Daughter of the Baltic

One of the many passenger ferries that transport people from island to island from the Market square area in Helsinki

Fresh vegetables and fruit are common in the Market square stalls

Fountain near Market square

This sea lion got more than he bargained for

Mid day scene in Helsinki park along the Esplanade-- Europeans seem to understand how to slow life down

Somehow Kaylin scored the biggest cone of all

Hangin out at the pool at the Hotel Scandic

Helsinki view from the hotel sun deck

This water was nearly as cold as the Baltic sea

Helsinki cathedral off in the distance

Just outside the Uspenski church-- Helsinki

Looking towards the altar in the Uspenski Cathedral

Lots of Russian influence is seen throughout the design and decor of the church

The Uspenski Cathedral is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the Nordic Region

We returned late Monday night from our weekend trip to Helsinki. I have been to the city on 5 or 6 occasions now and each time I visit I grow more fond of this city known as the "Daughter of the Baltic." Much like Stockholm, there seem to be bays, inlets and little islands in every direction that you look. The city's public transportation system is excellent and the city is fairly easy to see on foot as well. As with other big cities in Scandinavia, the prices for food and lodging are very steep. Despite the sticker shock, we still had a nice time in the city. We encountered some rain on Sunday, but Monday was a great day with temps in the 60's and clear skies. Next weekend after the game, we are planning a few short day trips to some sea towns along the western coast of Finland. Our next game is against the Jaguars on the road this upcoming Saturday. This team is very explosive and they put up 59 points this past weekend against a team that beat us earlier this year. The Jaguars are ahead of us in the standings and we'll need a great team effort to get another victory. They run a no huddle spread offense with great efficiency that is capable of lighting up the scoreboard every time they get the ball. I see it as a must win if we are to keep our playoff hopes alive in the Maple League. More on the game later this week.
Lights out.