Helsinki is, of course, a very small city. That is why it seems so cozy and compact, benevolent and clean.
For the first time Helsinki, I saw, traveling by bus, in a standard economy-round type "Two capitals in five days." The bus tour was nightmarish, I don't even want to remember how the body was crushed and as in the morning I was vaguely trying to get into the fact that I am in another country.
But - about the main thing. Helsinki conquered me immediately. Maybe the fact of the circumstance was played that there was a lively time of the pre-Christmas sales and the city shone with lights, happy persons and traditional candles, I don't know. But it was very nice there, walk, go to souvenir shops, there is a variety of yummy and discover a completely different world.
My hotel was located almost in the center, and for some reason I constantly wander around him, could not find - apparently, the buildings are similar, or everything is very small, but I didn't even manage to find a hotel and a loved gift shop. Asked the help of local on bad English - with a smile, affordably and politely, patiently explained. There was even a moment - a couple of times, people were suitable for me and asked if the help was needed. In this regard, the people here are friendly and contact, and if you know a few words in Finnish ("Kiitos" - Thank you, for example), they just bloomed (we were died, probably).
You can eat very tasty in the restaurants and then it was possible to buy a delicious salmon with vegetables or boiled potatoes, with loaf and butter - no, as delicious. And the economy option - in any shopping center there is a place where for a fixed price (9 euros approximately) you can choose all that you want from a organized buffet - all delicious, of course, not a restaurant, but inexpensively and satisfying. Coffee The most delicious saw on the ferry, which will take tourists to Sveaborg, it seems to be added rum. And so - everywhere normal coffee.
By the way, I can't say anything to say about Sveaborg, because this tour lasted me on the outlet of the bus, in which I did not close the eyes. I remember that it was rather dark, walked around the island for a long time, tried to photograph. Impressed ship docks, delicacy, cleanliness and antiquity, which literally blows from all structures.
Here there are such rocks everywhere, it is very impressive. Generally, the nature is harsh and beautiful insane. The sea is dark, intense, but the people are cool.
The church in the rock is an interesting impression, everything is somehow minimally, which is typical of Catholic temples.
Monument to Sibelius - how not to see.
So, walk around the city. The view from the steps of the Cathedral on the square and the monument to Alexander the first is a very beautiful place.
In general, Helsinki was in the soul. I did not want to leave from there at all. I had the soul of their discreet, kind temperament, their northern atmosphere of the holiday, laconic architecture and design, food, shops ... and almost everything.
From souvenirs I bought Gpleg (local mulled wine, very tasty), unmatched fish, needleful decorations, traditional already mumi-trolls. Of course, I will return there again and, perhaps, in the same magical time - I really liked it.
