I shouldn’t be sad that we had to leave southern Finland and return home today, not many people are so fortunate as me to be able to go away for an entire month. I did have a heavy heart though as we gathered our belongings together before taking one last forest walk in the warm sunshine.
I’ll miss so much, the beautiful Finnish nature, the countless lakes, the friendly and polite people, the ‘white nights’ – the days when it stays light until midnight, the safe environment – always feeling safe and secure wherever I am, city or countryside, day or night. You might not think that I’m happy living in the UK, but of course I am, and where we live is really lovely too but Finland is so special to me! In a recent poll it was found that Finland has the highest standard of living in the world, if you are interested you can read the recent Daily Telegraph article about it here.
So many things to take back, Fazer chocolate bars in various flavours. Have you tried Fazer ? This Finnish chocolatier produces delicious chocolate, and not quite as sweet as for example, Lindt. Their new flavour this year ‘Salted Toffee Crunch’ is now my favourite and I’m already on my second large bar! We are returning home laden with some Finnish cheese, dark rye bread, tubes of mustard, Karelian pies and last but not least, the love it or hate it, sharp, sour flavoured Fazer Salmiakki salted liquorice, which of course I adore!
We returned to the airport by bus and train. Taking the bus from our local stop in Espoo into Helsinki was a poignant moment for us. The journey takes no more than 15 minutes but it must be one of the most scenic bus rides around. To get into the city centre the bus travels across long bridges over the sea providing travellers with splendid views across the archipelago but, alas, this is all to change. The underground ‘Länsimetro’ was due to be extended to the west and open in August but has been delayed for several months, but as it is likely to be running when we return next summer we’ll miss these views as we’ll be in a tunnel. Of course, we can walk along the shore line ourselves but it will be sad not to enjoy this view several times each day – still, like everything else it will have some benefits and I’m sure we will eventually get used to the change.
On arrival at the airport, I couldn’t believe my eyes, it was crammed full of scouts with their backpacks and soft bags scattered everywhere! I’d seen on the news that Finland had been hosting an international jamboree and that 17,000 scouts had been camping in the forest but I hadn’t anticipated bumping into so many of them here at the airport! They were very friendly and I seemed to get asked repeatedly to take photos of them on their phones and cameras before they parted from their newly made friends.
It was then time to depart and return to England after our lovely Finnish holiday. Hopefully we’ll be back again next summer as, in my opinion, there is no place nicer to be than Finland in mid-summer. Thank you for taking the time to read this series of Finnish posts – perhaps I might even have persuaded some of you to visit Finland yourselves!
Finally, a note to my Finnish readers – thank you for following my blog and for your welcome comments and observations – I do hope I have portrayed your country in a deserving manner!
Hei Hei / Bye Bye
If you have enjoyed reading this post you may also like:
A Walk to Katajanokka, Helsinki
My journey to Tampere, Finland
Love Travelling Blog 
I am with you on leaving a place you love to visit after a long stay. That is how we feel every time we come home from NZ. Hoping for that feeling again soon. All the best Marion. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so too Allan. Hopefully you will be able to return to New Zealand in the not too distant future. We have so far only been to North Island so there’s lots waiting for us to discover!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Didn’t read all 31 days, tried to stick to Helsinki-ish specific posts but fascinating nonetheless. My dad was actually suggesting today to bring home some Fazer, although said to steer clear of the salted liquorice haha.
You’ve made me wish I was going longer than just the bank holiday weekend mind you. I might have to return quite soon! This first visit was already long overdue so hopefully won’t be as long a wait for trip number two.
LikeLike
My university roommate is from Helsinki and I was fortunate enough to visit her a few years back on our way home from Russia. Finland, and especially Helsinki, is such a beautiful place. Thank-you for sharing your journey and bringing back many fond memories for me. If I could have brought back food to Canada from there (you were so lucky to bring back your treasure trove!), I would have brought back a jar of pickled herring in those creamy sauces! Wish I’d known about the salted toffee crunch!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your welcome thoughts on my return from Finland post. It’s so pleasing to read that you also enjoyed Helsinki so much. I haven’t tried those herrings but will look out for them next time I visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are a little weird and slippery, but they taste very yummy! (Sorry I didn’t see this response earlier. I’m new to blogging and only figured out the comment-to-my-comment notification thing today! Oops!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for all your reporting about Finland. I visited Helsinki many, many years ago and still have joyful memories. Reading about your experiences makes me want to return there!
Best, Tanja
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your kind words Tanja. I do hope you have an opportunity to return to Finland again soon as it is indeed such a beautiful country.
LikeLike
Really nice collection of posts with good photographs. Looking forwards to your next journey and welcome back to Britain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your positive thoughts on my recent trip to Finland, it’s so pleasing to read that you enjoyed them.
LikeLike
I am so happy that you enjoyed your holiday in Finland. You have been so active and seen so many great places. I hope you will return again next year for some more Finnish adventures! By that time the metro should also run to Espoo. It was originally postponed until January but just a couple of days ago they told that it is not happening.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my Finnish posts – and I do hope to return next summer and continue my adventures!
LikeLike
What an amazing trip you did. I can see why you fell in love with Finland. It looks beautiful and serene x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you DanniJane – yes Finland is absolutely gorgeous- I do hope you have an opportunity to visit soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad you had such a lovely time Marion and were able to give a lovely account of Finland..ps love the items you brought back to the UK especially that chocolate (I need to keep my eye out for it).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sue, looking forward to reading about your upcoming trip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and images of Finland. I have never been but thanks to you I know more about the country than I did a month ago and now I’m interested in seeing it for myself. Happy travels and welcome home. Brick
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your kind words of encouragement Brick and more importantly it’s so good to read that you would like to see Finland for yourself! Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any help.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved following along on with travels. Can’t wait to hear about your next adventure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your kind words Victoria! It’s so lovely to receive such encouraging comments and I’m so pleased you enjoy reading my blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a fantastic trip and lovely notes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Rashmi. I do hope you have an opportunity to visit Finland one day.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing your travel series. Definitely would love to visit Finland at some point in future 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s so good to read, I’m sure you would enjoy a visit to Finland. Do let me know if you need any help with planning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your kind words, will remember your offering when the plan is up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Before reading your posts on Finland, it wasn’t on my travel map – but it is now. You give a real and very positive feel for the country.
While you’re back in England, you might be interested in time travelling. Check out my novel, The White Limousine available on KOBO.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your kind words John and I’m so pleased to read that you are now interested to visit Finland. I’ll certainly take a look at your novel as soon as I have time.
LikeLike
What a wonderful adventure, thanks for sharing. I have added Finland to my list of places I want to visit. Glad you had a great vacation. Karen
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Karen for your kind words and I’m so pleased you are planning to visit Finland sometime. Just contact me if I can be of any help.
LikeLike
that sweet name ???
LikeLiked by 1 person
It means Bye Bye Finland! Thanks for reading my post and for your comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing your month in Finland. I enjoyed your travels. Have you been to Iceland? The country is magnificent for, in my opinion, what it lacks when compared to most tourist destinations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Susan, Thank you for taking the time to read my Finnish posts and for your much appreciated comments. No, we haven’t visited Iceland yet but it’s a country that we most definitely do want to travel to. I’m sure we will enjoy the natural beauty there also.
LikeLike