Blog 72 – One last adventure

We had something of a list of places we wanted to visit while living in Europe; the usual places, London, Paris, Amsterdam; to which we added: whole countries like Spain, Portugal, Croatia. We were lucky, we got to live in two of the places on the list, both London and Amsterdam. And, Paris, dare we say: “we are good with Paris”, we have been so many times.  It is truly good to be a Benjamin.

If you have read any of this blog, then you know we went a lot of places in our three years:

So, as we thought about one last trip, where would we go? Portugal, specifically a hiking holiday in the Algarve region has been on the list for a long time and the weather in November is quite nice; but we decided to let that trip go for the time being. Instead, we went to Finland. Yes, it was cold, but not terribly. (We went in November, not January) And, while Covid caboshed our planned stops in Estonia and Latvia, we were able to spend a good number of days in Helsinki and five days in Utsjoki. Utsjoki is so far north that you have to go south to visit Santa Claus’ village. But it is worth it. We stayed at Aurora Holidays. https://auroraholidays.net/about/ where we had our own cabin with wide open views of the northern skies. We saw the Northern Lights four of our five nights there – such a treat. During the day we hiked and visited reindeer and sled dogs and ate wonderful meals in the accompanying restaurant. Another trip of a lifetime to end our three-year adventure of a lifetime.

The view of the Tena river from our cabin at Aurora Holidays
Shall we begin looking at Finland, with a sunset in Helsinki?
Helsinki Library reflects their shipping history
A full service library: sewing, 3-D printing, video production; amazing
And, books! and play areas! and coffee!
Libraries in Finland are more like community centers. We saw several couples on dates there – which our tour guide said is quite common.
The Helsinki Cathedral, is actually a Lutheran church – the history of Helsinki goes back to Russian influences. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helsinki_Cathedral

Another Lutheran church which also has an interesting history is the Church in the Rock – a special place. https://theculturetrip.com/europe/finland/articles/a-brief-history-of-helsinkis-temppeliaukion-church/
The Helsinki Train Station is a considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. It certainly has the most beautiful Burger King that we have ever seen. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helsinki_Central_Station
One last church picture, the northern most church in the EU is in Utsjoki, Finland. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utsjoki_Church
On to our cabin at Aurora Holidays. I woke up at 3:15 in the morning, and this is what I saw when I looked outside. We learned later that there had been exceptional solar activity reported from 3:15 – 4:15 am the night we arrived. This is the first of dozens of pictures taken.
But let me also show you the lovely restaurant and the breakfast included with our stay. (Remember, I was up most of the night, so a little tired looking)
Us under the Northern Lights, under the stars.
Just the lights and a few stars.
During the day we hiked up the hill behind us to take in the air and the view. The hut offers a warm place to stay for a bit with a fire pit in the center.
Inside the hut, the hut’s name is Steve by the way. On my left is Tiina, proprietor of Aurora Holidays.
We used Steve’s firepit to roast sausages and mulled cider.
Here we are again; the Big Dipper almost as prominent as the Northern Lights.
If you go this far north, you have to have a dog sled ride; but there was not enough snow for sleds – so it was more of a wagon ride. Still great fun and the dogs are just the best.
At the end of the sled/wagon ride, there is time to warm up with more mulled cider, cookies, and a chat with the dog musher.
Another pic of Lights at Night.
Back to the restaurant (all meals were included). This is the end of a berry nice dinner.
Meeting and feeding the reindeer during the day.

Our cabin under the Northern Lights
At the top of the world, almost; with Rayann our guide and photography expert.
One last picture of us, one last picture of the Northern Lights over the resort, our one last adventure comes to an end.

3 thoughts on “Blog 72 – One last adventure”

    1. Hey Jonathan,
      Thanks! It was quite the journey. Texas is not quite as interesting yet; although if you ever need to know the location of Austin’s best Best Buy, Home Depot, or Grocery store (Central Market) we can help.

      L

  2. Thank you for allowing me to live vicariously through you guys for the last 3 years. It has been a wonderful adventure for me and I am sure more than wonderful for you.
    Love you always!
    Vicki

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