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August 16, 2004
Sibelius Monument and Temple Square Church in Helsinki
Today was a solo excursion for me, since Todd and John were at work. They are here for business, I am not. Since they didn't seem too enthusiastic about some of the sites I mentioned yesterday, I took this opportunity to see the sites I was interested in. So, after a hearty complimentary buffet breakfast, which is standard at many Scandinavian hotels, I headed out for the Sibelius Monument. Sibelius is the most famous composer to have ever come out of Finland. He is to Finland as Gaudi is to Spain. The Sibelius Monument is small, but nevertheless, interesting to see. A series of organ pipes have been fastened together and appear to be 'floating' in the air. Next to the pipes is what I saw as Sibelius' bust.
Next, I headed towards the Temple Square Church - or Temppeliaukio Kirkko in Suomi. Most of the Finnish population is of Luthern faith, and this church is that. What distinguishes it from the other churches is that it's buried under stone formations. Check out these pictures of the church. Very neat.
Next, I decided to see what all the hype for Helsinki shopping malls is about. So, I went to Stockmann's mall, near the Esplanade, which is a beautifully landscaped park area. I was throughly disppointed at Stockmann's, which was touted as the largest shopping mall in Helsinki. Sure, it was large. But, I felt like I was in a mall back at home, with very few exceptions. No thanks, I do not want to buy Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren clothes in Finland. At least I didn't see a GAP yet. So, I quickly got out of Stockmann's - there are nine floors - and went to check what's for sale in the local markets. Raspberries, strawberries, red and black currants, nectarines, and chanterelle mushrooms. Yum. I got myself an ice cream, sat down in the park, and watched the crowds go by for a while before heading back. The weather today was gorgeous - 72 degrees and sunny.
For dinner, I met up with Todd and John, and we went to Kuu Restaurant. Apparently, Todd and John decided to walk the four miles back to the hotel after work, and were too tired to do any more walking for dinner. Kuu Restaurant was just a couple of blocks away, and the food was very good. Check out the review.
Posted by Kathy at August 16, 2004 11:37 PM