Metsa…a beautiful shop

When I was last in Helsinki I found this wonderful new shop on Mannerheimintie, near the corner of Bulevardi.

It is founded by Carita Peltola who was inspired by the wonderful Finnish forests. She was in the shop the day I visited.

Metsa means forest in Finnish. The mossy retreat is full of treasures, from wild herbs to woodsy toiletries, clothing and lovely things for your home…all designed to improve wellbeing.

I will definitely drop in on my next visit to Helsinki next week and I have  left some room in my suitcase.

 

Sunday in Helsinki

Sunday turned out to be a perfect autumn day in Helsinki.  It was cool, but the sun was shining and the sky was blue.

I began my day in the lovely park beside the Vanha Kirkko, old church.

The rooftop at Stockmann. They say if you can’t get it at Stockmann you don’t need it.

The park in Esplanadi never disappoints.

Havis Amanda smiling as usual.

I took the ferry to Suomenlinna, the old military island in the harbour. These days it is a lovely green space where people love to walk and have lunch at one of the many pretty cafes and restaurants.

The old bunkers are a reminder of the island’s military past.

Back at the harbour the two headed eagle stands tall.

…and the flame on top of the Russian church shines in the sun.

Time for lunch at El Fant.

Tuomiokirkko is a must see on any visit to Helsinki.

The hanging baskets are still doing well.

The new library is a great place to spend some time.

There is an outdoor terrace which won’t be in use much longer…until next spring.

The harbour in the late afternoon.

See you in November Helsinki, maybe there will be snow.

 

Oodi wins library award

The fabulous Oodi library in Helsinki has won the Public Library of the Year Award.

Oodi was chosen from 16 newly built libraries around the world.

I am not surprised, it is a stunning building and the facilities are excellent.

Summer in Helsinki

Helsinki is a gorgeous city at any time, but in summer it really shines. We were lucky to enjoy perfect summer weather on our recent visit.

The iconic sites in Helsinki look fabulous under blue skies.

 

Toolonlahti was buzzing with life.

The white duck is still around.

Esplanadi was full of people enjoying the weather, the greenery and the flowers.

 

The harbour markets were busy and full of great things.

Thank you Helsinki for putting on a perfect summer visit.

Finland wins

The Stone Men are wearing blue to celebrate Finland’s win against Canada in the ice hockey world championship.

Thank you Jodie for sharing…kiitos means thank you.

Marimekko spring fashion

Marimekko celebrated the beginning of the summer season with the annual fashion show in Helsinki’s Esplanade Park on Friday 17th May.

They got a gorgeous sunny day for the event. Their bright, colourful, easy to wear clothes are perfect for summer.

Thank you Jodie for taking the photos to share with us.

 

New library in Helsinki

The new Helsinki Central Library Oodi opened on 5th December 2018 opposite the Finnish Parliament in the Toolonlahti district. It sits beside the Helsinki Music Centre and the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art.

It is a stunning building flowing like a wave across the square.

Its 3 levels house a cafe, restaurant, public balcony, movie theatre, audio-visual recording studio and makerspace.

The open plan reading room, known as book heaven, takes up the entire top floor.

 

The residents of Helsinki are lucky to have such a beautiful space in the city.

Please take a look at the official site to see more.

http://www.oodihelsinki.fi

Together in Finland

Two young friends of mine from Brisbane have begun an adventure in Finland. Jodie and Allen have embarked on a new life in Helsinki.

Jodie has a connection with Finland. Her mother was born there and Jodie has been a regular visitor for most of her life. Allen has also enjoyed several trips to Finland and they both feel quite at home in this wonderful country.

They have already travelled widely in the country and will continue to explore when their new jobs permit.

You can follow their adventures on Instagram. Look for Together in Finland. Jodie is a whiz at organising explorations of Finland so leave a comment below if you are planning a visit.

Finland is lucky to have them.

Beautiful buildings

I love discovering a new area (for me) in Helsinki. On my last trip to Helsinki I joined some friends who have just moved to the city to explore the area, Eira,  where their apartment is located.

We began our walk at St John’s church.

Join us for a wander past some stunning architecture.

We stopped for a coffee at this great market called Moka.

 

We pressed on…

We ended our walk where we began.

The day was overcast and cool, but Helsinki still looked great. I will be back in Helsinki soon. I am hoping for snow.

 

Ice and snow in Helsinki

There has been some cold weather in Helsinki with lots of snow. My lovely friend Jodie went for a walk along the seaside.

She found beautiful ice sculptures created by the snowfall and and the action of the water.

She also found two swans out foraging for food. I worry about their poor legs getting horribly cold paddling around in that freezing water. They must be tough to survive the winter in Helsinki.

I will be in Helsinki in a few weeks. I am hoping for snow.

Thank you Jodie for sharing gorgeous Helsinki.