This is why I like Sundays

I pushed my self out of bed this morning. I climbed out of bed. It was so early. I was in helsinki by 7.30. Same, Katherine and I all wanted to have coffee on Suomilna. It is by far my favorite place in Finland.

we all planned to meet up at the harbor or the island. I walked through helsinki. It was so quiet. No cars, no people. The metro was empty. The train station was quiet.
The city was asleep. The Sun was rising right when I passed the white church. The sun rarely comes out now.
I am so blessed for this moment. I felt so small in the best of ways.

waiting in the little building all alone, listening to bon iver, the smell of someone having coffee still lingered in here

sam and me off exploring. we geocashed on the island

we like clues like :worlds largest sauna 

we played and ran in the tunnels 

KISSA. this cat and I became friends and it followed me around. yeah. 

i look like a spy

We stopped and had coffee and lunch at this little cafe on the island. They had blankets so we ate outside. Met some people from London and had a nice chat.

We waited for my ferry. I had a meeting with my Rotary Club President. He is a doll! and an architect! He gave a personalized walking tour of the city. It was amazing. I have a new respect for the history of Finland and a new appreciation of the city. The passion he talked with made me fall for this city even harder. I don't think I will ever love a city more. Helsinki is home.

add to the streets the sounds of accordions and then you have helsinki

 After we had dinner at his house with his family. They are going to take me to Porvoo. They are so kind. They truly are.

home

Ihana

Ihana - lovely

Saturday just deserves this word in its entirety. It was just a lovely day.

We all met up in the morning in search of the best cup of coffee. Also, Sam and I made reservations at a fancy tea shop but we missed it... opps. We were all walking through Engal Park and well we stumbled upon a food market. Asian food. Food.

Soups and kabobs and shwarma* and food.

 *not as good as my uncles...

The boat coffee shop was closed. Whenever sam comes to town we try to go to this place. It is always, always closed or closing right when we get there... this led us to the BEST CUP OF COFFEE NEXT TO HECK'S IN CLEVELAND 

what I hold in my hand is the best cup of coffee I have had in finland

 I was dressed all fancy for our tea reservations.

I had to leave at four to be home in time for dinner at Hannali's. She is my äiti's best friend. Her and her family are all very awesome. And her husband Lionel, who is the circus man, always makes me feel better. I don't know how, like I wasn't in a bad mood. Just there are some people which just make you smile. He's one of them.We had a french dinner. Oh the food was so good. Her daughter let me barrow her ice skates! I am going to learn and become a champ at it. Or at least I hope to! 

It is so nice to know that you are welcomed into some one's house. Whether it be for a dinner party or to live there for a few months. Compassion has to be one of my favorite parts of people. It is truly special.