So, I discovered the root of one of my problems: I desperately needed to get out of Lappeenranta.
I've hung around Helsinki before, sometimes even for the length of a day, but I've always been fresh off the plane, sleepless and jet lagged. This marked my first time being in Helsinki while feeling well-rested.
When Rami and I arrived, it was snowing giant, wet snowflakes, the likes of which I hadn't seen since I was back in Connecticut.
We had a sushi lunch and went off exploring.
First, we stopped by the cathedral. What an organ!
After that, we went to Ateneum. I love museums. Any kind will do, really, but I think I especially love art museums. Science museums are a close second. Anyway, staring at some (predominantly Finnish) art was just what I needed. There's no better way to enter a culture than through its art.
So, we went from there to Kiasma, the contemporary art museum.
Modern art is usually a bit of a circle jerk, but it's almost always interesting.
In the evening, we went to Saslik, which I'd read about some time ago in the very useful blog, HelsinkiIn.*
Saslik did not disappoint. We had vodka:
blini:
and a kind waiter gave me a rose for naisten päivä.
It was by far the most interesting day I've had in months. Thank you, Helsinki.
*Believe it or not, there is not one Russian restaurant in Lappeenranta. I suppose that's because Russian tourists aren't likely to be interested in eating food from their own culture? Still, it seems like at least one restaurant would've popped up through the process of cultural exchange, however fraught with conflict the relationship may be.
I've hung around Helsinki before, sometimes even for the length of a day, but I've always been fresh off the plane, sleepless and jet lagged. This marked my first time being in Helsinki while feeling well-rested.
When Rami and I arrived, it was snowing giant, wet snowflakes, the likes of which I hadn't seen since I was back in Connecticut.
We had a sushi lunch and went off exploring.
First, we stopped by the cathedral. What an organ!
After that, we went to Ateneum. I love museums. Any kind will do, really, but I think I especially love art museums. Science museums are a close second. Anyway, staring at some (predominantly Finnish) art was just what I needed. There's no better way to enter a culture than through its art.
So, we went from there to Kiasma, the contemporary art museum.
Modern art is usually a bit of a circle jerk, but it's almost always interesting.
In the evening, we went to Saslik, which I'd read about some time ago in the very useful blog, HelsinkiIn.*
Saslik did not disappoint. We had vodka:
blini:
and a kind waiter gave me a rose for naisten päivä.
It was by far the most interesting day I've had in months. Thank you, Helsinki.
*Believe it or not, there is not one Russian restaurant in Lappeenranta. I suppose that's because Russian tourists aren't likely to be interested in eating food from their own culture? Still, it seems like at least one restaurant would've popped up through the process of cultural exchange, however fraught with conflict the relationship may be.
The first time I went to Helsinki, I also visited that cathedral. I remember the organ! :-D I've only been to Helsinki twice (to walk around the city, I mean, not just at the airport) he he...glad to know you've had fun and get a change of scenery. :-D
ReplyDeleteA pattern seems to emerge.
DeleteI knew the music was just an excuse.
The real reason is: Ladies love big organs.
Does an enlarged liver count, by any chance?
I don't believe that counts. However, it might help if your penis can play a Bach concerto.
DeleteLOL LOL LOLLLLLLLL!!!!! You make me laugh! :-D
DeleteAlways nice to see foreigners enjoying Russian culture (or food ^^). I haven't been to Saslik, as it's not very vegetarian-friendly, but I know another great place for Russian pancakes - Blinit (Sturenkatu 9, Helsinki). It's a nice cafe with so many yummy blinit and other things! Tastes just like in the motherland.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, the pancakes that you had in Russia are called oladushki, small thick blinit.
http://eat.fi/helsinki/blini
Thanks for the proper name. They were perfectly delicious, and I'd love to have them again sometime.
DeleteI do love Russian flavors - stark, vinegary, strong - I love powerful flavors. It was a nice change from Finnish food. Thanks also for the Blinit recommendation. :)
I'm glad you liked Saslik! Did they also have live music that night?
ReplyDeleteI love the place. There was one thing though that made me realize that I was not actually in Russia. The service was much too good and friendly. At least from my experience you would hardly find something like that in St. Petersburg.