I’m in the eastern reaches of Finland, in the Lakeland region that includes scenic Lake Saimaa, which has 14,000 islands and more shoreline than all of France. As the sun sinks slowly into the surrounding forest, I slink on to a “floating sauna,” a mini houseboat specially designed for a … Read more
Northern Finland is one of only a few places to catch the famous Northern Lights, which earns our vote as perhaps the best natural light show on Earth. If you can’t trek above the Arctic Circle to experience this mystical phenomenon, don’t fret. Just park yourself in Helsinki for a … Read more
It’s become increasingly popular in recent years – so much so that it’s now spread out over two weekends instead of one — and there’s nary a celebrity who would dream of missing the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in Indio, California. You name them, they’ve been: Twilight’s Kristen … Read more
In a country of extremes, where the Midnight Sun stays bright 24/7 in summer, and winter is grey for many long weeks, it’s no surprise that the inhabitants have devised a series of oddball activities to keep themselves amused, and possibly balanced. From culinary wackiness to one-of-a-kind crazy activities, Finland … Read more
Santa Claus is coming to town! Stop telling the kids that Santa Claus isn’t real, because this isn’t just a fat man with a beard and a red suit. Did you know that the real Santa lives in Lapland, Finland? He’s taking a day off from reading letters and making … Read more
Who would’ve thought? Dancing in close embrace, deep slits, and lots of leg aren’t exclusive to the Argentinean tango. In fact, the Finns have not only taken to this dance, but also made it their own. Finnish tango differs from the fiery Latin version. Instead, the music and dance features … Read more
Forget about Valentine’s Day. February is no longer the month of love, because here comes Midsummer’s Eve on June 22 to take the throne. For all you singles, according to Finnish folklore this is the day when magic comes alive with spells that will reveal your future suitor. For example, … Read more
It was almost summer in Finland and our plan was to spend the longest day of the year in Helsinki. The line from Great Gatsby flashed in my mind when Daisy plaintively asks Jordan and Nick, “What shall we do on the longest day of the year?” Take my word … Read more
With the majority of Finland’s winter spent in darkness, you might think it would dim the creative spark. Not in Helsinki at least, the newly appointed 2012 World Design Capital. Despite the dearth of light, Helsinki emphasized its bright design future with a New Year’s Eve 3D light show in … Read more
While listening to the sexy, trancey c.d. compilation, from Dark to Light, the Musical Journey of Klaus K, it all slowly trickled back through my mind – the sights, sounds and special moments the Klaus K Hotel provided in my short stay in Helsinki, Finland. I felt like a local … Read more
Rumor has it that while on a visit to Finland, Ronald Reagan took a sip of Koskenkorva Vodka and declared that it was “very good”. Considering this from the man who got us through the age of excess, either he was an expert on quality or just fond of … Read more
Gather round, all running aficionados, because the Helsinki Marathon in Finland isn’t your average 42,195-meter race. On Saturday, August 18, the Helsinki Marathon’s course takes you running along the Baltic Sea and through the most beautiful and historical parts of Helsinki. The route is considered one of the most … Read more
Finland’s flag may be blue and white, but during one week in summer, Helsinki proudly displays a more colorful spectrum for Pride, Helsinki. The biggest GLBT event in Finland and one of Helsinki’s biggest week long affairs, it has become an increasingly popular party in northern Europe. In the … Read more
Hotel key? Check. Wallet? Check. Helsinki Card? … The Helsinki Card is a 2×4 inch survival kit to any visitor spending time in the Finnish capital. In addition to unlimited travel via metro, bus, tram, train and ferry to every nook and cranny in Helsinki, the card, valid for … Read more
Art is a reflection of the world around us, how we live in different environments and interact with many kinds of people. If you live in a busy city, perhaps you know how what I’m talking about. It’s hard enough to stop and smell the roses, let alone stop … Read more