Helsinki: The City I Haven't Really Seen

Well once again I am beyond in the blogging realm. It has been extremely difficult this week to get anything done in this blog and just in general…we have no time for anything.

I really don’t have anything to speak too much about. We hardly get let out of the cage so Helsinki continues to be a mystery to me.

The top 52 most interesting facts about Helsinki:

1. It is bigger than I was anticipating.
2. They have a large tram and metro system.
3. People do not jay walk. It is not illegal…people just don’t do it.
4. There is public wi-fi in the center square.
5. There is A LOT of shopping here. I mean stores everywhere.
6. Marimeko is huge.
7. Metal has it’s own special culture.
8. The mustache, fohawk, and man-pony are all live and well here.
9. The teen population all consists of hipsters.
10. Open containers are A-OK.
11. They have an island that I can’t pronounce or spell which is similar to Put-In-Bay.
12. Finland has hands down the best strawberries I have ever eaten.
13. There are open markets everywhere = no need to buy produce at grocery stores.
14. Their street signs are in Finnish and Swedish.
15. Finnish Kebab is completely different than U.S. kabab.
16. There are at least three huge multi-level malls all within a block of each other.
17. Beer is expensive.
18. The sun almost sets for three hours a night.
19. There are seagulls everywhere. And they will eat your ice cream right out of your hand.
20. Cider beer is better here.
21. Everyone smokes but all institutions are smoke-free.
22. Hostel Academica will nickel and dime you for everything.
23. Washing your laundry in a laundry-mat costs 5euro and 8euro to dry plus 1euro for one scoop of detergent.
24. Hesberger is the equivalent of Burger King.
25. I have seen 3 McDonald’s.
26. Diet Pepsi = Pepsi Max.
27. There are public saunas.
28. It costs .50euro to use a public toilet.
29. People recycle their bottles and cans for money. It’s not just for bums.
30. Nalgen or re-useable plastic water bottles are not used here…everyone just re-uses their regular bottled water containers.
31. Finland has extremely clean tap water.
32. Most people speak English.
33. Nudity is not a problem.
34. Taxis are Mercedes and BMWs.
35. Everyone bicycles everywhere.
36. When standing at any location in Finland there will be at least three ice cream stands in sight.
37. Postage stamps are expensive.
38. The mall food court items are really fancy.
39. Most Fins have summer cottages.
40. The average Fin is in college for 7-8 years.
41. Hygiene is not an issue.
42. Cookies = Biscuits.
43. Fins love their Lady GaGa.
44. Leggings and Ts are the dress of choice for most girls, especially studded ones.
45. Stores have to stop selling alcohol at 9pm.
46. The downtown center looks like New York at rush hour…minus jay walking.
47. The streets are clean. No trash.
48. Gypsies dress in Renaissance style clothing.
49. There is no universal law for doors. It is hard to tell which way the door opens which has caused many embarrassing moments.
50. There are really small locks on doors where you have to turn the lock to open the door. This is very confusing and easily looked over.
51. The exit signs for a building are green with a white man running, an arrow pointing down, and a white rectangle.
52. Smurfs have made quite the impression in Finland. Smurfi candy, pop, decorative wear ..you get the picture.





for now fellow followers,
megan