Beginning our overseas holiday

After much anticipation, we have headed overseas on our first major holiday since COVID hit in 2020. We left home on Monday 15 July and after a domestic flight to the international terminal in Sydney, we boarded our Qantas flight to London via Singapore, and then to the connecting flight to Helsinki in Finland. We arrived in Helsinki airport and after waiting for too long (about one and a half hours) our luggage finally arrived at the baggage collection carousel. There were technical issues apparently.

Our good friend Krisy met us as we left Customs and her brother had kindly come to pick us all up and drive us to our hotel, Radisson Blue Seaside Hotel, near the centre of Helsinki. They dropped us off and after we checked in, we had a very light dinner and headed for bed, we were so tired. Normal after travelling for about 40 hours to get to our first holiday destination.

Krisy picked us up from our hotel yesterday (17 July) morning and we travelled by tram to the harbour and a short walk later boarded the SS J.L. Runeberg for a 3 and a half hour cruise to Porvoo. Lunch aboard the boat was traditional fare - salmon soup followed by Runeberg cake (and a Berliner donut for me as the other contained milk). First donut in nearly 30 years and it was delicious (donuts in Australia are not milk free).

SS J L Runeberg

 

Upon arrival in Porvoo we went for a lovely walk - crossing a bridge with the love padlocks hung along both sides, and continued along the riverbank past some historic buildings, then crossing further down to stroll back to the centre of the town. Krisy took us to her favourite cafe and we indulged in a cuppa for me and cake and lemonade for my husband.

Padlocks on bridge

 

Historic Houses on riverbank

Greg and Krisy on riverbank walk

Afterwards, we headed for the bus station, and caught a bus back to Helsinki, viewing the scenery which was amazing on the way. At the end of the bus trip, we caught a tram into central Helsinki, and then Krisy took us to a lovely buffet restaurant The Factory for our dinner. The food was lovely and more than half was milk free so I had lots of choices. Back to the hotel by tram and then after a short visit there with Krisy she left to head home and we retired to bed. The jet lag is still catching up with us.