Finland! Helsinki! It took us a whole day to get here.

We got to our exchange home in Vantaa around midnight last night. We checked out what will be our home for the next 10 days (it's beautiful and there is a sauna!) unpacked, put on our eye shades (the sun rises an hour earlier and sets an hour later than it does in Minnesota right now) and sacked out, we were exhausted.

Today we took  the light rail train into Helsinki after first walking about 1.5 km. It's a lovely walk with lots of trees  and forest about and we crossed this river which is very close to our home:

 In central Helsinki we first strolled around this plaza and took pictures of the train station which was designed by the architect Eliel Saarinen, father to the architect Eero Saarinen.

 A wonderful example of the Art Nouveau style.

 We walked down to the harbor and through Market Square. 

 So much food in the square! Don ate a reindeer sausage with fries and I had salmon and roasted veggies with dill/garlic sauce. We just sat on the steps of the harbor and ate and fought off aggressive gulls.

 Always take time to relax and enjoy a drink or two at an outdoor table. We've learned that vacations don't have to be about seeing every sight or museum.

We walked up the steps to this cathedral and took in the view.

 Walking down the Esplanade we noticed a large crowd and heard cheering coming from Senate Square and decided to investigate. 

 It's the Samba Carneval! Now in it's 27th year. Senate Square is where the parade gets started.

 Lots of people on the steps to the Lutheran Cathedral.

 I liked this flower child.

 We had a really tasty dessert and coffee at the Cafe Engle just across from the cathedral and then walked along the Esplanade some more, following the parade and then decided to head for home, dark clouds were rolling in.

 We've only had one small misadventure today. We had no trouble finding the correct train back to the Tikkurila Station. We bought some groceries in the station (it's a large shopping center also) and decided to take the bus the rest of the way home instead of walking with the heavy food bag. We took the bus going in the opposite direction than where we wanted to go so we got off, crossed the street, and took the bus going the right way. However, we then missed our stop so we got off, crossed the street and took a bus going the other way. We arrived home only about half an hour later than we should have.
Now we're going to sauna!
More adventures tomorrow.