Helsinki.

Finnish is not a language I wish to learn, but the blend of Scandinavian awareness, Eastern Baltic feel and modern European surroundings make Helsinki a place I will be intrigued with for a while yet. And I got to bike, which makes me happy. (bike nerds love confusing bike signs) (sauna outside bar, free with drink purchase) (finnish beer... ehhhh it was ok) I only spent 2 sleepless nights and 3 chilly days in this centerpiece of Finland, but my introduction to the north was made extremely hospitible and friendly by Anna, my wonderful couchsurfing host and now solid friend. So without sleep due to jetlag, or maybe just the creeping Nordic light that is in full force by 5 am every morning, I dragged my massive suitcases back to do the airport shuffle I know so well by now and off to Sweden. Most people speak Swedish in Finland, as it is a nationally recognized second language, so it was a good transition stop in Helsinki - a place that, prior to a few years ago, I likely couldn't find on a child's color map or Europe. It is cute to see mild insults thrown on both sides of the border between Sweden and Finland (much to the same effect that we make fun of Canada for being... Canada), like little bickering neighbors. OK but anyways... yesterday I arrived in Göteborg, my new ... uhh... "place" for a little while in beautiful Sweden and from what I have seen it is incredible! I will update you as I develop a feel and further opinion on Sverige. Toodles! taylor