Finlandia

Well armed with the map and Jo’s recommendations, we set off first of all to buy a 2 day travel pass for €13.50 each. We got a team and headed down to the waterfront to look at the old covered market where we should have bought a picnic as the sandwiches looked good and were €5. We got a ferry, also included in our tram ticket, to Suomenlinna, an out-lying Island. We wondered why there were lots of soldiers about but assumed it was because there was a fortress and barracks there. We wandered around in the sun, and when we stopped for a sit-down by a jetty we noticed soldiers hanging around. Then more arrived armed with lots of gold braid. After a bit a little military boat arrived and some very ornate uniforms got out. Later a normal little tour boat arrived, but with no tourists, just more uniforms and older civilians. They all headed off up into the Island. We were told it was a national day, and later saw more soldiers with a wreath at a war memorial. (Finland fought WW2 on the Nazi side 1941-44.)

On our return we found an Alco (shop selling alcohol) which was underground, to get wine for dinner as Alph was cooking.

We dropped the wine at the flat to chill and walked round to the Sibelius monument which was lovely. I read my book for a bit at a cafe by the water, got too much sun, and on the way back we saw red squirrels playing in a tree. By the time we got back Alph was ready to pour as it was G and T time, then we had the yummy dinner he cooked, and a great evening of jolliness. What wonderful hosts!