Helsinki
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

Walking One Snowy Morning in Helsinki

I  checked out of the Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa hotel that snowy morning after staying one night. The next hotel property at which I was to stay that night was located much closer to the city center of Helsinki; but I had time — so I decided to walk.

Walking One Snowy Morning in Helsinki

If I were to have walked straight from one hotel property to another, I would have needed 90 minutes or so — but there were a few sites at which I wanted to stop along the way. I also had time — no hurry or rush to get to where I wanted to go — so walking was the perfect choice for me.

That decision turned out to be a good one for me. I grabbed my belongings and was on my way.

Helsinki
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

The city was tranquil that morning — save for an occasional pedestrian and vehicle plying the streets.

Helsinki
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

With all of the available directional signs, finding my way around was easy.

Helsinki
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

Flakes of snow were falling, lightly and gently on that peaceful morning.

Helsinki
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I found myself walking down a dirt road through the woods, crossing creeks and occasionally passing houses.

Helsinki
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

The poem The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost — how appropriate — came to my mind at this point for some unknown reason.

Helsinki
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

The scenery was absolutely picturesque and pristine…

Helsinki
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

…especially of this building situated on an inlet of the Gulf of Finland.

Helsinki
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

Creeks and streams abounded, interrupting the light white blanket of snow.

Helsinki
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

Everywhere I looked was a new serene scene — at times, with ponds upon which to ponder.

Helsinki
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I took a double take when I saw this sign. Apparently, a Ronald McDonald house was nearby shortly before I reached a main boulevard known as Paciuksenkatu.

Summary

The morning was cold, snowy, grey and gloomy — and that was perfect for my walk. I felt calm and relaxed as I strolled, filled with curiosity and wonder; with thoughts to myself while at peace.

At times, Helsinki reminded me of the Seattle area; and I did not seem like I was in Europe at times. The pride of nature by inhabitants of the city is clear. At this point in my trip, I thought of how beautiful is Helsinki and wondered what the rest of Finland was like in terms of natural beauty…

All photographs ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

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