Northern Lights

Helsinki, Finland – The Jewel of the Baltic, H-Town, The City by the Sea…umm, I’m not really sure what the local nickname for Helsinki is…or if they even have one. I’m pretty sure it’s not H-Town though. Sorry about that. I just arrived this morning on the night boat from Stockholm. Today – smoked salmon and fresh peas and apples eaten while walking around the harbor market this morning. Lunch at the buffet at the Volunteer Fireman’s Hall (grilled salmon, mashed potatoes, pea soup, blintzes and berry compote, and hot tea – all for less than 10Euro in their assembly hall where the original 1956 design and fixtures are untouched – amazing). Salmon and potato soup for dinner in case you’re wondering – just basically lots of salmon. I rented a bike this morning around 11am. The bike is even better here than in Stockholm because Helsinki is so small – I was easily able to bike to several different neighborhoods to shoot street style photos. Speaking of Helsinki style…well, I’m not sure there really is a certain Helsinki style. (Stockholm definitely has a more easily identifiable “look” on the street – polished preppy uniform with some interesting touches was the prevailing look there – the sort of look that makes me think everyone has been shopping at A.P.C.) Helsinki – by first appearances – is a bit more all over the map style-wise. Some things that I’m seeing – punk, metal, and gothic influences; 50′s inspired dresses, sunglasses, and hairstyles; and of course, influences from the extreme weather that this city experiences much of the year – things like chunky metal and wood jewelry and Lapland/native inspired prints. In general, the feel of things here is noticeably a bit more rough and tumble and Eastern Bloc rather than typically Scandinavian. I think it’s brilliant up here. x eddie