The next day Kirsty and Tom were not leaving until the evening so we were able to take some time to explore Helsinki.

  All the harbour islands are home to wonderful buildings

  and they love their concrete animals (we weren’t too sure what Bonk industries did though, particularly given their strapline!)

Fantastic and varied market. Vegetables always look so much better when displayed outdoors

Orthodox churches are always so ornate

The cathedral is visible everywhere in the city because of its position on a hill; the team took a break on the way up

  These decorated figures were part of a project and there were many on display

  We chose to walk rather than take a bicycle tour

and then it was time for morning coffee

Lots of trees and flowers in the city

This is a beehive

and so is this, but this one can double up as a seat (if you don’t mind bees in your trousers)

Can’t escape the moose

Distinctive frontage of the railway station

but this building was covered up while under repair

The rock church was in a cavern formed out of the natural terrain

Everyone was sad Kirsty and Tom were waiting for the ferry