It takes me quite long. First I go to Tallinn by bus, then by ferry to Helsinki and finally train delivers me to Kouvola where the family of my friend lives.
My daughter-in-law met me in Tallinn and drove to the port.
About an hour of waiting near the gate was not boring. I made some calls and admired the sea view including the ferry in the distance which was going to take me to Helsinki.
The abstract paintings at the gate entrance also attracted attention. I found it to be not bad.
On board, I easily found a comfortable sit for my 2,5-hour voyage and took some walk around. Christmas mood was everywhere.
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The day was stormy, and the the ship was rocking very noticeably. Luckily, seasickness in not what I suffer from. The sea waves were sometimes making high splashes and windows were wet, even on the nearly top deck where I was sitting.
Helsinki met me with rain and a mess of snow and water on the roads and sidewalks.
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The sea port terminal I arrived at is located close to the centre of Helsinki, so i decided not to catch a tram but walk to the train station to enjoy the beauty of the city and its Christmas decoration. Well, it was not very beautiful in the port area in the weather of that day - wet and dirty snow did not make it picturesque. What is more, I got tired very soon dragging behind my suitcase, the wheels of which refused to roll but only shoveled the snow.
Luckily, it did not last for too long, and the picture changed when I reached the centre of the city.
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 | SOME INTERESTING BUILDINGS IN THE PORT AREA |
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Looking at this bridge with thousands of locks, I become convinced that the tradition of just married couples "to firm" their marriage this way lives in different countries.
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| When I noticed a group of half-naked people in the distance near the sea, I thought that my eyesight was playing tricks me as the air temperature was no higher than zero Celsius. However, it turned out that these were indeed people who plunged and swam in icy water. When I zoomed, it became clearly visible. |  | |
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 |  The snowflake GIF was taken from the Internet resourses. |
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These orange tents are pre-Christmas market. They were closed at that time, so I could only guess what they were selling except from the pritty spruce trees - the Christmas trees.
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Returning home a week later I took some more pictures of that place. It was about 11am, and that time the market was working.
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| People sell many interesting things from these tents - souvenirs and handmade toys, knitted clothes (hats, mittens, scarves, sweaters), hot coffee and food to eat there or take home. |  |
This woman in the picture below does not waste time - she is knitting something colourful looking like a future jumper - while talking with a customer.
Gnomes and rabbits near the other tent. I cannot say I would like to buy any at this price.
A nice view to the orthodox church. I zoomed it for the second picture.
One more interesting historical object near the Christmas market - the memorial obelisk in honor of the Russian Tsar Alexander I.
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I just love this statue! It probably is the new one because I do not remember it was there last year.
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The huge Cathedral on the main street looks impressive in any weather.
Decorations of streets in Helsinki is always beautiful. Christmas trees on nearly every corner, lots of lights with pretty reflections some of which I am going to use as top pictures in my Reflection Hunters contest.
A cute shiny bear near one of the shops on the central street made me stop for some minutes - I needed nice reflections but I am not sure I succeeded much in my hunting.
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Some windows were decorated with huge historical photographs of last century Helsinki. Interesting to compare. Also, I noticed some reflections on them which were not bad either.
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There was nearly no snow in the very city centre - good for reflection hunting and making dragging of my suitcase much easier. :)
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I like this Christmas decoration of the ROLEX office windows. I was looking for the them while walking along the street because their last year decorations, which I still remember, impressed me a lot.
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This is the place where I ran into another "hunter" for reflections. A young man was nearly lying on the wet pavement trying to catch them the best way. It may look funny for people around but we felt like friends :-). We had a short talk, and I told him about our HIVE. He looked interested and promised to try. Who knows - maybe we will see him among us soon.
My walk to the train station comes to the end. The station building is visible ahead. Just to cross the road with a huge square in front of it - and here I am!
The Christmas decorations inside are laconic but beautiful.
And a pleasant surprise - a very friendly Santa with his young helpers greeting future passengers with their smiles and chocolates.
My train arrived to the platform. In one hour and forty minutes it will bring me to Kouvola where my friends will meet me. Christmas celebration and a week of wonderful time with them is ahead...
Happy New Year, dear friends!
Please accept my congratulations and best wishes to you and your families!
My posts at pinmapple.com link
Gif by @shrazi
All the pictures were taken by me, @olgavita 😀
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What a wonderful holiday Olga. Glad you could enjoy friends and family
Yes, I enjoyed the time of my school holidays. Have I told you that I am working again this school year?
I believe you had wonderful time with your family too !LUV
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Merry Christmas!
Today is Christmas Eve in our country, tomorrow is Christmas.
Yes, I also celebrate Orthodox Christmas. С наступающим Рождеством Вас! Хорошего, светлого настроения Вам в праздник и успешного 2024 года. Старый Новый год праздновать будете? 🥂
Спасибо.
Таки думаю, что да. Удачно приходится на выходные. Можно и отметить. Тем более, что в Новый год мы дома были одни, наши запланированные гости сидели тоже дома и болели.
1 января вечером сын приехал с семьей, преодолел 1200 км с температурой 38.8... Сейчас вроде нормализовался, но болезнь перешла на других.
Как жаль! Плохо, когда близкие болеют. Держитесь! Надеюсь, Старый новый год отпразднуете от души, и мое пожелание здоровья будет очень актуальным, примите его ❤️
Спасибо 🙏
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wow I love thoose Christmas decorations of your place it so nice, I wish I could go there soon, just keep blogging my friend.
I am very grateful for your nice friendly words, @mrpork ❤️. Have a pleasant and healthy year ahead!
I cannot see your comment when enter the blog through #ecency I don't understand why. Found it only after entering Peaked, so sorry for taking me long to answer.
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the place you visited is very beautiful, I really like seeing every snow scene there
Helsinki is a beautiful city but it had not much snow on the days I visited it. Unfortunately 😊
Nice trip, great photos, hope you enjoy the adventure, thank you for sharing!
!DHEDGE