August 30, 2008

Written September 14

Dear Friends and Families,

I suppose we have a routine, now, when looking at a European city: churches, castles, and squares. Later we'll have a story of a great "castle", "The Gibraltar of the North", and we have a few pictures from churches somewhere too, but the square we are featuring is Market Square ("Kauppatori" in this odd, local language.)

The Helsinki market opens every day at 6:30 and sits alongside the downtown docks. Actually, there are a zillion "downtown docks" in Helsinki, but Kauppatori is by "the docks", by tourist standards. Originally, the farmers and fishermen arrived by boat and some still do, but, in addition to a wonderful assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables, Market Square now includes all sorts of tourist trinkets.

For us, the best part was just enjoying the sun and the bright colors of the market. We envied the Helsinki residents who get treated to such a great selection. We settled for a few trinkets, and a quick "Swedish pancake" under colorful umbrellas.

And we took pictures:

I liked the fruits and veggie pictures a lot. I'm not sure they are so impressive on a little screen, but maybe we'll make a bigger version for the kitchen.

Next, we'll see a fortress-castle and we'll squeeze in a harbor tour or two. Stay tuned.

John and Marianne