I love my stopovers in Helsinki on the way to Italy. It feels like coming home. I am now very familiar with the city and enjoy visiting my favourite places.
The weather was a bit overcast, but the temperature was good, perfect for wandering.
First stop was Johan and Nystrom for a coffee and an interesting breakfast.
The view of the harbour is lovely from here.
Esplanadi park never disappoints. Summer is over and it is officially autumn, but the gardens are still looking pretty.
The change of season is coming.
Street plantings in Helsinki are beautiful.
Lunch at Fazer.
There is always something new for me to discover in Helsinki. This time it is the new gallery Amos Rex. It is underground on the site of an old bus station. The above ground bit is stunning and creating a lot of interest…a novel way to get light into the gallery below.
Here is the entrance to the gallery. The guide book I was given is written in Finnish, so I can’t give too much information, but come for a walk through the rooms.
The first room is called Black Waves. Ever changing waves surround you.
The next is called Graffiti Nature: Lost, immersed and Reborn. Here in an enchanted garden the viewer, part of the scene, wants to reach out and touch the plants and wandering creatures.
Walk on to the Vortex of Light Particles. I felt as if I was inside a jellyfish.
In the last of the special effects rooms…Crows are Chased and the Chasing Corws are Destined to be Chased as well, Transcending Space…the audience is invited to stand for 4 minutes and listen and watch.
There is a more traditional room with impressionist art, the collection of Sigurd Fosterus. He admired and collected Colourism that emerged in Europe in the first half of the 20th century.
The collection is amongst the earliest significant private collections of foreign and domestic modern art in Finland mostly gathered between 1905 and 1915 when Fosterus was an active art critic and essayist.
On the way out I noticed a few things I had not seen on the way in. The ceiling is stunning.
Now I am now in Italy for the next part of my adventure.
Fascinating gallery and exhibition. Great photos.
By: Kerry & Jim on September 22, 2018
at 7:49 pm
Helsinki has a lot to offer.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 23, 2018
at 3:42 am
What a fantastic stop over!! The gallery looks so inventive and the city never looks crowded …. I’d like that I’m sure!!!
See you in the summer! Jxx
By: Jan Williams on September 22, 2018
at 8:11 pm
Helsinki has wide streets and, yes, it is not crowded. I like it a lot.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 23, 2018
at 3:43 am
Thanks for this privileged visit – as I will never make it to Finland. I look forward to your time back in Europe, we all benefit. Regards Kevin Palmer
By: Kevin Palmer on September 22, 2018
at 8:51 pm
I am pleased you come along.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 23, 2018
at 3:44 am
Enjoy that beautiful smell of lavender as it lingers on your hands. Happy pruning. BTW do you fly with Finn air and if so, what is it like.
By: Kathryn Beckingsale on September 22, 2018
at 9:30 pm
I always fly Finnair. It is very good.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 23, 2018
at 3:44 am
Amos Rex looks visually stunning! I always love it when museums incorporate modern technology to help convey a message — people will always pay attention more to something that is more appealing to their senses. This new gallery certainly is not to be missed when one visits the Finnish capital.
By: Bama on September 23, 2018
at 12:29 am
Amos Rex certainly appeals to the senses. I have not seen anything like it before.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 23, 2018
at 3:45 am
Enjoy your stay and have a lovely time!
By: Mulino Dominillo on September 23, 2018
at 6:13 am
I am now at Casa Debbio and the garden is great.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 23, 2018
at 11:15 am
I’ve only been to Finland once but I really liked it. What was the breakfast? It looks like beetroot dip and pickled cauliflower?
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on September 23, 2018
at 10:26 am
It was a type of beetroot dip. The cauliflower was just blanched I think. It was served on rye bread…delicious.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 23, 2018
at 11:16 am
Hi Debra,we are leaving Bagni on the 26th having had the most glorious three weeks of sunshine.The locals can’t guite believe as they have had rain every day all summer,although only for a short time.
Back via London ( to see my son and his wife ) and then home to Glasgow.
Might pop over at Easter for a few days depending on flight costs and then for a couple of weeks in May,so might catch up then at Bar Italia.
Safe journey xxx
By: Sandra LaMarra on September 23, 2018
at 11:37 am
I am here now at Casa Debbio. I will be at Ponte Monday morning to go to the post office and will be at Bar Italia for a coffee. I hope we catch up sometime.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 23, 2018
at 11:42 am
Have not yet visited Amos under the ground, only ground floor. Must visit in the near future.
By: reijosfood on September 23, 2018
at 2:24 pm
It’s great. I’m sure you will like it.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 27, 2018
at 6:03 am
Oooh, Debra! Helsinki continues to surprise with new discoveries. This underground art gallery is really a fascinating place! I can imagine snowflakes falling on those giant funnel windows during Winter and the afternoon sun’s glow during Autumn.
By: Sandra Hoopmann on September 23, 2018
at 10:35 pm
It is a great addition to Helsinki.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 27, 2018
at 6:04 am
Wow! What a fun trip! Great photos, as always.
By: chef mimi on September 24, 2018
at 2:54 pm
I love my visits to Helsinki.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 27, 2018
at 6:04 am
hai Debra…i’m nabilla from Indonesia
I will recommend you to visit Indonesia to your next trip
By: nabillaoctaviany on September 27, 2018
at 4:17 am
very masarap your food…and if you want it keep it
By: ttt697746713 on September 28, 2018
at 1:14 am