The Plane Trip Over to Finland:
Jeffrey thoroughly enjoyed his first plane ride and was really good for the entire flight (both ways). He thought eating dinner on the plane was so exciting and just one puzzle we brought kept him busy. He slept for about 3 1/2 hours which was just enough to take the edge off until we could take a nap at Craig and Amanda's house. We landed around 8:30am which to our bodies felt like 1:30am. We went through passport control and waited for our luggage. And waited. And waited. Two of our three bags came out - my dad's suitcase and the small suitcase that was filled with Craig and Amanda's U.S. food cravings and essentials. Jeffrey and my suitcase did not come out. After a few silent curse words, I filed a lost baggage claim. I was just finishing up at the counter when the next baggage claim conveyor belt started up. And wouldn't you know there was my bag! Thank God! So about an hour after we landed, we were on our way to the house.
Here is a picture of Jeffrey on the plane.
Linnamaki Amusement Park:
The first full day brought us to Linnamaki Amusement Park. Before I talk about it, I just have to say one thing that applies to the whole trip. I have never seen so many blonde-haired, blue-eyed people before in one place in all of my life! Jeffrey and I (more so Jeffrey) fit right in! Anyway, it is a great little park that has some classic as well as new rides. Jeffrey has tons of fun on all of the kids' rides. His favorite was the bumper cars. He is vicious! I pushed the gas pedal as he steered - right into everyone. It was a fun day.
The City Market:
The next day brought us to the City Market. We rode the subway and walked through Helsinki ans we made our way down to the waterfront market. The city is beautiful! The buildings are really nice looking and interesting and it is so clean. The city market has a lot of vendors selling food, t-shirts, jewelery and other handmade goods all right on the waterfront where the cruise ships pull in.
The Beach:
BRRRRRRRR...but we have touched the Baltic Sea! We walked from Craig and Amanda's house down the a nearby beach to let the boys run around and let some energy out. The boys didn't seem to care about the cold but we could have used more sun. It was a very pretty walk and it was nice to sit on the sand and look out into the sea.
Estonia:
On Monday of our trip, we all took a high speed ferry to Estonia (part of the former Soviet Union) for the day. The weather when we left Helsinki was not that great and so the sea was choppy and rough. The crew on the ferry actually started handing out trash bags...just in case. Well, the just in case turned into a mad dash to the restroom for Jeffrey. After that, he felt better - like nothing ever happened.
We spent the day wandering around the capital (and very old) city of Tallin. Very interesting architecture, restaurants, and shops. There was one whole alley filled with carts of handmade sweaters, hats, etc. All knitted by local women. I am a proud owner of a beautiful Estonian sweater.
The boat ride back to Helsinki was uneventful. Much smoother ride than before and there were no "incidents."
The Helsinki Zoo:On Tuesday, we went to the Zoo (minus Amanda who unfortunately had to work). It is a great zoo on an island that you can either drive to or take a short boat ride to. We took the boat. I think Jeffrey and Raymond like looking at the construction trucks better than the animals but the animals were cool too.
The Trip Home:The plane ride home again was uneventful but felt longer than the trip over. All in all we loved our trip to Finland. Raymond and Jeffrey really enjoyed their time together and it was such a bonding experience for them. We can't thank Craig and Amanda enough and miss them already!
