Finland has close ties to Russia as the original Swedish port of Sveaborg (Helsinki),set up to protect Finland then under Swedish rule, surrended to Russia during the Finnish war of 1808-1809.

Finland was then incorporated into the Russian Empire as part of the Treaty of Fredrikshamn. Finland around the time of the Russian Revolution,1917, was also engaged in a Civil War and then Finland gained independance after a long and bloody series of battles and imprisionment.

Finland suffered intensive bombing from Russia in WW2 after they sided with Nazi Germany. Eventually they gain Independance as a Deocratic Republic.

The other "past"notable feature is all signage is given in both Finnish & Swedish language.

Generally the city of around 670000 people is clean with a modern on time metro system and fast rail links using high speed trains, even our Metro tram reached 120km on the morning express run into Helsinki (Helsingfors).

These brightly painted units run ontime are clean with detailed electronic messaging onboard and no graffiti on the outside.The city terminal s also the main Rail station ofr the Bus & Train network and includes a Holiday Inn, car hire etc all at the one point which just happens to be the city centre. The local and International ferry terminals are also close by.

Helsinki is the home of Stockmann's which is the largest department store in the Nordic (Finland,Norway,Sweden and Danmark) region both in retail area and sales per annum.

Located in the District of Kluuvi in Greater Helsinki the orginal part dates from 1930 an is an example of Nordic Art Deco style but numerous additions have been added including a modern era including the acquisition of the Argos building in 1989 and major expansions that took place between 2007-2010. Some parts have now be sublet to businesses that operate within the structure of Stockmann similiar to Harvey Norman in Australia. the building has 8 floors plus 3 underground levels the most famous being the -2 basement Deli. The 8th floor is devoted to a series of independant food outlets and Stockmann Customer Service where not only can you order goods, pay bills but also functions as a Post Office.

A usual Hop On Hop Off bus tour show the 1952 Olympic Stadium heavily hidden behind scaffolds as a 5 year renovation takes place. This stadium is well guarded by the statue of a Finnish sporting figure Paavo Nurmi who not only won the 5km & 10km in front of his home crowd but repeated the feat in Melbourne in 1956.

The boarding and exit points for the tour was Senate Square so Helsinki Cathedral was viewed twice and a short walk via the markets where a lunch break saw fresh fruit and hot crepes on the menu afterwards the Golden Domes of Uspenski Cathedral dominated the skyline.

The markets also threw up an impressive array of mainly locally produced handicrafts. Delightful knitting that ranges from baby suits to high end fashion items. Items made from wood also gave the added advantage of the smell. The fresh fruit stalls had Cherries,Blueberries,Strawberries & Apricots for 7-8 euro's per 500g. Also sampled were freshly picked peas at a bargain price of 2kgs for 7 euro's.

While many buildings showed great artitectural features I will mention one more that maybe unique. The Rock Cathedral was literally blasted out of solid rock then covered with a copper dome and matching copper accessories. They also have a Church Cafe where Morning Tea was taken but like all other places cheaper then commercial cafe's but still dear my one bite Cream Puff was around $1.50 but was delicious.

Helsinki has 4 Swimming pools which they call Sauna's and passing Alias Sea Pool it was a surprise to see a number of people actually swimming in the non heated sea water untreated pool. Unusual in that it was officially around 12-16oC but a wind chill factor would have temperature reduced by at least 5oC and no wind breaks around the pool. One group saw Mum & Dad swimming but until we left the two children resisted. Unusual in that usually the kids go swimming while parents watch!

Helsinki as a city had much to offer and a day was hardly justice but with many thousands of kms still to do and new countries as early as tomorrow this visit saw the "must see"items ticked off and no regrets about my visit to both Helsinki and the whole country of Finland as an adventure to remember.