Like most, many, some folks I have a wish list in my head of countries around the world I hope to visit one day. There's always the question of getting the time off from work, not being committed to other projects at that time, and having the money to travel to and enough days to properly see the places you want to experience.
Last September I was lucky enough to see Italy and Monaco for the first time. I still haven't made it to Australia and New Zealand though. I want to see Japan, Russia and more of Alaska than I already have. India is at the top of my list but I want to wait until I've got about a month to attempt that one.
I am particularly drawn to the Scandinavian nations and have spent part of both a summer and a winter in Norway, one of my favorite places on Earth. The most fun vacation I ever took alone was my week in Iceland and I wouldn't mind getting back there either.
Next up for me though is Finland. In fact, I almost can't believe I leave for there on Friday night. I have about ten days to spend in country and plan to spend the first couple of full days and nights in Helsinki, a modern European capital of more than 500,000 residents.
After that I plan to hit the road and drive northward into the Arctic Circle and beyond. I have a rough idea of a few things I want to see, like the Sami reindeer herders and of course, Korvatunturi, the birthplace of Joulupikki, the Finnish name for Santa Claus. I hope to get really lucky and see some early Northern Lights too.
But here's where I need your help, dear readers. I know collectively you guys have been everywhere so I need to hear about Finland. Where else do I need to go? What else do I need to do, besides the obvious sauna with their Olympic women's volleyball team?
Thanks in advance for your advice and suggestions.
It's funny .... here is one of photos I found while poking around on some Finland sites. It's Lake Saimma in the eastern part of the country. Apparently I'm traveling thousands of miles to go to a place that looks almost exactly like Washington State's own Puget Sound!
As long as you do not come back i will be happy! DORK!!!
Posted by: Tracy | August 25, 2008 at 05:24 AM
Unfortunately I haven't been out of the country (yet). But I do reside in North Pole, Alaska, and have lived in this state for about 18 years now. I would highly recommend taking the time to drive up the Alaskan Highway, and try to get to Barrow, which is the furthest north city in Alaska. I still have not visited Barrow, but I've heard it's worth the trip. Just make sure to avoid the entire state in the winter. Where I live, it gets down to -50F!!!!
Posted by: krystal | August 25, 2008 at 08:48 AM
I have the Fjord Cruise during Christmas/Northern Lights season on my list...the Arctic Circle drive seems a little extreme tho...good luck with that...feed the sled dogs well
Posted by: db | August 25, 2008 at 09:18 AM
i actually spent a week in helsinki and it was ridiculously amazing...since i went to study architecture i did the more artistic things, but i would highly highly recommend the following.
the rock church temppeliaukio
finlandia hall
helsinki university of technology at otaniemi
kiasma art museum (there's a place almost directly across the street from here that was designed to look like a film reel that you might like as well)
hvvistrak is great for older architecture and gardens
alvar aalto's home and basically anything he designed is a high priority for being in helsinki
senate square is pretty cool too..a good place to just sit and eat some ice cream and people watch
esplanade for good shopping
and if you're still in the mood for the olympics, helsinki's olympic stadium
and while you're there you might as well eat some reindeer as that's a speciality :)
have an amazing time!
Posted by: Tiff | August 25, 2008 at 12:05 PM
I have not been to Finland so I can't help you there, but I recommend www.couchsurfing.com.
I signed up when I was going to New Zealand and I joined one of their New Zealand groups and asked people to recommend places I should visit. I even met a few ppl and traveled with them and surfed a couple couches. :-)
Posted by: Melika | August 25, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Too bad you just missed the international air guitar championships, which were held in Oulu, Finland last week! That is the next dream vacation on my list, having just returned from Evel Knievel Days in Montana a couple weeks ago.
Posted by: Suz | August 25, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Bean, although you said you've never been there, the city closest to Seattle is actually Auckland, NZ.
Check your email for details/photos.
Posted by: MarinersDave | August 25, 2008 at 12:39 PM
a little something from wikipedia
Outdoor activities range from Nordic skiing, golf, fishing, yachting, lake cruises, hiking, kayaking among many others. At Finland's northernmost point, in the heart of summer, the Sun does not completely set for 73 consecutive days. Wildlife is abundant in Finland. Bird-watching is popular for those fond of flying fauna, however hunting is also popular. Elk, reindeer and hare are all common game in Finland. There are many churches, cathedrals, museums and castles. Olavinlinna in Savonlinna hosts the annual Savonlinna Opera Festival. The capital city of Helsinki, on the other hand, is famous for its Grand Duchy era architecture, which resembles that of imperial St. Petersburg.
Posted by: Liz | August 25, 2008 at 01:36 PM
well I have not had the opportunity to leave the country yet, let alone visit Finland. but I do hope you have an amazing time there, and please take many pictures to post for your faithful fans on here!
Posted by: Suzy | August 25, 2008 at 02:04 PM
Krystal: Good suggestion, but Bean's already done the "first sunrise in Barrow" trip. And that IS a trip...
Bean: One of my favorite photos at one of my favorite websites (airliners.net) just happens to have been taken at Helsinki airport. This will give you a good idea of what to expect if you were to make your trip a little later in the year:
http://www.airliners.net/photo/-/-/1006289/M/
Posted by: Cal | August 25, 2008 at 02:05 PM
I KNEW IT! I told you I was worried about you going off to do some ice fishing from a fjord and now look what you're planning. I only checked your blog because I hadn't heard back from you, and see what I found?! Well, I'll see if my Finnish friends can offer some help for you anyway. And maybe some people I can send as a search party if you don't come back when you oughta.
Posted by: Malayna | August 25, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Safe Travels Bean. Let's hope you don't drive your uber compact rental car on the train tracks like your visit to Sweden.
Posted by: Wendy | August 25, 2008 at 03:21 PM
go to lake bodom where 3 people were murdered and an awesome band got its name from that event: children of bodom, which is what they should be playing instead of freaking 40 of the same only somewhat good songs over and over... but anyway, they never found the killer but they believe one of the people did it. by the way, one of the guys who was a suspect, his last name is (i kid you not)... assman. yes.
Posted by: tyr | August 25, 2008 at 05:59 PM
@ Krystal- people can live in -50F on purpose?! If a plane that I was travelling in crashed in your area I might make an attempt to survive, but I don't even like +50F so much. wow, call me a sheltered southern Californian, but that's freaking me out...
Posted by: Shae | August 25, 2008 at 09:24 PM
wow - you leave for finland friday and i leave for your beautiful state of washington that day (though i am heading east to spokane)
many safe travels.... never been out of the country so i am of no use there. can't wait to hear about your trip!
Posted by: cathy g | August 26, 2008 at 12:01 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080826/od_nm/finland_wacky_odd_dc_1
Some suggestions I read about today for your trip.
Posted by: Jennifer | August 27, 2008 at 06:11 AM
Hey Bean, You’re going to have a great time visiting Finland. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to tour Scandinavia in the summer of 2003. ( Unemployed with credit card ) The people there are very gracious hosts and nearly everyone (at least those born after the war ) speaks fluent English. The only phrase that you may what to practice is “seitseman - yksitoista ? “
……..by the way, all the women are named Katrina and none of them have ever heard of bras.
Posted by: Steve | August 28, 2008 at 05:03 PM
I LIVE IN FINLAND!!! I was just listening to the podcast, like everyday at work. Then I heard you're coming to Finland?! I'm very honoured to have you in my lovely country. I live in Vaasa on the west coast. Many people here speak Swedish so Vaasa is also known as Little Sweden. You really picked the perfect weekend to visit too. This weekend is aslo the end of the "archipelago-summer-cabin-season". So there will be a lot of parties and tons of beautiful fire works to see.
Helsinki is very beautiful but I also think you'll enjoy the drive up north. I really hope you'll stop by Vaasa. The city actually consists of different islands and bridges. And the archipelago here is actually on UNESCO's list. We also have the longest bridge in Finland. It's called Replot Bridge. Use wikipedia for more info.
Wow, I'm so happy you're coming in Finland. If you need a guide or any help just let me know!
Posted by: Mats Häggback | August 29, 2008 at 06:26 AM
Hey Bean! If/when you get bored/broke in Finland, just remember Estonia is only a 15 euro and hour and a half hour ferry ride away from Helsinki... The old hansa town of Tallin is a kick ass place to visit with the old city wall still in tact... The dollar goes a long way and there is no visa necessary... The food and drink is top notch... I recommend the Bavarian Brewery in the old town... best of travels Bean, and if you are ever in southern Sweden, please give me a holler...
sincerely your longtime, faithful and humble fan, Mart
Posted by: Mart | September 03, 2008 at 01:05 AM
I've always wanted to visit that part of the world as well. Namely Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland. Someday maybe.
Posted by: Don F | September 03, 2008 at 10:34 AM