Day
Four. Helsinki Finland.
At
08:18 Finland time ( +2 hours to BST )we had moored up and the gangways put
to the shore in Helsinki Port. Helsinki, hailed as Daughter of the Baltic
is a city of graceful neoclassical buildings. Our excursion for Finland was
a tour including Sipoo's
15th century church, a ride on a steam
train through the countryside, a visit to Porvoo (Finlands 2nd oldest city)
and then the Temppeliaukio Rock Church and a short stay in Helsinki's centre
to take in the Senate Square.
Paula showing off her
early morning photo skills again as we come in towards Helsinki in the early
hours.
The view from our balcony
as we actually come along side the berth to moor-up.
Sipoo Old Church across
the fields.
Through the counrtyside
towards Sipoo.
Helsinki Parliment Building.
Sipoo "Old Church"
also called the cold church as the newer church is heated. Built in the 15th
Century.
Mark taking photo's
of the church
The Old Steam Train
that we rode in to Porvoo. The train was built in Finland many years ago and
runs on the line that was originaly opened in about 1874.
The
Temppeliaukio Rock Church, Carved from solid rock and featuring a copper cupola.
From the outside it looks nothing, from inside, totally awe inspiring.
The view from the garden
veranda at the Hotel Haikko Manor where we had dinner
After getting off the
train, and a quick coach journey we stopped at Porvoo, Finlands 2nd oldest
city where we were able to see these views along the River Porvoonjoki.
Left, Helsinki railway
station. Centre, I have no idea what the building is, but its interesting.
Right, The ice-breakers in harbour ready for winter.
Various photo's around
Senate square including St Nicholas Cathederal, Helsinki University and the
market.
Left and right, a couple of photo's
taken on the way back to the port to board The Sea Princess to depart for
St. Petersburg Russia.
After setting out from Helsinki at
18:00 it was anounced that we needed to put our clocks forward another hour
during the night ready for our stay in St. Petersburg.
