Leppynyt*

With summer finally arriving it really is hard not to feel a strong sense of place on the peninsula that is central Helsinki. It’s not that any of us are rooted here (some weeds and a substantial amount of municipal gardening aside). But many of us have been lucky enough to grow in the everyday life that is Helsinki. Or, better still, Helsinkies.

For consistently great photos I still recommend you to Learning to See in Helsinki.

But since I took a few of my own yesterday, I’d like to share.

I’ll start with the Design Pavilion, which offered up a more edifying and enlightening talk than I’d come across previously. And each time I go, there’s a bit more tat on sale, but also a bit more of a completed air about the place.

Helsinki Poetry Connection served up some lovely rhymes, including a good few good ones in English from Kasper Salonen (below).

Then on for some reasonable food (unglam Senttu in posh but not in-your-face-posh Pietarinkatu) and some pertinent street art.

And later, when it was getting dark enough for my poor G7 to struggle a little even in Finland’s nightless night, some classic cars cruising the city. Some with wings, others with bales of hay and even one adorned with a sled.

Yess, Helsinki, yes!

* loose translation of leppynyt: feeling forgiving