Lynx is the Only Wild…

…cat in Finland.

Some lucky people have seen them even in Helsinki but most Finns will encounter them only in the zoos. Since they are nocturnal animals, you might have to visit the cage or even the zoo several times to see one.

The Land of the Rising Sun…

…was then only a few hours away. Unfortunately my vacation in Japan is over and now I’m recovering from the 7 hour time difference and the 25 degrees Celsius temperature difference.

Have a look at photos from the trip including sumo, autumn colors, Japanese people, shrines, tourist attractions, atomic bombs and bullet trains.

Helsinki Has Been Covered in Snow…

…for a few days. Let’s see if it stays.

Central Helsinki is pretty compact isn’t it?

Hotel Grand Marina…

…in Katajanokka.

Kamppi…

…shopping mall.

National…

…museum.

The Three…

…smiths.

Former Customs and…

…warehouse.

King of Finland…

…was supposed to be Väinö I but he didn’t rule for a single day. And the name is probably also just a misunderstanding.

In 1918 Prince Frederick Charles (Friedrich Karl) of Hessen was elected to become the king of Finland but after Germany was defeated in the Great War, Finns decided that it is better to have a president as the head of state. A great decision for Finnish society but the PR people must be still crying.

In the photo is dancer Sami Saikkonen, Helsinki samba carnaval king 2010, who definitely has the attitude of a monarch.

Up…

…there.