Russia
2006 Journey Day Twenty-One
Helsinki
, Finnland
[
03 August, 2006
] Early wake up call to catch the 7:30 a.m. train to Helsinki, Finland. All west bound
bound trains have shifted from the original Helsinsky station (Used by Lenin for his exile return in 1917) to
the newly built Ladbodski station. Design of the new station is basic granite tiles and exposed black steel
beams - Could be located in any contemporary city and lacks any St. Petersburg flavor. All the signs have
English text written below.
Morning rain and fogged windows in the black Lada brand taxi made it difficult to see sights going to the
station. Several arriving trains were overnight journeys and masses are staggering to the exits. It is an
interesting sight to see old trains in a new station - quite the contrast.
The compartment on the train is the quintessential wood veneer interior with solid wood windows. Two
benches faced each and can be converted to beds. Two layers of contrasting colored drapes and plastic
flowers in a vase finish the overall classic look. Once the volume switch was located (The Russian Ricky
Martin type music was too much for morning), it was time to settled in for the trip. An occasional
railroad crossing was assured of not having cars attempt to cross - in addition to the white and orange
striped barrier, a more robust pop up steel plate from the road surface assured stoppage or at least
a major headache for the driver.
Once the Russian-Finland border was encountered, Russian police and dogs checked each train
compartment - very thoroughly. Once within Finland, the skies cleared and the scenery changed
dramatically - from haphazard and neglected rural houses to structured agricultural fields with
well maintained and painted homes
After six hours, the train pulled into Helsinki - a art deco styled central railroad station with four
cubed shaped guardians of the main entrance. Tram No. 4 provided quick transport to the Viking
Lines cruise ship terminal. We checked the bags in a locker and had 4 hours to explore the
port city. Since we already had our tram pass, Tram 7B provided a loop tour of the central city
area. On one street was a elementary school driving school - pedal cars with traffic lights and
signs. Looks like 8 year olds in Finland receive better driving training than States based drivers..
After a return walk from the port area, it was time to board the cruise line for the overnight
trip to Stockholm. Our cabin had two large viewing windows to enjoy the many outlining
islands - many with their own small cabin homes. The ship buffet was substantial and as
imagined, it included various forms of salmon, caviar, and Scandinavian delights. After watching
a Harrison Ford movie in the conference center and then the sunset at 10:00 p.m., the full day
was done. Breakfast will be in Sweden.
St. Petersburg to Helsinki Train
Helsinki, Finland, Scenes
.
Viking Cruise Line Scenes
Transportation
: Lada brand Taxi (Called for fixed rate), Russian Train line, Helsinki Trams 7A and 4, and
Viking Cruise line exterior room 6104.
Lobby Return
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Last Updated on
August 03,
2006, CE