Sunday August 19th, 2018 Helsinki, Finland

Our 5th port in a row and we are feel a bit exhausted!

We took the ship’s shuttle bus into the city and explored the main shopping streets and the market on the dock. Fortunately, my brother Michael was able to act as an excellent guide for this stop has he had lived in Helsinki for 6 months a few years ago.

The nearby central square was bounded by the large Lutheran cathedral, government and university buildings.

After a bit of shopping and a visit to the famous Fazer café for coffee and cake we took the street car out of the city center and into a park area.

After a short walk we arrived at our destination; the monument to celebrate the famous Finnish composer Sibelius – it was a unique organ pipe-like construction.

Further strolling brought us to the “Rock Church”; a Lutheran facility that had been carved out of the rock hillside – inside was very peaceful and gave us time to relax and take in the unique creation.

A short taxi ride and we were back in the city center for a bit more shopping followed by an outstanding lunch at a restaurant called Kaana.