Cold, Cold, Cold…more like Freezing and Guess What I Ate For The First Time???….
It was cold when my host family and I landed in Helsinki, Finland by ferry across the Gulf of Finland that took about 3 hours from Estonia.
It was a “Why Not?” quick visit, meaning “Hey do you want to go to Finland? Why Not, Let’s Go!” …That’s really what happened when my host family asked and off we went.
Winter in Finland is icy and there was snow everywhere, being this far North it gets chilly and freezing. This country is just south of Svalbard, Norway and east of Iceland, just saying the name sounds cold and you must wear a coat (just kidding but close).
We were told we could go ice skating by a nearby lake, but we didn’t have time but walking around the town square, with all the small pop-up shops was amazing.
Visiting Helsinki, Finland, for the first time was one of the most exciting experiences of my life! I had heard a lot about Finland, but being in the city opened my eyes to a whole new world. The mix of modernity and nature, the unique Finnish experience was eye opening.
We visited the Oodi Library was grand with its architecture design, looked like it was from another planet. Stopped to read books and played games with my host family, and looked at the arts works. I love art so things like architecture and art works move me, I am always captivated by a designer’s vision or an artist’s creativity.
My host sister and I drank our hot cocoa visiting the local shops and buying small bracelets or jewelry handcrafted by local artisans.
We were able to walk into the iconic Helsinki Cathedral in Senate Square built in 1839, it was also known as St. Nicholas’s Church. A beautiful dome cathedral with the 12 Apostles statues located out on the exterior roof of the cathedral.
The interior of the cathedral is so serene, calming and walking inside you just feel calm and at peace. One thing I have experienced walking into these majestic cathedrals in Italy or Finland, you just feel peaceful.
Now let’s talk about the food, Finnish food is nothing like what I expected, and I was so pleasantly surprised! The traditional Finnish dishes are hearty and delicious. I tried “karjalanpiirakka” (Karelian pasty), which is a pastry filled with rice porridge, and it was so yummy. And don’t get me started on “korvapuusti” (cinnamon buns)—they are seriously the best I’ve ever had. Helsinki is also known for its modern food scene, with a bunch of trendy cafes and restaurants to try.
Our host family and I ate at a restaurant, guess what I ate? REINDEER!!!…
I don’t know if it was Dasher, Prancer or Vixen but I don’t think I will be ordering again. When I asked them to serve me a traditional dish, they brought me reindeer with gravy and fries. The reindeer was a little slimy maybe it was the gravy, and it was a little raw’ish if that is even a word, but the fries were delicious.
Again, when traveling, the best way to immerse yourself into the culture is to try the food, listen to the music and talk to the locals.
I was a little nervous about language barriers before I arrived, but everyone I met in Helsinki was so friendly and spoke perfect English. Finnish people are polite, and I found that they were always willing to help when I had questions. They have this calm, quiet demeanor, but once you start chatting with them, they’re warm and welcoming. It made my experience in Helsinki even better!
The city gets covered in snow, and there’s something so magical about the crisp, cold air and the twinkling lights on the streets. There’s this cozy, hygge vibe in the air, and I loved sipping hot chocolate in a cafe while watching the snow fall outside. Even though it was freezing, there’s something so inviting and peaceful about the winter in Helsinki. It made my first visit unforgettable!
All in all, Helsinki is an incredible city full of history, nature, and creativity. Whether you’re into culture, food, or just enjoying the outdoors, this city has something for everyone. I can’t wait to visit again!
Till next time,
Zoe