HELSINKI - FINLAND'S CAPITAL OF STYLE
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Date: 2019-09-05
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Comments and reviews: 10
Thor Odinson
I visited Helsinki a couple of decades ago. It seems as if some things may have changed rather drastically. First off, when I was in Helsinki, alcohol was strictly regulated. There were only a couple of outlets that allowed you to buy alcohol. They were pretty well stocked -- even noticed some California wines being offered. The prices were high. I was told by my Russian fiancee that a lot of Fins traveled to Russia to stock up -- a few hours ride by railroad. We visited a couple of after-hour clubs, and there did not seem to be any restrictions. Everyone was smoking cigarettes, so unless you enjoy really thick second-hand smoke, these joints are only enjoyable for a short while. Riding their trolleys to get to the city center, I noticed that overall the Fins are generally kind of short in stature. I had been to Moscow previously, so this kind of surprised me. Most of them were very pale (about equivalent to the Russians) but with a higher preponderance of blondes. The girls are extremely cute but not flirtatious. The younger generation all seemed fluent in English, which was a godsend. At the time they had some very large department stores -- very well laid out, immaculate, and busy. The Fins seem to enjoy shopping as much as americans, if not more so. I arrived in Helsinki in the winter, and it was snowing. Peering out of my jet window, I could not see land until the last 10-15 minutes of my journey -- and then I only saw trees -- lots and lots of trees -- then finally the airport. Since everything was so overcast, I expected a crash landing -- but no, we set down with hardly a bump -- amazing. I really enjoyed my time in Helsinki and would recommend a visit to anyone. Everyone I encountered was hospitable. Even in winter the city has a definite atmosphere. You feel a sort of pressure on your head -- no doubt due to the miles of clouds above, but for whatever reason, this pressure did not oppress me. Most of the buildings were more functional looking than artistic, but you quickly become used to this. Like the Russians, the Fins are not a smiley populace, but on an individual level, no one was off-putting. Generally, everyone seemed relaxed and easy-going. The teenagers all seemed conversant in English, which was a godsend. In the malls, the young people were all talking to each other via cell phones. During this period Nokia cell phones were hot stuff. Inside a mall, I was keenly reminded of this while observing one kid talking to another (who might be visiting a different shop, talking just for the sake of talking. Imagine a few hundred kids just using their cell phones in the same way. Wild and funny. In a very short time I came to love Helsinki. Coming from Los Angeles, I found the city to be small enough to memorize but large enough to offer anything I might need. Beyond what you see, hear, the people you happen to talk to, a city has a feeling, and I got a very affirmative feeling from Helsinki. I hate the cold, snow, fogged-out seas (which may be why I'm living in the Mojave Desert of California, but I could actually see myself living somewhere in Helsinki because it is so damn charming. At the time of my visit, coffee was not a big deal, but they had a nice variety of herbal teas. Their pastries spoiled me for a lifetime.
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I visited Helsinki a couple of decades ago. It seems as if some things may have changed rather drastically. First off, when I was in Helsinki, alcohol was strictly regulated. There were only a couple of outlets that allowed you to buy alcohol. They were pretty well stocked -- even noticed some California wines being offered. The prices were high. I was told by my Russian fiancee that a lot of Fins traveled to Russia to stock up -- a few hours ride by railroad. We visited a couple of after-hour clubs, and there did not seem to be any restrictions. Everyone was smoking cigarettes, so unless you enjoy really thick second-hand smoke, these joints are only enjoyable for a short while. Riding their trolleys to get to the city center, I noticed that overall the Fins are generally kind of short in stature. I had been to Moscow previously, so this kind of surprised me. Most of them were very pale (about equivalent to the Russians) but with a higher preponderance of blondes. The girls are extremely cute but not flirtatious. The younger generation all seemed fluent in English, which was a godsend. At the time they had some very large department stores -- very well laid out, immaculate, and busy. The Fins seem to enjoy shopping as much as americans, if not more so. I arrived in Helsinki in the winter, and it was snowing. Peering out of my jet window, I could not see land until the last 10-15 minutes of my journey -- and then I only saw trees -- lots and lots of trees -- then finally the airport. Since everything was so overcast, I expected a crash landing -- but no, we set down with hardly a bump -- amazing. I really enjoyed my time in Helsinki and would recommend a visit to anyone. Everyone I encountered was hospitable. Even in winter the city has a definite atmosphere. You feel a sort of pressure on your head -- no doubt due to the miles of clouds above, but for whatever reason, this pressure did not oppress me. Most of the buildings were more functional looking than artistic, but you quickly become used to this. Like the Russians, the Fins are not a smiley populace, but on an individual level, no one was off-putting. Generally, everyone seemed relaxed and easy-going. The teenagers all seemed conversant in English, which was a godsend. In the malls, the young people were all talking to each other via cell phones. During this period Nokia cell phones were hot stuff. Inside a mall, I was keenly reminded of this while observing one kid talking to another (who might be visiting a different shop, talking just for the sake of talking. Imagine a few hundred kids just using their cell phones in the same way. Wild and funny. In a very short time I came to love Helsinki. Coming from Los Angeles, I found the city to be small enough to memorize but large enough to offer anything I might need. Beyond what you see, hear, the people you happen to talk to, a city has a feeling, and I got a very affirmative feeling from Helsinki. I hate the cold, snow, fogged-out seas (which may be why I'm living in the Mojave Desert of California, but I could actually see myself living somewhere in Helsinki because it is so damn charming. At the time of my visit, coffee was not a big deal, but they had a nice variety of herbal teas. Their pastries spoiled me for a lifetime.
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Sisu
Thank you for saying this from the capital of my country, it makes me feel special of my country and capital As some people also said in the comments, this made me feel like i need to go outside more. You know, being born and living here all my life makes me get really used to this and don't feel like we are special in any way, but the same thing goes for me visiting some other place like the US, it would probably feel really exciting and new when to American people it would be completely normal and even boring. But all thing's said, i love my country and home. Torilla tavataan
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Thank you for saying this from the capital of my country, it makes me feel special of my country and capital As some people also said in the comments, this made me feel like i need to go outside more. You know, being born and living here all my life makes me get really used to this and don't feel like we are special in any way, but the same thing goes for me visiting some other place like the US, it would probably feel really exciting and new when to American people it would be completely normal and even boring. But all thing's said, i love my country and home. Torilla tavataan
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Roger Smith
I visited Finland as part of a trip through Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland in October/November a few years ago. I was in Northern Finland in the Artic Circle visiting Santa Claus Village. It was -10. 5 and I thought it was wonderful. I found the people in all 4 countries friendly and helpful. The scenery was beautiful. We travelled a lot by train and other forms of public transport. Coming from Australia I thought the transport costs were reasonable, everything ran on time and was clean and comfortable. Of all the countries I visited I enjoyed Finland the most.
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I visited Finland as part of a trip through Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland in October/November a few years ago. I was in Northern Finland in the Artic Circle visiting Santa Claus Village. It was -10. 5 and I thought it was wonderful. I found the people in all 4 countries friendly and helpful. The scenery was beautiful. We travelled a lot by train and other forms of public transport. Coming from Australia I thought the transport costs were reasonable, everything ran on time and was clean and comfortable. Of all the countries I visited I enjoyed Finland the most.
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Pablo Gonsalvez
Let's not mess about Helsinki is quite simply the coolest, most amazing city in Europe. It's Europe's best kept secret. If you're going to Europe and Helsinki is NOT on your itinerary, you've seriously messed up The Finns are cool, friendly, funky people that speak excellent English. You'll have an amazing time and keep coming back over and over. just like I do EVERY summer
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Let's not mess about Helsinki is quite simply the coolest, most amazing city in Europe. It's Europe's best kept secret. If you're going to Europe and Helsinki is NOT on your itinerary, you've seriously messed up The Finns are cool, friendly, funky people that speak excellent English. You'll have an amazing time and keep coming back over and over. just like I do EVERY summer
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Syed Afsar
Just arrived after staying for 40 beautiful days at Finland. It's really really beautiful and the people are so lovely and highly democratic. Nature engulfs you all over the country. It's exhilarating during summer and the weather is just brilliant. You feel heavenly staying there. In fact I am searching for a prospective job in Helsinki. Just great.
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Just arrived after staying for 40 beautiful days at Finland. It's really really beautiful and the people are so lovely and highly democratic. Nature engulfs you all over the country. It's exhilarating during summer and the weather is just brilliant. You feel heavenly staying there. In fact I am searching for a prospective job in Helsinki. Just great.
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максим карандашев
I live in Finland and still can't afford national soup or a just a good meal in a restaurant. Finland is so expensive. And Finnish service is very unfriendly. On top of it, Finns always make it clear to you that you are not a Finn. (I'm Russian.
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I live in Finland and still can't afford national soup or a just a good meal in a restaurant. Finland is so expensive. And Finnish service is very unfriendly. On top of it, Finns always make it clear to you that you are not a Finn. (I'm Russian.
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Karina Nalbandyan
Id like to visit there one day. I was born in Russia, but now live in US Fl. Im not that interested in the modern cultures. I want to explore the ancient sites & ruins. Helsinkis nature sites remind me of Russias landscapes
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Id like to visit there one day. I was born in Russia, but now live in US Fl. Im not that interested in the modern cultures. I want to explore the ancient sites & ruins. Helsinkis nature sites remind me of Russias landscapes
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Timo the Lindroos
When i talk about Finland to other people, i many times talk about the F1 drivers or the Rally drivers, and i also talk about the big war 1939 - 1945 against Sovjet Other maby talk about Mumin Troll. :)O: )
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When i talk about Finland to other people, i many times talk about the F1 drivers or the Rally drivers, and i also talk about the big war 1939 - 1945 against Sovjet Other maby talk about Mumin Troll. :)O: )
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Kari Jyrkinen
There is nothing better that a sunny and warm spring/summer night, sitting on the bench of the sauna after swimming in the lake and watching the view and listening the silince - and maybe sipping a beer; )
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There is nothing better that a sunny and warm spring/summer night, sitting on the bench of the sauna after swimming in the lake and watching the view and listening the silince - and maybe sipping a beer; )
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