I am an Australian who loves Finland. I admit to some bias. My grandfather was born in Finland and even though he left to come to Australia when he was only 19, he never lost his love for the country of his birth. I have always been proud of my Finnish heritage.
I don’t live in Helsinki, and I don’t claim to be an expert on the city, but I travel regularly to Finland and have spent many happy hours wandering about taking photos and making observations, which I would like to share.
I’ve never been to Helsinki, but Im looking forward to following your adventures.
Following you here too.
This is a nice glance at a land I don’t know… yet.
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yah….. love your blogs and will be following… ๐
I hope you visit Helsinki one day.
Oh, I was just looking around to find some Aussie Bloggers but to no avail.
Now that I found you, I’m so happy! ๐
I was trying to enjoy your beautiful pictures you have here, but the internet connection has been really slow to download new pictures. Perhaps the week-long rainy season in Canberra has got anything with it? Hope not.
Anyway, I’ll take another look at your pictures next time. But do keep posting, you’ll be source of inspiration for people who are fond of Finland! ๐
Subhan Zein
I have heard about the rain in southern Australia. It is making the news here in Europe. I love Finland and Helsinki and have lots more photos.
Finland is on my list of places to visit, so I will be visiting your blog in the future to learn more. Thanks for sharing! ๐
Finland is a beautiful place to visit. The countryside is lovely, the people are friendly and the food is great.
I’ve moved here in Helsinki very recently.. and fortunately I love this city pretty much…;-) I’m looking forward to Spring!!! Finns do not call spring though..they call summer!! ha
I have been several times in spring and will be back in May for a short visit. The city is gorgeous when all the flowers fill the city with colour. I wasn’t aware of the spring/summer thing.
From one Aussie-travelling-blogger to another… I’ll look forward to learning more about Finland – a place which has not hit my radar before now.
Finland is a beautiful country and Helsinki is a delightful city. You should visit one day. Finnair flies from Hong Kong to Helsinki and on to Paris. It is a great way to get to Europe.
I love your blogging and have just nominated you for the “One Lovely Blog Award” ๐
follow this link for the details… http://aussiesinfrance.wordpress.com/2012/05/18/and-the-nominees-are/
Welcome to Finland someday. As in many cases, remember that Helsinki is only a small part of Finland. There so much to see and experience outside of Helsinki that You cannot imagine. I know it, because now after being retired since seven years I have traveled my country here and there with my camera.
When coming to Finland and to Helsinki also, then take Your time to enjoy Your trip to โunknownโ.
Happy blogging!
Hi Matti,
I have travelled all over Finland and I agree with you that it is beautiful. We have been as far north as Inari and around the coast from Rovaniemi through Oulu, down through Turku and Hanko, across to the Russian border and then to Lapeenranta, Lahti and Jyvaskyla with a few other places in between. I have been 8 times to Finland, mostly before I started blogging and I don’t have photos of the rest of Finland. I will definitely be back!
Hi Debra. Seems so good all that You wrote. I give You a tip where You must visit next time. It is the small town in Eastern part of Finland called Savonlinna. If You look my newest post
Savonlinna cruise
then You understand its beauty. At the end there are few links to my previous Savonlinna posts. Come to this beautiful town and visit its Opera Festivals inside the murals of old medieval castle called Olavinlinna. It is great experience. We’ll visit Opera Festivals next summer (2013).
Have a wonderful day!
Thank you for the information. It is actually something we want to do at some time.
Hi,
I have a travel website, 1wrongturn.com. I am currently working on a post about Helsinki and would love to include a link to your blog and maybe a photo or two. Your photos are just beautiful! Is this okay with you? Would you be willing to put a link to my website?
Thanks so much,
Bonnie
Hi Bonnie,
You can use some of my Helsinki photos as long as there is a link back to my blog and an acknowledgement of my photos.
Hi Debra,
I’m heading to Finland at the end of the month so I’m particularly interested in your trip and the fact we share the same last name. I did a search and type in “Kolkka Finland” and came upon your blog. Your photos are amazing! I don’t know if we’re related- my Great Grandfather, Matti Kolkka, emigrated to New York in 1889 from Viborg. “Kolkka” is an extremely rare name in the States. I’m sure your blog will enhance my first trip to Finland.
Maureen Kolkka
Nice observing from distance…not been to any part of Europe for the last 15 years
There are many wonderful things to experience in Europe.
Love your post “Little Bit of Italy in Helsinki.” I write about Italy on my website and thoroughly enjoyed this article. Your photos are amazing….all of them! Thank you
Thank you for your comments. It was great to see some Italy in Helsinki.
Gorgeous photos.
i bet that Finland is absolutely beautiful. My wife and I were just talking about traveling through that area the other day
Finland is a beautiful country. We have travelled all over the country from south to north and east to west and found it a fascinating place to visit.
I think having a familial love of Finland but being able to see it through fresh eyes each time you visit is the perfect situation. And kudos for the commitment to that long commute! ; )
I really love my time in Finland. I feel completely at home there and can’t wait to get back in February. You do get used to the flights and I like flying with Finnair.
Hello, it’s nice to be here. Your posts are very inspirative and impressive. I wish I could follow you, seeing Finland directly not just in my mind.
Thank you for your comments. Finland is a fascinating country to visit. I hope you do so one day.
You are welcome ๐ Personally for me Finland is the country of my dreams. It has an excellent education system and enviable by my country. Therefore I hope to continue my study there. Atmosphere in Finland is also very comfortable. I know this from my friends who had gone there. The sun never sets there throughout the summer as if life never stops and people will never rest for success. Similarly, in winter, the sun only appears a few moments as if to remind people to take a rest after tired from work.
Your blog is my great find today..My husband and I will be visiting Finland this July.I hope to get some guidance from your blog..:)
I’m sure you will have a great time in Finlsnd it is a beautiful country. Helsinki is a charming city with lots to see and do. I hope the blog will help you find some fun things to do.
Hi, I think your blog is lovely and I have nominated you for an award. Please take a look but don’t worry if you don’t have time or don’t wish to participate. Best wishes, Marion
hi! i can’t find your email adres but would like to ask for permission to use the picture of the monument for a social media account. is that allright with you?
My email address is debrakolkka@gmail.com. I am happy for you to use a photo. Thank you for asking.
My email address is debrakolkka@gmail.com. You are welcome to use a photo. Thank you for asking.