We enjoyed a very nice and well deserved sleep in, before heading out to find a cafe for breakfast. We wandered around a few streets to find the cafe that had a deal with our hotel.
Finding the spot we got a coffee, yogurt and a croissant, enjoying our brekky inside before we walked back to our hotel.
We then packed our bags and had a shower to prepare for the long day ahead. Checking out and storing our bags before we headed off into town.
First we made our way to The National Library of Finland and explored the many floors, beautiful design and many rows of books.
We then went across the road to the Helsinki Cathedral, first popping downstairs to check out the service in the crypt. As it was in Finnish we headed back upstairs to enter the Cathedral, in which we stayed for a while. It was quite simple in decor, yet had a beautiful lectern and organ. The outside was very spectacular.
Making our way out of the church and down to the plaza, we then made our way to the Helsinki Market Square to explore the little shops and food stalls, we then made our way further along the port to the Old Market Hall. We explored all the other food stores and markets before heading back to the market square where Will got lunch.
With a bit of rain around, we waited undercover before heading up the hill to Uspenskin katedraali, which is the largest Orthodox Church in Western Europe. It had a very unique style with the red brick and green spires. After spending some time inside, viewing its beautiful architecture.
With a few more hours we decided to catch the ferry to Suomenlinna, which is a sea fortress on an island just outside of Helsinki. As we pulled away from the dock we could see the surrounds of Helsinki and the port.
After a 20 minute ferry ride we arrived in Suomenlinna, we started by heading through some of the current housing and the old buildings.
We made our way to the southern part of the island, which had many old tunnels, sea walls and cannons.
Wandering our way back through the island, stopping at the museum cafe for a slice of cheesecake.
We then made our way back to the dock at Suomenlinna and caught the return ferry. Arriving back in Helsinki we made our way to meet cousin Toni at the train station.
It was wonderful for Sarah to see him again after 14 years, and for Will to meet him for the first time. We spent some time just walking around the local park while talking about everything that has happened over the last 14 years.
We then made our way back into town to find a place for dinner. We ended up at the same place Sarah had dinner with Toni last time she was here, which was a Mexican restaurant called Iguana. We spent about 4 hours together just catching up on life and sharing stories, over good food and nice scenery. It was then time to say goodbye, as we had to head back to our hotel to collect our bags.
We then made our way to the airport via the train, made our way through security, found our gate and waited to board. Then boarding our flight, we made our way to our seats just before midnight.
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