July 23, Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is known as the "White City of the North". Finland has a population of 5.3 million people and there are 2.5 million saunas.  Fins use the sauna at least twice a week, and saunas are found in most homes and public sauna houses. The saunas are electric, or wood. Fins look very serious, they don't smile unless spoken to, they like peace and quiet, and spending time outdoors. 

This monument recognizes composer Jean Sibelius. In 1968, when the monument was commissioned the locals didn't like the statue, but more recently they have come to appreciate it's uniqueness.

Temppellaukio Church, quarried out of natural, rock.  Inside the church it's very beautiful and peaceful.

A pipe organ with 300 pipes.

A bride entering the church.

The Market Square, is where locals gather. The Muikku fish, a local lake herring, is sold cooked and ready to eat.Tasty 

The Market Square

In Senate Square, the Catherdal, where many famous photographs have beef taken taken. Can you find me on the staircase?

Senate Square, the university's administration building.

Cars are stopped to let the Zebra birds cross.

These racks are used to wash carpets, an old Finish tradition still done today. They scrub the rug with a natural pine cleaner and let the rug dry.

Downtown Helsinki.