Making our way back home from the Baltics after a week in Aland , a visit to Moominworld and a stumble around Turku involved changing ferries in Helsinki. Seemed a great opportunity to do a little sightseeing in the Finnish capital. We were excited about our day ahead in the Finnish capital. En route from Mariehamn to Rostock in Germany , we had a full eight hours ahead of us in this modern Scandanavian city. We all had ideas about where we wanted to go. Matt had his eye on the science museum, Stuart suggested modern art.
Hannah was interested in whichever option had the shortest cycle ride attached. Cameron thought an open top bus followed by some fast food might be fun, and I liked the idea of just hanging out where it was all happening. Our arrival in Helsinki was glorious, with the ferry landing right in the centre of the centre of the city, where we powered into the harbour alongside cruise ships, fishing boats, yachts and the hulking ferries.
But we put the logistics on hold for later. The harbourside was waiting for us in all its hustle and bustle and after just a few hundred metres of pedalling we were immersed in the heart of a busy trading arena.
We were soon in the middle of the fish market in Helsinki. The daily fish market was just getting into its stride. The smell of smoked fish was almost overpowering. Wall to wall stalls also lined the quay selling strong coffee and the local speciality of donuts filled with mince, egg and rice.
Huge signs everywhere warned tourists and locals not to feed birds. I offered to buy Hannah her own bag of strawberries and she was overjoyed. Just for me? But Matthew was captain for the day. And he was aware that the clock was ticking. He shuffled us back onto the bikes and directed us to take him to Tourist Information. Are any of them good for kids? And where does the ferry go from? He came out with a frown. I think we might have to start riding now! We did a complete reassessment of our day.
