We were up early today and had an orientation tour of Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. For hundreds of years, it was famous for exporting furs and salmon to the world's rich and powerful. Unfortunately the town was totally destroyed during WW2. The new town, was designed by Alvar Aalto in the shape of reindeer antlers. Sights included Lappia Hall, the Town Hall, the new modern church and its intriguing frescoes. The church was designed by archite...

We left Kuopio and stopped in the university town of Oulu, situation on Bothnian Bay. Oulo has the liveliest market square in Finland and its position on the waterfront is very appealing. The square is bordered by old wooden storehouses which have been renovated into cafes' and restuarants. We strolled around the markets and the waterfront and had a lovely lunch at a bar on the edge of the square. We sat outside in the sun and enjoyed a few ales and the Fi...