Sting Take Europe Day 4

A much slower pace today.  I think everyone is recovering from a great night partying on the high seas with our new friends.  We landed this morning in Helsinki at roughly 10:00 after a fun 16 hour overnight cruise.  It is noticably winder and cooler in Helsinki, but still nice spring weather.  Some of us were brave enough to stand outside as we came into Helsinki harbour.  It was very neat going past the old stone fortress (1748) at Suominlinna.

After docking, everyone made our way outside and said good-bye to our hosts for a few days as we prepare to shop and tour - and they return to life at school and work.  We will see them again in a few days for a joint practice, then our big tournament this weekend.

Last night Finland elected a new Parliment.  I doubt much has made the news back home - but it is very big news here.  It appears that a new Nationalistic party may hold the power or at least considerable influence over Finland's continued presence (or withdrawal) from the EU.  There seems to be a fear here that should Finland pull out of the EU, it could start a chain reaction throughout Europe.  Heavy stuff for our blog - but I'm just disappointed that we weren't the biggest thing rolling into Finland last night.  Darned politicians!

After landing, we had a short bus tour of Helsinki, then travelled 50 kilometers to the town of Porvoo.  Our tour guide Anne explained that many of the origional buildings of Helsinki were made of wood and through the centuries had all been burnt down in one of the many conflicts.  She was apologetic that the beautiful stone buildings that comprise the city center are only 200 years old.  Ironically, our entire country is only 150 years old - but we didn't share that with her.  At the town of Porovoo are many buildings, still functional and well kept, from the early 1600's.  It was very interesting.  They had nice little restaurants, clothing and chocolate shops.  There seemed to be a very strong Russian influence in this town.  We noticed several pictures of old Czars in many of the shops.

Returning to Helsinki, we contnued our bus tour before reaching the hotel.  It is very nice!  The lobby is small, but the rooms are spacious, clean and very modern.  We are within a couple of blocks of many of the main sight seeing attractions, are in the absolute center of the Helsinki shopping district, and are on the transit system line.  There is a nice "high end" 3 story mall attached to the rear of our hotel.  I think the girls are happy.

That is about it.  A slower day - but that is good.  We have gone non-stop since leaving home.  Tomorrow is a relaxation day and everyone is going their own way for a bit of a break.  I have a sneaky suspicion that our girls will be far more stylish when we meet again on Wednesday.

Only three observations today:

• To my dear wife who answered the phone at 6 am on Sunday morning from the Finnish coach who was unable to locate me -  Thanks.  Chocolates are on the way.  And he really is a great guy.
• To those who wondered if "Final Four" would ever go international - or just stay a North American game - I have included a photo from late the other night.  Coach Darcy may dispute the final results, but I don't think he was in any condition to accurately interperete the rules.
• And finally - what are the odds of getting directions from the hotel bartender to a restaraunt in a strange part of Helsinki, then upon arriving to be lead to a room in the back for a private meal, and there find a world renowned ringette sculpture of the most revered coaching signal in the game.  Uncanny!

C.K.