.

But in all seriousness I really felt the warmth of the people. Everyone had been very kind and helpful; and their command of their English never ceases to astonish me. If only I can do that with my other languages. The weather was cold and harsh but I can see why people have a higher quality of life; they have some nice coffee and some good lights to keep them sane during the darn and cold days! Nevertheless I would love to come back again in the summer.

I also fell in love with the food. I am definitely making the salmon soup and spinach pancakes for my family. 
Now here are a few more extra shots of the beautiful city dressed with snow!

Finland VII: Korvapuusti

Korvapuusti or simply known in the English world as cinnamon buns are a typical and well-loved Scandinavian treat. I fell in love with these little pasteries as well since they smell so good! The secret is that there's lots of cardamon in the buns which give it a boost in aroma. I can see why Finnish people consume so much coffee...I can have a few of those joes with these buns!

Cinnamon buns are existent in almost all cafes but there are some favorites. I went to Cafe Espaland where their buns are huge! Though I recommend you go early in the morning since they weren't as fresh when I went in the afternoon.

Café Esplanad 
Address: Pohjoisesplanadi 37, 00100 Helsinki, Finland  
(few doors down from the Academia Bookstore)

Phone:+358 9 665496

Finland VI: Thanksgiving Meal

For some reason me and Nancy tend to travel around the time for Thanksgiving. I suppose since it's because it's when ticket are cheap plus it's before the chaotic season kicks in. In any case, for the past few trips it's become custom to have a nice dinner together during our trip to celebrate our great national holiday and also celebrate our reunion and our trip together.

We decided to go to __. It's raved by locals and tourists and the prices are very reasonable. Plus the staff was absolutely friendly and lovely. If you would like to have some traditional Finnish food in a nice ambicance this is definitely the place.


So what is Finnish food? I only got a glimpse of it but my favorite dish so far is the salmon soup. It's a cream based soup with potatoes, onions,dill, and salmon. It warms you up instantly on cold days!

Here's to many more trips to come!

Finland V: Supermarket

A trip would never be complete without making a trip to the local market. I love shopping in Finland for two reasons: 1) They use the Euro which makes things so much more easier for me (Having have to use Swiss Francs is complicating my life enough!) 2) while the prices are relatively high, it's still cheaper than Switzerland.

Supermarkets are probably something I most look forward too. Not only am I pig and can buy local foods for cheap, you can really see the local food culture. You also see a lot of local people going about their normal business; a good change from the touristy areas. I assure you you will always find some interesting things.

Finnish people are one of the biggest coffee drinkers in the world which is quite suprising but not so much when you consider the cold winters and long nights..you need 'em extra boosts to brighten the days!

Noticed Finnish people love soups and salads, here are a few

So...is this a dressing for bacon or bacon dressing? I so should've bought this

Surprised that Scandinavian food in general use a lot of spices. I guess this is why I must like them

Wow there's even moomin coffee

Spinach pancakes, one of my favorite!

Potato and pork meatball soup

Don't underestimate pre-made food here, it was quite good!

Finland IV: Day Trip

As travel veterans, we're pretty quick and efficient tourists. Afterall, we did go all around Paris in 24 hours, literally: 20 sites. So Helsinki was a breeze. We had a number of alternative options but they were all quickly ruled out due to cost, budget, time, and most of all the weather. We wanted to go somewhere different but cheap and doesn't take too long before we freeze over.

Our Airbnb owner suggested Suomenlinna island. It's about a 15-20min ride from the main port and transportation is included in the one day city-wide transportation.

                                               

The island is a UNESCO heritage sight and was built as a fort for Swedes. There's a bit of a complicated history here which I haven't been able to read into closely. However, in the modern days it's a great getaway for tourists and locals to have picnics and weddings during the summer that is. We were a bit worried what there would be there for us during the winter season but it did not disappoint us. The medieval feeling and the snow made the atmosphere very majestic and picturesque. It was freezing cold but worth looking at the beautiful scenery.

By the time our fingers and feet were freezing off, we were ready for some beer at the island brewery. And of course, some warm soup :)