American, In Finland | Helsinki Spots & Return to Warsaw

[@mikrokupu]

Yeah you can say Finland is a child friendly society, families are supported in many ways - paradoxically at the same time the birth rate has gone record low and the nation is ageing fast, faster than in the most of Europe. This has been discussed a lot in the Finnish media lately, seems it's hard to point one specific reason. I think you would enjoy the big ferries sailing between Helsinki and Stockholm/Tallinn, they are like family-friendly party boats, very comfortable. A fun fact about Marimekko: In Dec1960 the first lady Jackie Kennedy was seen wearing Marimekko dress on the cover of Sports Illustrated, this is how the brand first gained attention in the United States.

[@maryseidlerAmericanInPoland]

@@mikrokupu thank you for the very helpful and thoughtful comment you left!! Super info. For future travelers! Btw, I’m a huge fan of Jackie O. and Marimekko!❤️🇫🇮

[@EiraAimo]

I don't know the prices at airport, but i guess you could do cheaper shopping in Marimerkko Outlet, in eastern Helsinki. They at least used to have superb and affordable lunch also there. Iittala Outlet is near the airport in Vantaa, which is usually the other big design brand people are interested. From there, across the street is Vallila Interior Outlet, they make really cool interiour design textiles, sheets, fabrics, curtains, tableware etc. I would recommend also check Pentik, third really finnish brand in kinda same category as Iittala and Marimekko but not as famous as those two. They also have Outlet in Helsinki and couple of shops around the city. If you have some time, Iittala&Arabia design center is place to go, its located in the old factory in central Helsinki and has a design museum, exhibitions, artist studios and entire variety of Iittala, Arabia and Fiskars products for sale.

[@just42tube]

I would say that the history of Suomenlinna/Sveaborg is much more relevant and interesting than just the military enthusiast narrow perspective. But perhaps those go hand in hand. Many people seem to see history mostly in terms of conflicts.

[@Tunturisorsa]

salmiakki and licorice ice cream is the best. it's probably the easiest way for a foreigner to experience them in my opinion.

[@maryseidlerAmericanInPoland]

@@Tunturisorsa thanks for letting me know. For sure I need to give this ice cream a chance next time I fly to Finland. The candy for me, was an experience. However, if you keep eating it, you actually gain some appreciation for it. Thank you for watching.

[@sampohonkala4195]

Your comment about salmiakki tasting as medicine is spot on. There is even a brand of salmiakki called Apteekin salmiakki or Salmiakki of the pharmacy - before there were many kinds of candy in Finland, the pharmacies made salmiakki, which actually is ammonium chloride. Many pharmacies still sell it, it is a tradition. And I think ammonium chloride has indeed been used in medicine, to hide a taste that has been even worse.

[@maryseidlerAmericanInPoland]

@@sampohonkala4195 it was honest and not to be offensive whatsoever. Just an honest, first time experience. However, like I’ve mentioned to the other person that wrote some thing, that’s if you keep eating it after while he is sort of grows on you.

[@just42tube]

Of course every sane person likes salmiakki ice cream 😊 It's just that people with hypertension, high blood pressure, better not enjoy salmiakki too much.

[@eskoikonen3306]

Sal ammoniac, ammonia therein

[@Pahakyy]

You may hate salmiakki. For your daughter: Get Haganol-salmiakki from a pharmacy, the best stuff. Also you missed the national library and the university main building 50m from where you were at the cathedral. Free and beautiful. Your daughter was in the game with the HSL-public transport with the ferry too. World class public tranport. Fazer salmiakkisekoitus'ill work for your daughter Americans don't like tastes.