Here I am, back in Helsinki after over six years. I have the most stereotypical tourist image of the city at the top of this post because I barely took any photos while I was here, since I didn’t really feel like a tourist. The moment I arrived on the train from Turku I made my way to the Tuomiokirkko (cathedral), just to get it out of the way, and I figured I may as well take the photo while I was there.

Helsinki feels the same as when I lived here six years ago. I have changed a lot in that time, and Helsinki has too, but the way the city feels to me, and how I feel while I’m here, is still the same. When I arrived I felt as if I had never left. It was not an emotional reunion like I thought it might be, I just got off the train, exited the station, and set out through streets that felt as if I had just seen them days before. It feels good.

The city is peaceful for how large it is, there is so much green space, and it’s very easy to get around by walking, biking, bus, tram, metro, and train. I just feel at home here, even after all this time. But that also means that I’ve got to move on, because I’m in Europe to travel, and Helsinki’s familiarity might shake me out of my groove.

Anyhow, below are a couple of pictures from my time here, with captions!

First up we have the tasty Finnish pastry korvapuusti (which means ‘slapped ears’ approximately), it’s essentially a cinnamon bun, but not too sticky and not too sweet like those in North America.

My most interesting culinary experience to date. These are fried crickets, with some sort of sauce, and I think there are crickets in the crackers too. This isn’t a Finnish delicacy or anything, but it may have to become a worldwide delicacy in the coming years. Honestly, they were delicious. I surprised myself by not even hesitating to pop the first one in my mouth and I just chowed down from there. They taste just like any other crunchy, seasoned snack. I also sampled an unseasoned one and it was also good.

And finally. I stayed at an AirBnB, and this is what welcomed me when I arrived. All the kittens were being adopted that day, but I got a few minutes to enjoy these glorious little critters. Yay!

Next stop, Tallinn, Estonia.