Sting Take Europe Day 5

Helsinki is a truly beautiful city.

The sun was out today and it felt so nice. Closer to the sea, it was windy, but in the city it was soooo nice. At Senate Square I decided to sit for a while like the locals do. Not sure what the attraction was until I sat down. It was warm, comfortable, and a great place to people-watch. I was at the top and the view was awesome. Didn't bring suntan lotion - so couldn't stay long.
Everyone seperated today and went diferent directions - so it is hard to do a summary. Basically everyone did at least one of three things. Everyone went shopping. Some took photos of the incredible architecture. And many of us went to the islands that comprise the Suomenlinna Fortess at the entrance to Helsinki's harbour.

Though the day was exhaustive (nine + hours on cobblestone streets), everyone was smiling in the evening. The shopping here is amazing. It never ends. I think it would be fair to speculate that there is more shopping available within 10 blocks of our hotel than most of Alberta combined. Seriously. All of the malls are built up, not out, and tunnels under the streets connect many of them. Stockmans is the big department store here and it is over 600,000 square feet over many levels. There are also many stores along the main streets, and window shopping is fun.

It is expensive here. The regular tourist trappings are everywhere - but the girls are pretty focused on what they want. Several of our Finnish friends the other day were sporting very nice Adidas jackets that we cannot get in North America - so that was a popular item. After that, personal tastes and gifts for folks at home seemed to dictate where everyone ended up. Occasionally Meg and I would see other Sting members, but everyone just went their own way and did their own thing. This is good as tomorrow we are all together again for our big day in Tallinn, Estonia.

I have included a few photos from around Helsinki - but they are not nessessarily representative of where everyone went. Just where I was. A lot of statues - I have included only a few. The big white building is Senate Square. The statue in front is Czar Alexander II. The statue with the man on the horse is Karl Mannerheim - the hero of Finland's Winter war with the mighty USSR in 1939/40. He seems to be very revered here - perhaps more than anyone. One final statue picture is of three crazy nude iron workers. Don't know what the statue means, but all of us cringed when we passed it.

The streets are clean and I think we all feel safe walking around. Everyone is careful, but relaxed. At roughly 6:00 pm many of the parents gathered in the lounge at the hotel for a much deserved rest (and drink). A late supper and relatively early to bed for our big day tomorrow.

The store clerks helped me with directions many times and their english is excellent. One interesting tidbit that I noticed all over town was that members of the Finnish army, in camo fatigues, are on many street corners with blue vests collecting donations for their veterans. I mention this simply because it is something we do not see at home.

Late this afternoon I also recieved an email from a member of Finland's National Ringette team that I had met 2 1/2 years ago in Edmonton when planning for this trip began. She is excited that we are finally here and will come visit the girls on Saturday. She has been very helpful and was actually the one who directed us to our Finnish host team. She is a two time (and current) World Ringette Champion and I am excited to see her again.

We miss everyone, but we are all doing very well.

My observations for Day 5:

• Going seperate ways today was a great idea. Though we are all very close - everyone needs their space. I just couldn't understand why everyone else was still together and they avoided me???
• A major department store in Helsinki had a small crisis today. Seems several (20+) manicans fell liked dominoes after being bumped by a foriegner. I hear the wanted posters are being pirnted as we speak. (Not me this time).
• Mad has met a new man and they are getting very close. I have attached a photo. I have heard that he is really nice. Sorry Lee. After looking at the pictures though - you can't blame him.

C.K.