Day 29 - 19/8/11 - Friday

The European Union, and the Euro in particular are great concepts for travellers. I guess it has always been taken for granted in the beheamoth that is the United States, however travelling through Europe invariably involved stories of dodgy dealing street currency changes, hold ups at immigration, and numerous security checks. In addition to encountering new languages at most border crossings, these challenges added to the complexity of European travel. They also added to the expense of European travel, considering that the currency traders and banks would make a comish on every exchange at the expense of Mr. and Mrs. Traveller. Whilst those cigar smoking economists sit back in their leather lounge recliners and prattle on about how a combined currency was never going to work, these travellers pray for a long life for the 'Euro'. We also hope for fair and reasonable coversion rates for the little Aussie battler, like $A1 = E1.

Transferring countries today was certainly a pleasant experience, for no security checks or screenings, no customs declarations, no waiting in immigration lines, and no need to change currency. The experience of travelling on a ferry was also quite pleasant, with smooth moving giant sea ferry accomodating us in the comfortable lounge area, all the while providing nice views across the Gulf of Finland. Heading into Scandanavia, once the motherland for feared Viking tribes, now home to friendly Finnish.

Upon arrival our hotel was this time only 1 km away, and we were able to wheel our suitcases around the top of the habour to our Radisson Blu accomodation. Double bed- tick, Free WiFi- tick, Proper Flush toilet- tick, Hot shower- Tick, Bar Fridge- Tick...... back in a First World country, I must say it was nice. Up until now every hotel bar one was single beds... so much for a romantic holiday!

As we unpacked I kept a close eye on the AFL updates, as Hawthorn were playing the Blues, a full house at Ethiad. Stupid AFL, they know they should schedule this match at the MCG. Post the finish, it was time to go outside amongst the Finnish (ok.... it sounded funny when I first thought of it). In fairness to Helsinki, it is a little tough to critique a city after visiting Tallin and St. Petersburg. It is kind of like watching your sister sing at school concert, after watching Pavarotti sing the night before. It is a nice city, particularly given the main tourist precinct is built around many habours, however the buildings are not in the same league as either of the two previous cities. Many were built during the classic era of St. Petersburg, however look rather plain in comparison.

We spent an hour in main square, and then continued on to market square, and the harbour precinct. After dinner and a shop, Cinthia had walked until she could walk no more. Admittedly, my navigation compass had failed me, and hence we had walked an extra 3 kilometres than was actually necessary. Ah well, great exercise I said, however my partner did not see the humourous side of the situation at that moment in time.