Rock Church

Another thoroughly potty final day with R and Z here in Helsinki. It was grey first thing, but that didn't put us off taking them to our favourite cafe, Regatta, for the compulsory drink and korvapuusti. They enjoyed a bit of a walk in the ice in the marina near Regatta (and a play on the revolving chair - see extra), so afterwards we decided it was safe enough to walk across the ice and around into the bay in order to get to the supermarket where R wanted to get G a Mignon egg and some other treats. Walking on the ice again was an unexpected pleasure for us all - we thought that was over for the year. In retrospect, perhaps Z, R and I could or indeed should have walked across the ice to Seurasaari for the bonfires last night. I bet a lot of people did. Anyway, too late now.

After Regatta, it was onto the trams to visit Arabia for a bit of souvenir shopping in the outlet shops there, and another wander on the ice. By that time the sun had come out, which was another unexpected pleasure. Tram back into town, and a wander around the market in Hakaniemi market square followed, including a snack on some excellent grilled small fish from one of the street food stalls. The final long walk was back around the top of Töölönlahti in order to show them where the bus stop for the airport is, and then up the hill to the rock church, which has been a gap in our tourist itinerary since we got here (I once visited it many years ago, but Mr A had never been). Very atmospheric and, indeed, spiritual. An amazing place.


Back here for some final snacks, before the girls headed off for the airport bus. They won't be back in Malmo until pretty late.


A full on weekend (I've done an epic number of steps this week...), with some great experiences for all of us. As R said, when they left, the fact that they became Finns straight away on arrival by going for the swimming and sauna experience on Friday meant that everything else just fell into place afterwards, as they were already Finnish!


It has been great to have them here, and to spend some time getting to know them better. And they've thrown themselves into every activity we've proposed with gusto and energy.


Result: two very tired people this evening. An early night beckons!