It is Friday morning now, and I’ve just crammed myself full of breakfast. It’s not really late enough for many things to be open, and it is raining outside, so I am taking the opportunity to do a bit of research, plan some routes, and I think today will be an indoor museum day because the sky is grey and any outdoor photos will probably be rather uninspired. This is fine. Oh, and the University bookstore, as well.

Helsinki is colder than I thought it would be. It’s only 8 degrees right now, with a high of 11 today in the forecast. Not worried — I have layers and a wind/rainshell, and if all else falls, there is always Stockmann, the largest gourmet/artisan department store in Finland. Ten floors? Yes please. I haven’t been there yet but I can only assume that they probably sell a sweater or two.

Last night I did make it to Vegemesta. It was a fast trip. I had arrived at my hotel, dumped my stuff on the floor and felt the need to explore and at least say I did something. I am north of the city centre, in the Kallio district of Helsinki. Bohemian, densely populated, and absolutely chock full of night clubs (many of them metal), small shops, and little cafes. Vegemesta is far smaller (ie, standing room only) than I thought. It was full when I got there, with maybe ten people standing in a space that was probably half the size of my office at work, for those that read this. The burger was excellent. Hemp and oats, on dark Scandinavian rye bread, with roasted red onions, chili sauce, and a huge slice of fresh pineapple. I am going back, probably on my way back to my hotel today. The plan is to hit up some of the bigger churches and museums, make my way down to the centre of town just to see if I can touch it (is it possible to count coup on a city?, why yes, yes it is) and then make my way back up the Eastern side of the city, along the Market Square.

I believe the rain has stopped. It’s still grey and blustery, but no worries.