The Lemon Tree
  • Home
  • About
    • Work with Me
    • Partners
  • Blog
  • Books
  • Photo Gallery
    • Photo Journey
  • Contact

a feel good travel blog

Helsinki, Finland: From Polar Bears to Chic Cafés – A Fine Day to Get Lost in Scandinavia 

11/23/2015

12 Comments

 
Picture
​Helsinki is one of those places that you’ll either love or visit once and never need to return. Visiting Helsinki directly from America is impressive to see its detailed architecture rest alongside the waterfront and to explore some of the most chic cafes in the world. There is something elegant and classy about Scandinavia – never half-assing the interior design of any shop.
 
I enjoyed my time in Helsinki, but the place didn’t rock my world like other European cities. That is surprising as I am an "urban-water" gal, but maybe Nice is more of my flavor? But, it is the perfect day trip from Tallin, Estonia. I took the first ferry to Helsinki and the last one back to Tallinn to get a full perspective of the city.
 
Visiting any European in the winter has its downside because of the weather, but in Finland winter is fucking cold. You can’t help but dip into a café every few hours to get jacked up on another 5-Euro latte.
 
But in reality, Helsinki has its charm and beauty like every other European city. Aesthetically pleasing, I meandered the seaside sidewalks that remind me of my hometown Seattle and other places like Hamburg. Even in the shit of winter, seagulls fly around looking for food, which shows that life is still alive in the winter, including the polar bears.
Picture
Picture
​In search for a traditional Finnish sauna, I feasted my eyes on steaming hot Finns walking out of a sauna to t "polar bear" dip in the icy cold waters. I love the Baltic’s mindset about health and healing, which validates the benefit of using saunas, spas and teas to improve one’s health.
 
Feeling steamy, I checked out another café all which flaunt the latest modern trends. While people watching, I could not help but notice genetics between the various European cultures. I noticed the similarity between German and Scandinavian men all of which flaunted tall and lean bodies with thick heads of hair, perfect beards and piercing blue eyes.  Not to mention, the women too are the Barbie Dolls of Europe. From genetics to appearance, people looked good with their sense of fashion. Now, I love modern day trends, but am deeply rooted into Europe’s vintage and history culture. I would say I didn’t see much history with an 1800’s ladle hanging on the wall like you see more of in Germany.
 
But there are pockets of beautiful Classicism meets Functionalism architecture in Old Helsinki and plenty of veg-friendly food options including the cutest vegan food stand in Old Market Hall.
 
I had no plans in Helsinki, I just got lost. I meandered through markets, which showed the connection to their Viking culture that used animals for food and clothing. Although difficult for me to process in modern times, I wanted to learn more. And ironically, a Greenpeace boat stood adjacent to this market where liberals and people dressed as polar bears proudly educated people on why they should stop hurting animals in the Arctic.
 
At the national museum, I discovered more about this Viking culture. Brutal and harsh– these people were warriors and survivors of life and the most treacherous conditions.
 
Overall, I found Finland to be expensive, but not as pricy as I imagined. What is funny is that it is cheaper for the Finns to take a ferry and party in Tallin (and bring back cases of duty free beer) than it is to stay in town. If you get a chance you should check out Helsinki, but I would suggest spring and summer unless you are doing a spa and a winter Arctic trip up north. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
12 Comments
Government Contracts link
4/15/2023 12:34:12 am

The objective of agreement regulation is to guarantee that gatherings to an agreement satisfy their commitments and that the details of the agreement are fair and sensible.

Reply
best bic pen for writing link
4/17/2023 03:45:13 am

The nib of every wellspring pen is molded and cleaned and afterward for quality control, is written in manually.

Reply
Denim Iron-on Patches link
5/12/2023 07:36:33 am

Fabric patches can be made from different types of fabric, including cotton, denim, felt, or even specialty fabrics like sequins or embroidered material, offering endless possibilities for customization.

Reply
Brush mowing link
5/12/2023 07:50:34 am

Brush mowing is an effective technique for managing blackberry bushes in cemeteries or memorial gardens. By selectively clearing blackberry thickets, professional brush removal services near you can create serene and well-maintained spaces for remembrance and reflection.

Reply
Best roof shingles link
5/23/2023 03:06:35 am

There are generally a few items administrations remembered for most re material statements. The essential thing on a rooftop substitution gauge is the genuine roofing material.

Reply
Health Spring Spa link
5/27/2023 01:58:10 am

They ought to likewise have the right stuff in connecting with the patient. Back rub could endure as long as an hour or contingent upon your inclination.

Reply
Femdom link
5/27/2023 02:17:22 am

Before I get into that however I simply need to say a couple of words regarding gadgets and belts overall since there is by all accounts some significant disarray about them.

Reply
섹스 link
6/1/2023 11:24:37 pm

Presently its your move. Consider the most outlandish energizing or loosening up places you've at any point visited or simply needed to visit. Consider how much simpler.

Reply
Lüneburg Webdesign Agentur link
6/22/2023 11:59:52 pm

The response the web crawlers should realize that your webpage exists and that it has the pertinent data on it so they can choose your website to show the individual looking.

Reply
Casinos link
7/15/2023 08:48:51 am

Casino dice games encompass various games played with dice, such as Craps, Sic Bo, and Cee-lo. These games involve betting on the outcome of dice rolls, with different betting options and payout structures.

Reply
Casino på nett link
7/31/2023 03:40:42 am

Discover the ultimate in secure gaming pleasure with a safe Norwegian casino game platform that values your well-being above all else.

Reply
Commercial Cleaning Hamilton link
8/9/2023 11:13:57 pm

Takes pride in offering a comprehensive cleaning solution that caters to your property's unique needs. Their team understands the importance of presenting a clean and inviting space to potential tenants. With their expert cleaning services, you can set the stage for a successful leasing experience.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Elizabeth Rae Kovar is a Fitness Trainer, Author of Finding Om, Presenter, Yogi, Vegan & lover of the World. View her portfolio at www.elizabethkovar.comor health-based blog at mindbodysoul-food.com

    Picture
    Follow
    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Archives

    July 2023
    May 2023
    January 2023
    August 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015

    Categories

    All
    Asia
    Austria
    Bali
    Camino De Santiago
    Canada
    Czech Republic
    Denmark
    England
    Estonia
    Europe
    Finland
    France
    Germany
    Greece
    Iceland
    India
    Italy
    Latvia
    Lithuania
    Mexico
    Netherlands
    Poland
    Portugal
    Scotland
    Spain
    Thailand
    Travel Photos
    Travel Shopping
    Travel Story
    Travel Tips
    USA
    Vegan Travel
    Vegan/Veg Food Travel

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • About
    • Work with Me
    • Partners
  • Blog
  • Books
  • Photo Gallery
    • Photo Journey
  • Contact