Reflections on Finnish Identity – Part Two: Design & Democracy

This gallery contains 13 photos.

The afternoon we were waiting to take the night train to Rovaniemi, we had some time to kill. So we stashed our luggage in the lockers at Helsinki’s Central Railway Station (an art nouveau design marvel in itself), hopped on … Continue reading →

Letter from Sweden – The Last Leg

Sunday: We have said good bye to Finland and although I am sad to leave family, especially given the love and warmth with which we’ve been greeted, I am looking forward to this last stage of our journey. We arrive … Continue reading →

Letter from Finland #6 – A Visit with Santa. Sorry, Rudolph.

Train travel is proving a useful time for me to catch up on my travel diary. We left Helsinki on the overnight train for Rovaniemi – the Santa Claus Express. We booked a sleeper car knowing that 12 hours overnight … Continue reading →

Letter from Finland #5 – Helsinki Part 2

Monday We arrive back in Helsinki and move into a new apartment just 2 blocks over from the first one. It’s great… A little bigger than the first and it has a sauna! There are no instructions for the sauna … Continue reading →

Letter from Finland #4 – In Search of Roots

Warning – this post is longer than usual! Friday: We have left our little apartment in Helsinki and have boarded the train for Vaasa where we will meet Lene and Bitti, two more of the five granddaughters of my grandmother’s … Continue reading →

Letter from Finland #3

Helsinki has some stunning architecture based on thoughtful and progressive purpose. The Kampii Chapel is a case in point. Situated in the centre of Helsinki, it is intended to be a place to enjoy a few moments of peace and … Continue reading →

Letter from Finland #1 – The Adventure Begins

It’s been 5 years since Sweetie and I last did a big trip anywhere. Now we are in Finland. This is a trip I have been wanting to make for years. I have family here you see, family I have … Continue reading →

Letter from Cuba #5: The World According to Yany

This gallery contains 7 photos.

We had been told by friends who have been to Cuba before to expect, for the most part, warm and friendly people and that was certainly our experience whether it was in the resort or off the compound in Moron … Continue reading →

Letter from Italy #10 – Turning for Home

We are safely ensconced in an airport hotel in Rome after arriving late this afternoon, waiting for an early morning flight home. It was a long and rather unsettling day. We set out this morning from our lovely haven in … Continue reading →

Letter from Italy #9 – Truly, Madly, Deeply

While it’s true I had a mad crush on Rome, I confess I have found a new love. Tuscany. I am head over heels for region of Val d’Orcia. Truly, madly, deeply in love with La Foce estate. Like many … Continue reading →