A Finnish Beginning

Four years ago, I visited Finland for one day, via boat while studying in Uppsala, Sweden.  Though I vowed to my Swedish-speaking Finnish friend -- Johanna -- that I'd be back, I didn't think that it would take me four years, or that when I did finally come back, that I'd be staying for three months.

But, here I am, at the end of my first full day in Helsinki, commencing a three month adventure where I'll be an intern at the American Embassy and exploring everything that is Finland (aka Suomi). 

Esplanade

The journey from Denver was exhausting.  Three flights, three trips through security, and one passport stamp later, I arrived!  Last night wasn't so eventful, as I was so tired from the trip and could barely think.  But after a good night's sleep (and a long mid-morning nap - a rarity for me!), I headed out to explore/get lost in Helsinki.

Helsinki Cathedral

After walking in a few circles and misreading street signs in both Finnish and Swedish, I made my way to Kammpi, a shopping center where I successfully set up cell phone service, with a little help from Johanna, who met me after work.  Then, we walked a bit in the Esplanade and by a few of Helsinki's landmarks, including the Helsinki Cathedral.  I picked up a few maps from the Visitor's Center and then we sampled cheeses from Stockmann and bought ingredients for our first of many shared dinners, just like the good ol' Uppsala days!

Highlights from Day 1

• Kukka-bukett = flower shop, and there are two near the bus station in Kammpi.
• I counted three Ben and Jerry's shops -- will be on the hunt for Daim ice cream, though. 
• It's 11:15pm and just now getting a little dark outside.  If I was a bad sleeper before coming to Finland, I'm sure that my sleeping habits will only get worse.

Tomorrow, I'll visit the house on Kulosaari (aka Fire Island), an island just east of downtown Helsinki, where I'll be staying for the summer and meet my housemate.  Then, first weekend in Finland!  Hej hej!