Finland: Country Number Eight

We are traveling for one year, 52 countries in 52 weeks, on the great global adventure, and this is country number eight, Finland. We stayed right downtown in Helsinki, and it is such a cool vibe, such a cool town.

Helsinki Highlights

We visited the Rock Church, an architectural wonder built directly into solid rock, which was both unique and impressive. The Helsinki Art Museum was just weird enough to be fascinating, offering an unconventional but memorable experience.

The Tea Experience of a Lifetime

The highlight of our Finland visit was the incredible tea experience at Nari Tea. The owners guided us through a tasting of teas from around the world, sharing their rich history and expertise. It felt like a wine tasting but even better. My daughter absolutely loved it, and it was a perfect, authentic, 100 out of 10 experience.

Exploring the City and Islands

We explored the Helsinki Zoo, set on a beautiful island, and sampled local cuisine, including tiny fried fish that were surprisingly delicious. We took a ferry to a rugged fortress on another island, went inside an actual submarine, and wandered underground through some historic caves. We also managed to squeeze in one more art exhibit and even a quick McDonald’s stop before heading off to our next destination.

Reflections on Finland

Helsinki was a blend of culture, history, and unforgettable experiences, with the tea tasting standing out as the pinnacle of our visit. Finland did not disappoint, and now we’re off to country number nine, Poland.