Helsinki, Pt. 6

Our last day in Helsinki was pretty easy. We went back to Senate Square because it was the first day of the Christmas market! I need to move to Europe every December because Christmas markets are magical! I wasn't sure what to expect before going. I thought it would be a market filled with plastic garbage from China, but it wasn't at all! The booths were filled with handmade goods and local foods. I was so glad to finish my Christmas shopping as well! There were so many people out and about, and I couldn't believe the number of vendors braving the cold to sell their items. I grew up in the north, but I don't think I'd be able to embrace the outdoors as much as Finns and Russians do!

Saturday felt so much colder than the other days. I can handle the cold, but I remember feeling relieved to get inside. We walked back Market Square because my aunt wanted to walk around the Old Market Hall. This place is similar to West Side Market in Cleveland, and probably hundreds of other markets around the world. It made me a little homesick, but just a little because I do like living in Russia! We walked through the market admiring the stalls and I found some cute postcards for friends.

We had lunch inside at a restaurant called Story where we ate delicious food and listened to live music. I really liked the interior of the market and restaurant. They had the coolest light fixtures hanging. I took a picture, but I don't think I really captured how wonderful the whole place looked.

After we had our fill of lunch we were planning on going to another interesting church. However, it was getting dark and cold, so I told my aunt and uncle that it was fine if we didn't go, and they had an extra day the following day to see it themselves. My aunt has amazing interior design sense, and since she just remodeled her kitchen she wanted to stop into Marimekko. This is totally not something I would have done if I came by myself, but it was actually a really good idea to go into a store of a Finnish designer. I fell in love with Finnish designs while in Helsinki. I love all the colors and patterns everywhere! Unfortunately, I'm broke and I don't have my own house so for me to buy anything would be pointless. After leaving the store we came across a man playing music on glass bottles. I took a short video, so hopefully I'll post it soon.

I had such a great time in Helsinki with my aunt and uncle. I tried reindeer for the first time and drank lots of wine! When I got back home to Russia I was really sad when I entered my empty apartment. It made me realize how much I love and miss my family. I'm missing another family wedding this year, but that's what happens when you live abroad, and I definitely wouldn't change it for the world!

Can you believe the view from my hotel window?

I loved the Christmas Markets, and if they were common in the USA I'd go every year. What's your favorite way to celebrate the holidays?