Helsinki, somewhere so far away!

Finland- a country that sounds remote, cold and barren. My first impression, that is.

Destiny sure has her way to fly me halfway across the globe to the Nordic when the hub mentioned that we are going away for a short trip in January 2013. So there, I booked my last minute tickets and venture into a country which was not on my 'to-visit' list.

What greeted us upon arrival was the cold and white. Not as bone-chilling as Korea. Ironically I miss the cold since I returned to Sg. Helsinki airport is good. Big clear signage written in English, free Wifi, clean and bright.

To/From Helsinki Airport
From either T1 or T2,  Finnair airport bus provides direct transportation to Helsinki Central Railway station (Rautatientori) for less than 10 euros. Alternatively, you can board local bus 615. For hassle-free traveling espcially with huge luggages, Finnair bus is definitely the choice.

On our way to the city, I do not see alot of cars, and because of the winter, the city does seem abit gloomy. They are said to have a high suicide and depression rate.  I think during that journey I do feel abit depressed. The buildings are not skyscrapers, but rather 80s factory looking kind. Sad huh?

The streets had at most 3 or 4 passerbys. Having lived together with 5.5 million everyday, the scenerio was certainly barren. Stores were not open and we were hungry. At that moment, I miss Korea.

31.12.2012 Countdown at KFC in Changi Terminal 3 while waiting for our New Year flight.

Yes, the significance of starting year 2013 with a travel means many more to come later on? hehe.

Central Railway Station-Helsinki. Subway and Train main hub.

Outdoor skating ring at Central Railway Station

Tram in Helsinki

Tram 6 to Radisson Bleu Seaside Hotel

Radisson Bleu Seaside Hotel- Helsinki

View outside our room. 很冷但很美吧！

Food
We ate at Kynsilaukka Ravintola (Garlic restaurant), recommended by Tripadvisor. The prices were reasonable at 5 -24 euros. If you are a garlic lover, you will love this place as garlic is their primary ingredient.

Cosy cottage-style interior of Garlic Restaurant

Garlic Cream Soup. Super garlicky and those crispy garlic bits just added ohm! to this dish. 

Pan seared salmon. Crispy skin, juicy meat. 

Grilled pork chops with lots of wedges that tasted heavenly

Scampi that were so crunchy and fresh!

Medium rare steak 

Salmon soup. SooO good! Creamy and 'herby'

Meat was perfect, but could do with lesser sauce as it mask away the fresh 'beefy' taste which I like.

Helsinki Kamppi at night

Nothing is opened and I am feeling so lethargic. Not sure if its the jet lag or the winter or the lack of human (I think its a combo) . So we conclude our day 1 by walking back to the hotel.