Travelin' Fullers Blog: Helsinki, Finland - a city of 650,000 in a country of 5 million

We have enjoyed a beautiful day in Helsinki-- a record breaking day of heat! Still we very much enjoyed our tour, in spite of the fact that half my suitcase of warmer clothes has not been touched. This part of the world is enjoying? record heat!

A few interesting facts about Finland. The country has been recognized as number one in the world in education. They are tied for the number one spot in science and math with South Korea. This in spite of the fact that the first year of school begins at age 7. Preschool is for age six and it's just to get them ready for the school routine the following year. All education is free for Citizens, and even for immigrants. However, this changes next year and immigrants will have to pay 11,000 euros a year to attend the university.

The language is either Finnish or Swedish. English is widely spoken and is generally the second language chosen and taught in schools. Today the population is only about 6% Swedish, but everything (including street signs) are printed in both Finnish and Swedish.

Finland was under Swedish control for a large part of its history. In 1550, Gustav 1, the Swedish monarch, ordered (forced) several hundred people to come to what later became known as Helsinki, to settle the area. He wanted a seaport since Tallinn was controlling a lot of trade in the Baltic. It remained a small fishing village for almost two hundred years. In 1808, it was conquered by the Russians and during their occupation, the city began growing. Dissatisfaction with Russian rule and calls for independence continued during this period and in 1917 Finland took advantage of the Russian Revolution to obtain complete independence. However, they remained in the sphere of Russian influence and eventually became very reluctant allies of Germany as WWII began. They chose the lesser of two evils as they saw it and allied themselves with Germany to avoid takeover by communist Russia. They were however, not an active participant in the war. Helsinki was mainly a recuperating area for wounded soldiers. At the conclusion of the war, they remained an independent country. The country rapidly modernized and held the 1952 Summer Olympics. You might think they would host the Winter Olympics, but consider the fact that in winter time there are less then 5 hours of sunlight a day. It is one of the big negatives for those who live here. Depression and suicide are national issues. Everyone takes vitamin d because they have so little exposure to sunlight.

Ready for dinner. Not yet docked in Helsinki.

Yes, the Ferris Wheel is just steps from where we've docked.

The most famous Finnish athlete --9 gold medals. 3 silver medals and 22 world records.

Tom Roddell in front of the Olympic stadium that is being renovated. The country is sports and rock band happy! They are especially crazy about their ice hockey. But there are 52 rock bands per 1,000 people in the country. Compare that to 10 Rock bands per 1000 people in the USA... Fins are a very "fit" people. Everyone jogs or bikes! There are gyms everywhere in the city.

Gene got very inventive and took this shot of the tribute to Sibelius from underneath the sculpture.

This is the sculpture built to honor Finland's greatest composer, Sibelius.

The likeness of Sibelius..

Our driver was very amusing and she spoke 4 languages. She was knitting socks for herself!

The "church in the Rock" -- a working Lutheran church.

This is where the Congress meets.

A very pretty and interesting metal sculpture inside the Music Center.

A VERY long line of empty coat rooms..

In the city center--Senate Square-- is the majestic Lutheran Helsinki Cathedral finished in 1852. Although Lutheran, its architecture shows the Russian influence with its domes.

How fun! They decorated the trees in this small park like dresses!

Senate Square...

Example of street signs printed in Finnish and Swedish. Notice the animal picture? It is a modern replacement, but in Medieval times, different animal pictures on the street corners allowed those who could not read to know where they were.