It takes some time to truly understand big crisscrossed roads of Helsinki. But once you get the hang of it, it's such a beautiful place to roam around!
Be it calm dockyard behind my apartment, long straight roads with trams flowing freely, white church and the souvenir shops.... Each brings new experiences and pleasures on every visit. The atmosphere has major role to play of course... Had it been anywhere after October, just walking down the streets would have been chilling.. But I was in Helsinki during June - August so completely enjoyed the fresh air and warm summer...
One of my favorite past time on lazy weekends was
Walking around the capital on busy streets of
White church. The church is truly humongous.
Just a single glimpse as you turn the corner from the train stop, architecture fills your heart with pleasure, calmness and respect. In front stands the Alaxander with his head held high, he by the way is not the alaxander the great we study in history but a Finnish patriot. As sun light fades, artificial lights further enhance the aura of this auspicious beauty.
After doing so much of walking, my favorite place was pizza joint near train station. I loved the concept of buffet served at this place. A vegetable buffet would cost 7.50€ which included salad, which by the way was the best part, soup and pizza.. Unlimited!
No wonder I put on weight during my stay, this pizza was very delicious. The owner of the shop was very nice person and would make special vegetable pizzas with extra corn and paneer for me.
As I wondered around the streets I came across many interesting shops. Some selling weird abstract artifacts, some selling travel books, some selling hand made jewelry and of course countless souvenir shops.
Among these shops was a small one selling cup cakes, which used to be open for very limited time period. One fine afternoon as I was returning home after a small stroll, I found a big board hanging out side this shop saying "Open"! I was really happy as I eagerly wanted to try this cupcake.
I pushed the front door and a small bell rang. I was greeted by a very sweet lady with a courteous smile on her shining face! Now I had many options to choose from but it took me some time to gather courage to buy that cup cake as every cup cake cost more than 2.50 €. But they did look delicious. Names and their colors were so misleading that I finally asked for help. She described me everything as to how different cup cake was made and every cake's features! Finally I made my mind about chocolate mint cake in the picture and asked her to pack it as I didn't want to eat it there, in hurry.
I didn't have change at the time so I gave her my card but to my bad luck the machine was not working! All cash I had was in 20€ bills. The change she returned was in coins which made my wallet heavier than my bag! My disappointment was clearly visible on my face but she was quick to react. As I turned around towards the door came her voice, "Can I offer you coffee for all the trouble of carrying that change. I make good coffee" Offer was impossible to deny! She obviously understood that I was Indian and prepared coffee Indian way, with extra milk and sugar, without me telling to. She handed me the cup with big smile and I felt really satisfied.
As I walked back home enjoying nice cup of Java, it made me think as to how simple acts of gratitude can make life so much more beautiful. And yes the cup cake was very delicious! If I ever visit Helsinki again, I am surely visiting that cake shop!
Be it calm dockyard behind my apartment, long straight roads with trams flowing freely, white church and the souvenir shops.... Each brings new experiences and pleasures on every visit. The atmosphere has major role to play of course... Had it been anywhere after October, just walking down the streets would have been chilling.. But I was in Helsinki during June - August so completely enjoyed the fresh air and warm summer...
One of my favorite past time on lazy weekends was
White church. The church is truly humongous.
Just a single glimpse as you turn the corner from the train stop, architecture fills your heart with pleasure, calmness and respect. In front stands the Alaxander with his head held high, he by the way is not the alaxander the great we study in history but a Finnish patriot. As sun light fades, artificial lights further enhance the aura of this auspicious beauty.
After doing so much of walking, my favorite place was pizza joint near train station. I loved the concept of buffet served at this place. A vegetable buffet would cost 7.50€ which included salad, which by the way was the best part, soup and pizza.. Unlimited!
No wonder I put on weight during my stay, this pizza was very delicious. The owner of the shop was very nice person and would make special vegetable pizzas with extra corn and paneer for me.
As I wondered around the streets I came across many interesting shops. Some selling weird abstract artifacts, some selling travel books, some selling hand made jewelry and of course countless souvenir shops.
Among these shops was a small one selling cup cakes, which used to be open for very limited time period. One fine afternoon as I was returning home after a small stroll, I found a big board hanging out side this shop saying "Open"! I was really happy as I eagerly wanted to try this cupcake.
I didn't have change at the time so I gave her my card but to my bad luck the machine was not working! All cash I had was in 20€ bills. The change she returned was in coins which made my wallet heavier than my bag! My disappointment was clearly visible on my face but she was quick to react. As I turned around towards the door came her voice, "Can I offer you coffee for all the trouble of carrying that change. I make good coffee" Offer was impossible to deny! She obviously understood that I was Indian and prepared coffee Indian way, with extra milk and sugar, without me telling to. She handed me the cup with big smile and I felt really satisfied.
As I walked back home enjoying nice cup of Java, it made me think as to how simple acts of gratitude can make life so much more beautiful. And yes the cup cake was very delicious! If I ever visit Helsinki again, I am surely visiting that cake shop!
