Tag Archives: Finland

Pleasure in the Pathless Woods

  “There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, There is a rapture on the lonely shore, There is society, where none intrudes, By the deep Sea, and music in its roar: I love not Man the less, but Nature more, From these our interviews, in which I steal From all I may be, orContinue reading “Pleasure in the Pathless Woods”

Between the Blocks

Sculpture of Helsinki #19 From top to bottom is a memorial to Finland’s second president, Lauri Kristian Relander (1883-1942), and is situated in the Töölö neighborhood. The sculptor was Matti Peltokangas and he was the winning entry in competition for a memorial. The four blocks are much bigger than they look, each side is just overContinue reading “Between the Blocks”

A visit to Porkkala and 1950’s Era Russia

I was lucky enough to accompany Global Degree and Day With A Local on a tour of the Porkkala region in Southern Finland as part of a YouTube series that will be released next year. After catching an early train from Helsinki we arrived in Kirkkonummi where we were driven to Sjundby Manor. When weContinue reading “A visit to Porkkala and 1950’s Era Russia”

Two Views – Autumn VS Winter

Last week this view in Helsinki was full of colour, ruska was here and the city looked beautiful. Yesterday saw the first snow and that means only one thing, winter is on the way.  We don’t know for how long it will last but there is one certainty, more snow will come and the lakeContinue reading “Two Views – Autumn VS Winter”

Autumn in Helsinki

The last few weeks in Helsinki has seen the city change, the weather is cooler and the leaves have begun their autumn journey. In Finnish there is even a name for this short period of time during the autumn season, ruska. Ruska applies to the time when the leaves are at their most colourful andContinue reading “Autumn in Helsinki”

Sibelius Monument

Jean Sibelius was born in 1865 and was a composer of classical music, his music is often credited with giving Finland a national identity as they struggled for independence from Russia. Sibelius’s image was on the 100 mark note before Finland adopted the euro and his national day is celebrated on his birthday, December 8th.Continue reading “Sibelius Monument”

Repovesi National Park in Autumn

I found myself in Repovesi National Park for the second time this year. My previous visit I walked the enjoyable but short fox trail during summer, this time I set my sights a little higher and planned to spend two nights in the National Park. Along with a friend we arrived in the park late,Continue reading “Repovesi National Park in Autumn”

Fountain in the Night

Sculptures of Helsinki #14 The story behind this sculpture isn’t an interesting one but I am really happy with the long exposure and the way motion of the water is captured. The Bank of Finland Fountain is made from welded pieces of copper and is meant to resemble cupped hands with fingers entwined. You can findContinue reading “Fountain in the Night”

Repovesi National Park

Repovesi National Park is a few hours drive from Helsinki but worth the trip if time allows. For a day trip I would recommend the Ketunlenkki Trail, a 5km circuit that takes in some of the best spots in the park. and the route that I took. After leaving the car park the Ketunlenkki or fox trailContinue reading “Repovesi National Park”