Sustainable Travel Around the World
If there’s a bright side to the COVID-19, it’s a much-needed break for the planet. When travel resumes, let’s remember to focus on sustainable travel.
Finland
Discovering Finland’s Sauna Culture
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
Celebrity Cruises, One Life-Changing Trip
I have been on at least a dozen cruises and sometimes feel it’s the only way to travel. I love the feeling of closing my eyes, and when I open them, I’m in a different place. Recently one cruise in particular profoundly affected me in a variety of ways. The … Read more
Helsinki, “City of Design”
Sure, you know that Sweden hit it big in the design world with IKEA, but did you know that Finland staked a claim, too? In fact, there’s even a Design District in Helsinki. In December 2014, UNESCO awarded Helsinki the title of “City of Design,” in addition to the status it … Read more
LUX Helsinki is Back
We’ve been fascinated with LUX Helsinki since we got wind of it two years ago. I mean, who doesn’t like light shows? And the idea of making something brighter when it’s too dark is just plain common sense. We set our stage on the dark wintry streets and avenues of … Read more
Cruising the Baltic with Celebrity
A smörgåsbord is a type of Scandinavian meal with a wide variety of hot and cold dishes served buffet style. What could be better than to accompany it with a cruise on the Baltic Sea to a smörgåsbord of Scandinavian islands? We recently did just that on Celebrity Cruise’s Constellation … Read more
Madison, Wisconsin – a Delicious Destination
I think my editor loves me and likes to see me suffer, by giving me some of the most taste-tempting culinary writing assignments imaginable: The flavors of Finland, Barbecue, and the Caribbean, among others. This time, though, I can’t blame him, because it was me who recently visited and absolutely … Read more
Snowy Destinations
There’s something about snow that makes a really cold winter a little easier to bear. For everyone who craves a walk in a chilly winter wonderland and maybe even a good snowball fight, here are some frosty destinations to visit before springtime. Telluride, Colorado – Best Skiing Few places … Read more
Helsinki: Let There Be Lux
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
Wacky Finns
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
Finnish Tango
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
Turku, Finland
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
Klaus K Hotel
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
Koskenkorva Vodka
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
Helsinki Marathon
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