June 27th – it was another later start today as our ship didn’t arrive in port until 10 a.m. Helsinki is said to be distinctly different than most other Scandinavian capitals and is closer in temperament and looks to the major cities in Eastern Europe. For years, an outpost of the Russian Empire, much of its design and some of its architecture is modelled after St. Petersburg. The centre of Helsinki is Senate Square is dominated by the Lutheran Cathedral – a gleaming structure located high above the square.

Our tour began in the square from which we were able to walk to the local market to see the many different handicrafts and specialty foods of the area. We were impressed with the fresh fruit available but the prices were probably 1.5 times what they would be at home.

After about 30 minutes we re-boarded the bus destined for the medieval town of Porvoo, about an hour away. The drive through the countryside was quite relaxing as the guide told us about the economy, the educational system and other interesting facts. The siting of two elk was a highlight for those with sharp eyes.

Porvoo is one of six medieval towns in Finland and dates back to the 1300s. The Lutheran Cathedral sits at the top of a steep hill overlooking the town. Many of the buildings are wooden and date back to the 17th and 18th century, having been rebuilt after a fire destroyed much of the town in 1760. In 2006, a drunken young man set the church roof on fire causing a great conflagration. The roof was completely destroyed but much of the inside was spared.

A number of red-coloured storage buildings along the riverside are proposed to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We stopped for afternoon tea at Hilmi’s Cafe, a very old-fashioned tea room. The specialty is  Runeberg Cake named after J. L. Runeberg, Finland’s national poet. It is served everywhere across Finland on their National Holiday but only in Porvoo the rest of the year. Legend has it that he asked his wife for something sweet for breakfast and she made the cake from what she had in the cupboard – flour, breadcrumbs, rum and almonds, decorated with raspberry jam and icing. I also tried the coffee given that Finns drink more coffee per capita than anyone else in the world.

The town also has a chocolate factory at which a purchase had to be made. Check out the picture above…that cold, smooth treat is the same in any language!

Our return trip to Helsinki covered much of the same roads although a drive along the waterfront park system made for a lovely end to our tour.

Dinner tonight was at Red Ginger, an Asian-inspired restaurant…chopsticks and all. As usual – excellent food and attentive service.

Now we’re off to the evening musical program, a variety show based on the songs of Peggy Lee. Must be our age, eh!