Trip Finale in Finland

After taking the ferry back from Tallinn, we arrived in Helsinki for the final day of our trip.

Uspenski Eastern Orthodox Cathedral

We probably didn't give Helsinki the time it deserved -- we were literally here for only 24 hours before catching our plane home.  But we did our best to see what we could in that short amount of time.

Yayoi Kusama's installation "Ascension of Polka Dots on the Trees"

The Finnair Skywheel dominates the waterfront.  One of the cars is actually a sauna (it's the wooden one in the upper right).  Very Finnish.

Nearby, the Allas Sea Pool complex was a very popular spot.  It had just opened the week before and there was a long line to get admission into the pool.

I'm not sure if this was unusual or if it's just something that happens regularly in Finland, but there was a team of synchronized swimmers doing a routine in the pool.  We just caught the tail end of it.

Then we enjoyed some beers and a great view of the Helsinki harbor area.

I think this wistfully sad statue pretty well sums up our feelings about leaving this beautiful corner of the world.

The name of the statue is "Havis Amanda"

We will certainly miss the bustling cities, friendly people, and awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Nordic countries that we've visited on this trip.  While we are looking forward to coming home after our long journey, we'll treasure all the wonderful memories we've made here.