Finland (and Estonia), August 6-9

Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world.  Great education, health, low crime, quality of life. That said, Helsinki looks like a great place to live (also looks like Minnesota), but doesn't have a lot of big tourist sites.  So, you had to enjoy just being there.  It is a lovely city right on the water with a lot of islands there is a great waterfront area to walk along and find cafes.

The first day was one of Shannon's favorite, we went out the of the city to a small medieval town that we toured  and then we went to a farm where they fed the whole tour group in a large farmhouse a traditional Finnish meal.  The part Shannon likes, was that it happened to be a horse farm.  We got to meet the horses, babies too, and tour the stable.

The second day we relaxed and then did the waterfront stroll to the market area.  There were tents upon tents of fresh berries and cherries and we chowed down-you don't get to see a berry on the ship, only melons and sometimes oranges, so it was heaven!  The food on the ship at this point, is getting very old, no cruise ship food here, more like college cafeteria.  Every day presents a form of pasta, potato, fish and meat (usually pork) and then an ice berg lettuce salad.  So, whenever we get to eat off the ship, it is a treat!

On the third day we had a wonderful trip to a different country-Estonia.  There is an easy two hour ferry to Estonia that we took advantage of.  We spent the day there touring the amazing medieval town of Tallinn.  It looks like Disney built it with its hilly cobblestoned roads and perfect buildings.  We ate at a medieval tavern where they do the whole tourist thing, Liam got to be the master of the table.

Day four, back in Helsinki, we went over to a little island with an old fort.  We wanted to make Andy proud.  We were with our friend Julie and son Michael.  There were many fun tunnels to explore and a little swimming beach that the kids loved.