Helsinki lies North of the 60th parallel. It is a proud independent country that was once controlled by the Russians and the Swedes. The Granite Church, plus the Lutheran and Orthodox churches are all notable. Ice breakers are parked in the harbour and the public market by the shore is bustling with crafts, foods, and flowers.  

The trip from Stockholm to Helsinki included our second formal dinner night and a 12 hour crossing over rough sea . We arrived on a cold morning but the Finland capital is lush with gardens, flowers and parks. Despite being north of the 60th parallel, Helsinki's climate is moderated by the sea including the gulf stream. Our tour took us thru the cultural areas' museums, opera house and parks. We stopped at the Olympic centre where there is a statue to the Flying Finn. We stopped at a Stone Church which is dug into solid granite and has incredible acoustics. We proceeded to a massive Lutheran Cathedral and a Greek Orthodox Basilica. Lunch was at an open public market next to the city coastline where cruise ships and ice breakers are parked. Lunch consisted of a Finnish beer and reindeer meatballs served with lingen berry sauce. Finland's social welfare system has some desirable merit but it costs the citizens 25% in VAT plus large income taxes. The city is clean, and the citizens proud and happy to show the visitors their country. The language in either written or spoken form is unintelligable.