Helsinki the festival city

As the day began with a little drizzle in the air, we set off and had a wander around some of the shops before before lunch. Today is "Cleaning Day" throughout the city and on every street corner and every car park and green square, the locals were out in force selling their old clothes, shoes, toys and just about anything else you can think of - cleaning out the old to make room for the new. It was almost as if the centre of town had been turned into a giant flea-market. In addition, there was a big charity related festival going on in the main shopping district, aimed primarily at fund raising, but also raising awareness about migration issues and recruiting for organisations such as the Red Cross.

Whilst we were having an early lunch, the clouds moved away and the sun came out. This gave us an opportunity to walk to the northern outskirts of the city and to the Olympic Park, the venue for the 1952 Olympic Games. (I should add that Helsinki is a very compact city and easily walkable).

On the downside, the Olympic Tower and museum were closed but this was because the stadium was being used for what appeared to be the regions senior schools sports day.  On the upside, it was great to see the stadium full of colour and vociferous and enthusiastic students, cheerleaders, supporters and spectators and it being used for the purpose it was originally built.

We wended our way back to Market Square by circumnavigating Toolonlahti lake but not before passing the Lutheran Cathederal and stopping to watch a newly wedded couple and their family entourage in all their finery emerging from the main door. They certainly had a glorious afternoon for their celebrations and we wish them well.

By now, feet were beginning to ache a little so we decided to have a bit of a sit down and at the same time do what the locals do and travel by tram. Tram line 2 is a circular route which passes many of the city's attractions and for the grand sum of 3 euros each we rested weary limbs as the tram took an hour to complete a circuit and we took in a little sightseeing.

Once back at our starting point, we joined the throng in Esplanadi Park which was enjoying the big band and vocals group who were performing on stage. Once again, the support and enthusiasm of the large crowd was generous and warm.

The last stop of the day was back in the central shopping district where a little oasis of calm and tranquility could be found inside the recently erected wooden church. This small building has been built entirely of ash and is certainly very unusual and modern in its architecture.

Before heading back to the hotel, we needed to find somewhere to eat and thus made our way to another restaurant specialising in local dishes. This time I had a smoked salmon salad to start and pepper chicken for mains. Claire opted for salmon soup and meatballs and then we shared a Lapland breadcheese for dessert. Think melted mozzarella cheese in a single cream and cinnamon sauce, with blackberry jam on the side. Delicious!

So after our very busy and tiring but exciting day, I'm sure we will sleep well tonight!