Kristina flew with me to Helsinki where I was doing a keynote at a conference. I don’t know what I was expecting but I think I had this total misconception that Helsinki would be beautiful because the people are so wonderful. I thought Kristina was being negative as she kept telling me how much she dislikes it. Well I am not sure.
After fairy tale, picture perfect spots in all of Europe and fantastic London, Helsinki was a bit of a surprise. It is very grey. Large imposing buildings that reminded me of some of the architecture in China. A bit foreboding and austere.
The hotel that we stayed in was near the station and was a large, and now as I have got used to it, cool, but very austere building that from the outside resembles a large, grey, Russian ship. I keep forgetting that I am so very close to Russia, so I am really not sure why the architecture has surprised me. The austere exterior was carried through to the inside. I did feel like I was caught up in some Russian spy thriller with the original black phone on the very utilitarian desk. I fell into bed and dreamed of submarines and the Hunt for Red October.
When I woke after sleeping in a super comfortable bed, I started to see the cool 1950s architecture and the amazing light fittings and furniture. Yes, all very austere but Jan would love it. Vinyl everywhere and very upright leather, but very 50s stylish seating around the walls in the lobby.
Whilst Helinski has that austere feeling to it, there is nothing austere about the prices. Oh my goodness, it is so expensive. I have just had to close my eyes and wave my card. It has been good for my liver though, as decided paying $40 for more than one G&T was more than my poor dilapidated bank balance could manage. I was keen to try just one of the fabulous Finnish gins with berries and rosemary and it was worth it because of the dark, foreboding bar that made my spy thriller imagination run completely wild.
Sleeping under the stars 