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.