The Market Square

Prior to this trip, the only product I've associated Finland with was the Nokia phone. I've been a Nokia user for a long time. For many Pinoys back home, even getting a new Nokia meant always checking from a cell phone dealer whether that latest model is originally from Finland or *gasps* from China. Nothing elicits a confident smile than knowing it is actually made from a Finnish factory.

With a few more hours to kill before our ferry ride to Tallinn, Estonia, we decided to check the Market Square, Helsinki's famous open air market located at the end of Esplanadi, a major thoroughfare. It is actually close to where we board the ferry, so close enough to the water that sightseeing boats also depart from there. Like the victorious Vikings of yore, we wanted to snag some memento of Finland (and not just the phone that I already use everyday, duh!).

It's a bright summer day and the market scene was certainly very alive. From spring to fall, this market draws both locals and tourists to the many stalls selling the gamut: produce from farms, food straight from the sea, artisanal crafts and jewellery and of course, tourist doodads. Like rats eyeing a precious piece of cheese, we naturally fell for the trap and found ourselves hypnotized by souvenirs with a Euro price to match.

the tourist trap

reindeer skin rugs will give a PETA member a heart attack

wooden utensils that may be used as a weapon

a sunny day for a cup of coffee

somehow, this food stall reminds me of a palengke eatery
(I was imagining suman, bibingka and tsokolate)

fruit jams

very very berries!

she's offering me a pea on a pod (or herne as Finns call it)

Helsinki skyline with the barely visible Market Square

Finns take advantage of a short summer by sailing and sunbathing

crossing the Baltic Sea from Helsinki to Tallinn takes only an hour and a half
aboard the very fast Linda Lines "Merilin" catamaran