Helsinki, Finland - The Closest I’ve Been to Santa Claus, Helsinki, Finland

After trotting through the Baltic capitals, I ended my trip in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. After walking in the narrow streets of some of the best preserved European old towns, stepping in cobblestone roads for about a week, Helsinki welcomed in its own metropolitan greatness. A modern city, with a hint of class and the true Scandinavian cold air.

Leaving Tallinn, I was feeling a bit down. My trip was coming to an end. I was feeling the starts of a cold, as I was not prepared for the cold winds from the Baltic. And, to be quite honest, I really didn’t want my adventure to end. I wanted to keep travelling. Perhaps to the neighbour Russia. Dreams of traversing it to the Asian continent. Keep going and going. Deep down, fleeing from reality.

But I didn’t want to let those feelings spoiling the last two days of my solo adventure. So, I tried to make sure I was busy in Helsinki. I confess I was a bit overwhelmed with how expensive entries to museums could be. I do be the budget traveller who avoids all things paid and goes for the free stuff instead. Which is pretty great if you’re only staying for 2 days in this city.

So, what did I know about Finland? Not much. I knew it was a cold country, obviously. I know Santa Claus lives there, a bit up north, in Lapland. I also knew the feminist movement had its roots in there. And, as in all Scandinavia, qualify of life is good. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).