more finland

Open air market is right on waterfront,  many booths with fruits, veggies, crafts, food tents...people sitting outside and it´s only 48 degrees...brrrr.....hardy folks...we bought meat pies -mystery meat, rice,  spices and brought it back to hotel, .........cruise ships dock here..lots of activity and a boost to the economy. 
Had  planned on  `finnish sauna`` but missed he  time slot for women.( which is mid afternoon)....darn.....men have taken it over now..( they get prime time after dinner)
Rock Church was so unique.....built using the mountain as backdrop, instead of drilling through it and destroying it....walls are all  irregular  rocks ... it was the most amazing structure...you felt like you were outside- due to the rocks all around- but it actually seemed  cozy because it was an enclosed structure...nice place to meditate or attend a service. 

Helsinki is a  very vibrant city!  The square is interesting: paths leading to sections of the city with themes:  for instance, one street led to the museums: art, textile gallery, design museum, Finnish history museum...we did the design museum, but it was pretty "far out" / abstract/ dark subjects, compared to mainstream designs that you actually see in the world around you.  Another path led to the government buildings and cathedral-...one seemed to be businesses related to finance, and there were always cute restaurants and cafes tucked into the side streets. 
Again, this is "off season" so the good news  is that the crowds are reduced; the down side is that many of the side tours have stopped for the season ...they have ferries to the other islands ....and a fortified castle across the bay....and one small island with just one house on  it.....still in use, I heard.  We did fine with only 2 days to see the main sights.