A semester in Helsinki

Hello my darlings!

I would like to share the following blog with you about my undying love for Helsinki...

3 years go I decided as part of my studies to complete one of my semesters abroad. I knew that I wanted to travel somewhere where I would never normally go on holiday. I don't normally visit northern countries, I'm sort of in that sunbathing and all-inclusive category. So Finland, Iceland and Estonia were high on my wish list. Financial reasons also played a part in my decision, as Iceland is among one of the most expensive places in Europe. So my supervisor 'persuaded' me to choose Helsinki. In the Winter semester 2014/15 I began my studies at Helsinki University.

Where should I start...

I enjoyed every day in this wonderful city. Today, I still like to revel in these wonderful memories. I never thought that a city in the north could inspire me and win. I am not a friend of cold and winter, so all my friends and relatives thought I was crazy, but I just learned to love this country.

I was fortunate enough to be financially supported by my family, because life in Helsinki is not very cheap. I lived in a student residence in the city. I loved it there! It was only 10 minutes by foot to an indescribably beautiful beach and 15 minutes walk in the other direction up to my faculty of the university. For me, Helsinki was the perfect blend of city and 'country'.

Although I was born in Vienna and grew up there, here I live in a border district, which is very rural. Many of my school friends have now moved to the city but I enjoy life on the outskirts of the city and the peace that comes with it.

I think that is why I learned to love Helsinki so much. It is a small, eerily quiet and on the other side such a lively city by the sea. For anyone who wants to live in a city and is not a big fan of stress and noise, Helsinki is the perfect city; )

Mein Lieblingsort...

I especially enjoyed walking on the beach. There was a very special place with a footbridge which invited you to linger. Whilst sitting on the two deck chairs that were on it, I loved to enjoy the view while reading a book. I had my first real date with a boy I met at a party here. <3

Next to this great beach there was also a beautiful harbor with a large market hall and on the square in front of the harbor there was a weekly market with exceptional Finnish products - at least they were extraordinary for me since I had never eaten reindeer meat before!

An island that invites you to dream...

From the port, there was a small ferry boat that brought you to such an incomparably beautiful island that I had already decided to get married on this island. Suomenlinna Island! I had never seen such a beautiful place before. I am still in love with this island and can not put into words how enchanted I am from this bit of land.

During my time in Helsinki I got to know some of the country's specialties. My absolute favorite was 'Riisipiirakka', which is a very thin pastry bag filled with milk rice. A Finnish girl also showed me how these dumplings are traditionally eaten, namely with a kind of egg salad. I was very skeptical at first but I still rave about Riisipiirakka with egg today!

It's the little things...

Helsinki is probably not the most beautiful city in Europe but you should take the time to discover the beauties of this city. In Helsinki's center is the Senatsplatz with a cathedral on it. Every year the people meet on the streets to celebrate the beginning of spring. Above all, the students celebrate and are celebrated on this day. A special feature for the students are their graduation caps, which are very similar to those of captains. Unfortunately, I was no longer in Helsinki at this time but I would like to be able to participate in this show in two years. So if you have the opportunity you should definitely celebrate it.

This monument is the so-called Sibeliusmonument and is intended to be in memory of the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. When I lived in Helsinki, I did not know this monument, of course, and as my friends and I strolled through the square on an autumn day we were very enthusiastic about the design. It was only afterwards that we learned about it and learned that it is one of the most important and beautiful monuments in Helsinki.

That's why I think Helsinki should be on everyone's bucket list. Helsinki is an friendly, safe, small city that has something to offer everyone. The Finns are not people who approach others but if you dare to take the first step, they are a very helpful and funny people who also knows how to party. The Finns love licorice, it would not be Finland if they did not have licorice snacks. I am not and will certainly never be a fan of the Schnapps. My absolute favorite drink from Finland is the minzlikör 'Minttu'. Minttu is a shock the first time you drink it and you think to yourself "Holy Guacamole who can drink something like this", but after the second, third or fourth time you start to love it. Our farewell party in the Studentenheim was under the motto: Bring your own Minttu! :D

I especially loved the fact that after partying, I did not have to travel for a long time on a subway or bus and no matter where I was I could walk home without feeling unsafe! Besides, I felt extremely safe in this city. One night, I lost my girlfriend in a club and did not know the way from there to my dormitory and I saw two guys who I watched for a while and later I asked them about the way back. They said I should join them and we had a very funny journey home. When our paths finally separated, they invited for to a pizza (yes, in Helsinki restaurants are also open at 4 am in the morning xD).

I was able to meet so many great people during my time in Helsinki and experience such beautiful things that I gladly always fly back again. Helsinki is certainly not the most beautiful city in the world, but rather the little things that make this city.

If I had the opportunity to go to Helsinki at any time I would go and raise my children there. I have traveled a lot in Europe but I do not love any city as much as Helsinki (and of course my home Vienna)!