Sitting with a cup of coffee on a rainy day brings out my nostalgic side. And the fact that its drab out makes me feel like I'm back in Helsinki.
I feel like I could talk about Helsinki all day, and believe me, if you asked me to, you'd better get comfy because I would talk your ear off.
I think the reason I feel so attached to this place is not only because it was the first time I had moved out and lived on my own, but because I felt so comfortable there and it brought me so much happiness. There are certain places that you just 'click' with, and for me, Helsinki was surprisingly that place. It was never ever on my travel radar... I had no desire to go there simply because I didn't know much about it. I was crazy for New York, London, or Paris- you know, the big cities with so much going on. But after spending time living and studying in Helsinki, my views have changed- I would much rather spend my time in a simple place that focuses on quality of life rather than the quantity of things in your life.
If you haven't ever been to Helsinki, seriously consider it. I had a friend come visit me from Berlin and asked me what we would be spending our time doing in the city... all I could respond with was "well, we can walk around the harbour, the city centre, grab a coffee, suomenlinna..." because Helsinki felt like a life style to me. It's not over-run by crazy big tourist attractions or selfie sticks- it's simple, quiet, relaxed, and one of the best lifestyles to experience.
I feel like I could talk about Helsinki all day, and believe me, if you asked me to, you'd better get comfy because I would talk your ear off.
I think the reason I feel so attached to this place is not only because it was the first time I had moved out and lived on my own, but because I felt so comfortable there and it brought me so much happiness. There are certain places that you just 'click' with, and for me, Helsinki was surprisingly that place. It was never ever on my travel radar... I had no desire to go there simply because I didn't know much about it. I was crazy for New York, London, or Paris- you know, the big cities with so much going on. But after spending time living and studying in Helsinki, my views have changed- I would much rather spend my time in a simple place that focuses on quality of life rather than the quantity of things in your life.
If you haven't ever been to Helsinki, seriously consider it. I had a friend come visit me from Berlin and asked me what we would be spending our time doing in the city... all I could respond with was "well, we can walk around the harbour, the city centre, grab a coffee, suomenlinna..." because Helsinki felt like a life style to me. It's not over-run by crazy big tourist attractions or selfie sticks- it's simple, quiet, relaxed, and one of the best lifestyles to experience.
My favourite part of the city was around the harbour, which is where one of my favourite cafe's was- Johan & Nystrom. Killer kahvi- go there if you ever get the chance.
These are some of my favourite pictures from the harbour area. It was dark, drab, and a little dull in the winter because the sky is grey and the daylight is minimal- but that is what is so unique about this harbour city. You go there in the winter expecting to see only 4 hours of daylight within a 24 hour day and that it'll be freakin cold. There were times my body started aching because of the cold, and I would just have to stop taking pictures because I couldn't bare to take my hands out of my gloves to change the functions.
Surprisingly Finland experiences a full(ish) 4 seasons, and living there for the time I did, I was lucky enough to experience the season change from winter-winter, to winter (which is like spring) to the start of a Scandinavian Summer where the sun would stay out longer and start to set by after midnight, and start to rise again by 3/3:30 in the morning. It was a magnificent thing to witness, especially knowing how drastically different the climate was just months before.
These are some of my favourite pictures from the harbour area. It was dark, drab, and a little dull in the winter because the sky is grey and the daylight is minimal- but that is what is so unique about this harbour city. You go there in the winter expecting to see only 4 hours of daylight within a 24 hour day and that it'll be freakin cold. There were times my body started aching because of the cold, and I would just have to stop taking pictures because I couldn't bare to take my hands out of my gloves to change the functions.
Surprisingly Finland experiences a full(ish) 4 seasons, and living there for the time I did, I was lucky enough to experience the season change from winter-winter, to winter (which is like spring) to the start of a Scandinavian Summer where the sun would stay out longer and start to set by after midnight, and start to rise again by 3/3:30 in the morning. It was a magnificent thing to witness, especially knowing how drastically different the climate was just months before.
This was also the first time I had ever seen a completely frozen sea.
But in the Summer, when Helsinki goes into defrost mode, it has a different vibe. The colours appear brighter from the help of the sun, the people start to come out of hibernation, and terraces start to open where you can sit with a pint and some great company.
The colours, although muted and plain, were beautiful against a grey sky. And it was absolutely as cool as it looks.
Helsinki truly is indescribable in the best way possible. I can't even understand it myself why it is so special, but it is just a comfortable place to be and I miss it every single day. I felt right at home, and met some of the nicest people there. It has changed my outlook on things, and helped me solidify some of the next goals I want to accomplish in my life. Travelling to the Scandinavian countries was never on my list of things to do, but I am forever grateful for getting the opportunity to live in Helsinki, Finland, and I am counting down the days until I get to arrive back at the Helsinki-Vantaa airport once again.