It was a toasty 2 degrees in Helsinki this morning when I set out. The sun was shining and I almost went back to the hotel for my lighter jacket. Just as well I didn’t. Despite the fact that the temperature zoomed all the way up to 4 degrees, there was a sneaky little wind whistling around my ears.
You can see the gorgeous blue sky behind Tuomiokirkko in its lofty position.
The Russian Church also put on a good show.
Cafes in Helsinki now serve flat whites, just to make me feel at home.
It was gorgeous around the harbour this morning.
…little children rugged up for a morning walk. Helsinki residents don’t let cold weather keep them indoors.
The naked blacksmiths were enjoying the sunshine.
The giant like outside the music centre was gleaming in the sunshine too.
A walk around Toolonlahti is always delightful, especially on a sunny winter day.
Some gentlemen gathered for a game.
The surface of the water is frozen, but there are patches where the ice has melted.
I think this is a fishing hole.
These were all roses once.
The ducks managed to find a bit of unfrozen water to splash in, and some sunshine to bask in.
Look at the glorious colour on the drake’s head.
From another angle it looks purple.
I think this one was just showing off.
The females have a tiny patch of lilac on their wings.
There was a lone white duck.
…and a couple of young Barnacle geese. Maybe they were left behind when their parents flew south.
There were tiny birds eating the food left out for them to help them get through the winter.
I love Helsinki, especially when the sun shines…next stop Germany.
This morning we woke up and it was 0 degrees outside, in San Sebastián! So a temperature between 2 and 4 degrees for Helsinki is not bad at all. Enjoy your stay!
By: Mulino Dominillo on February 17, 2016
at 4:32 pm
Minus 8 was forecast so I was very happy with 4 degrees.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 17, 2016
at 4:45 pm
It’s always great to go on your travels; so unselfishly you provide all that beauty, places never seen, exceptional through the eyes of your lens. And now, your progressive journey culminating in Bella Italia; how exciting. You must love the anticipation; it’ll almost be Primavera; can’t wait for photos of those lovely first flowers popping up. Grazie di nuovo!
By: Anonymous on February 17, 2016
at 4:38 pm
I am staying with a lovely friend in Germany. It will be great to catch up.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 17, 2016
at 4:46 pm
It’s beautiful. Cold and clean. Lovely birdies.
By: The Daily Cure on February 17, 2016
at 7:00 pm
Helsinki is a gorgeous city.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 18, 2016
at 1:26 am
Do you speak Finnish?
By: The Daily Cure on February 17, 2016
at 7:00 pm
A few words only, fortunately for me everyone speaks very good English
By: Debra Kolkka on February 18, 2016
at 1:27 am
Love the Bird Pics.
By: kalgoorliegirl on February 17, 2016
at 7:08 pm
The ducks seem quite used to people and let you come quite close.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 18, 2016
at 1:27 am
Such a beautiful place. A welcome change from the Australian heat no doubt.
By: kathyhill on February 17, 2016
at 7:40 pm
Give me cold any day.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 18, 2016
at 1:27 am
Lovely photos of Helsinki Debra – glad you got some crisp weather as that was what you were wishing for! Did you realize that you managed to take a photo of the most photographed bird in Finland at the moment? Everyone is flocking to see it. It’s the white duck (ie white mallard). Don’t mistake it an albino thought because it’s eyes are not red – in fact it’s leucistic. Well done 🙂
By: Suvi on February 17, 2016
at 7:54 pm
There was quite a crowd around the ducks. I have certainly never seen a white one here before.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 18, 2016
at 1:28 am
Your favourite colours Deb – purple and green
By: Liz Litzow on February 17, 2016
at 9:24 pm
Yes, both in one duck.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 18, 2016
at 1:29 am
Good to see you enjoying yourself Deb.
Lots of love Russell. I have to put up with Northcliffe Beach to day and it is only 30 + degrees .
see you when you return
By: russell magnus on February 17, 2016
at 9:32 pm
30+ is OK if you are at the beach.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 18, 2016
at 1:29 am
Oh, I can almost smell the cold, crisp air. It’s so hot and muggy in Brisbane even though we are the beneficiaries of the Bay’s breezes; the garden is drooping disconsolately. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the garden at Vergemolli. Whilst I was ironing at the weekend I watched an old episode of Grand Design Abroad about a couple who faithfully rebuilt a castle in Tuscany – I think it was Brancillio, something like that – and the scenery from their eyrie of the Tuscan countryside was breathtakingly beautiful.
By: Jan on February 17, 2016
at 10:34 pm
I am most keen to get to my Vergemoli garden to see how it is surviving the winter.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 18, 2016
at 1:30 am
I can’t imagine two degrees being “toasty”…!!…yet, I love your tour of your favourite spots. Love the little family on a brisk walk, a good way to soak up the winter sun. I recall a family walk we did in Ft Wayne one very cold February morning, and found ourselves the only family doing the walk around the neighbourhood at that time. I think it lasted 15 minutes before we felt our noses ‘snapping off’ and our lips sticking together. They must breed these children tough in Finland.
By: Sandra Hoopmann on February 18, 2016
at 1:00 am
There are always people out and about in Helsinki, regardless of the weather. There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 18, 2016
at 1:31 am
Especially like the photos of Toolonlahti
By: Mallee Stanley on February 18, 2016
at 1:03 pm
It is a beautiful area. I always try to walk around the water regardless of the weather.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 19, 2016
at 11:43 am
Love your shots of the ducks — their expression is priceless! I think I could use some of Helsinki’s chill here; so hot and humid at the moment.
By: Bama on February 18, 2016
at 1:47 pm
I left 36degress behind in Australia happily. Give me cool weather any day.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 19, 2016
at 11:44 am
Beautiful variety of shots for a beautiful location. Are they playing chess?
By: rommel on February 19, 2016
at 11:39 am
I’m not sure what they were playing. I don’t speak Finnish and some of the older people don’t speak English, so I was reluctant to question them.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 19, 2016
at 11:44 am
Helsinki looks lovely, but too cold for me. I love heat and sun. Good on you for venturing out with the hardy locals.
By: sheilasunshine on February 19, 2016
at 8:38 pm
There was sun, but not much heat…I love it.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 20, 2016
at 7:19 am
I didn’t know that about ducks – that you can tell mail from female by that simple coloring. So interesting! Beautiful pics – I especially love the second one of the church. So dramatic!
By: Gracefully Global on February 20, 2016
at 2:58 am
With birds the male is often the more decorative and colourful.
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at 7:19 am
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