Posted in World Wide Wednesday /Travel Diary /Photography /Tale /Humour

“Not all those who wander are lost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

A Day in Suomenlinna in Pictures and A Tale

A day for adventure, outside in the nature. The nature man made that is, filled with life in the concrete.
Hitting the road, forgetting the load, at least for a while. Time for a smooth, unhurried ride.

(I suspect, you did not really expect, me to write this, without rhyme?)

So off we went, thinking this is time well spent. Packed into the mini car, because we really did not need to ride that far. No traffic on the way; looks like someone answered our prayers.

Clock striking past noon with a chime. Making, good time, when into the city we arrived. Parking spot non too hard to find, although encountering some broken down traffic lights. That is just fine, it only took a few moments to wait in line.

Car parked, time to start, walking towards the market square. “But no hurries”, we thought, “there is still time to spare!” But how wrong we were! The queue as long as a giant’s arm, circling along the market open wide. “Oh darn! We should have arrived here sooner than later, now it seems I will become a crowd hater!”

Finally, after a long minute tally, the ferry arrived, and inside, us and the whole other lot, made their way. Silently wishing, when against the railing squishing, to have remained in my little car, quite far, in the parking lot!

On the ferry, away from the city, cool wind, breezing on the skin, a glimpse of something familiar. A vision of history, and a basis for this story: Suomenlinna fortress, right there, on the side of port.

(It’s actually not that easy, to make everything rhyme, but I feel I am doing just fine, with a few artistic liberties, or maybe, call it expertise!)

So, we had finally arrived! And it only took some time (a lot actually). But the exploration was about to begin, for all tourists, few of us Finns!

Ruins, mystery, curious holes and history. The small island fortress is filled with intrigue and adventure. Hair raising and denture loosing tales of war, yes you made a score!

A church to the left, many a wooden old houses to the right, basically, where ever your head turns, ruins are all around. What ever you seek, here it might be found.

Cafes, restaurants, museums and shops, come in lady and dude! Even shops in museums, what a hoot!
Cave hopping for those who prefer it to shopping. Pretend you are in the past, you will totally have a blast! Kids and grown ups, each in their parts, in a game won only, if you play it smart.

“Peekaboo, I see you”, the boy behind the cannon, possibly a new fandom, or maybe just a fascination by random. “I am the greatest warrior of them all, so hear me roar!” the boy continued. We waved, snapped a shot, thanked and then we were off.

Up the hill, down the hill, balancing on slippery rocks. More proper shoes I wish I had had in my stock! The sun scorching on our backs, sweat pouring, eyes sore. Well, this whole trip is definitely not boring! But can’t blame the heat, or the crowds, or the shoes or… well, let’s face it: it’s summer, so leave the bummer and enjoy the trip!