Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Brrr. Today felt like the coldest day we have encountered, and we are not in the Arctic yet. The weather said that it was 31℉, but the Feels Like temperature was 15℉ and it sure felt like it. Of course, it could have been the amount of time that we were outside too.

We walked down to the marina area of Helsinki and Market Square. We completed a couple of tourist activities...the Flying Cinema tour of Helsinki and the SkyWheel. The movie provided a quick tour of the sites of Helsinki while the theater moved. It even sprayed a little water when you abruptly landed in the sea. Aside from the motion-induced queasiness of the jerking motions, it was a cool way to take a quick tour.

Next, we headed for the SkyWheel. This Ferris wheel has fully-enclosed, heated gondolas and provides a great view of the city. They even have a sauna gondola and a VIP gondola. You'll notice that, despite being the largest city in Finland and the capital, Helsinki does not have skyscrapers.

View from the Skywheel

Adjacent to the Skywheel is one of the public sauna experiences in Helsinki. We did not partake in this today, but even on Monday morning, it was a busy place. People would come out from the sauna and make their way to the bay for a plunge in the chilly waters. Most come out in just a swimsuit. And then they go back in and repeat the whole process. Yikes! They claim it is a refreshing, indescribable feeling.

Notice the apparel of the lifeguard and the ice on the deck!

In addition to the sauna, there was an outdoor swimming pool where a number of people were swimming. I'm thinking the water may have been heated based on the steam rising from it, but still. Maybe an indoor pool could be an option at this time of the year?

Picture of the pool from the SkyWheel

Next, we made our way over to the Market Square building. This beautiful, old martketplace included vendors selling meats, cheeses, pastries, and more. Anyone need canned bear meat or reindeer meat for the holidays? (Can you serve reindeer on Christmas? Somehow, that doesn't seem appropriate, does it?) Chris greatly enjoyed his seafood soup for lunch. I had a meat pastry that was also delicious.

After lunch, we wandered back to the Christmas Market in Senate Square. It was much quieter today. Since there wasn't a long line, I was able to take my turn on the carousel. The boat-like seat I was in even rocked back and forth. It was so much fun! You are never too old to enjoy a carousel ride!

We climbed the many steps to the Cathedral above the square to take in the view from above.

I'm sure that tree looked straight when it was out in the forest!

The cold weather called for some hot chocolate before the walk back. Yum! Yes, I ordered it with all of the available toppings...mini marshmallows, meringue, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and sprinkles! How is a girl supposed to choose from those options?!

We found a cozy, little place to sit under a heat lamp.

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style...

It's a little bit hard to see, but the children on the platform are all wearing
yellow vests over their snowsuits. They are on a field trip looking at the
decorated windows of the Stockmann Department Store. We saw several
school groups out today. They always wear the reflective vests when they
are out. At the daycare I visited, they even wore them out for recess.

Tomorrow, we will leave our apartment and move to the Hotel Lilla Roberts and meet our tour group for the third leg of our trip.