Helsinki and ferry back to Germany!

It's a long time ago, but I clearly remember driving into Helsinki, parking the car, checking into the hotel and all of us collapsing on the lush comfortable double beds, and just crashing out for a few hours, weary after so much driving. We had 2 nights in Helsinki, so one full day to sightsee, but to be honest, our sightseeing was done... we were sightseen out, and were ready to go home.

In Helsinki, we stayed in a Radisson Blu Hotel, and while a family room is cozy, it was nice and comfortable for our last stop on our Midnight Sun Run trip. We arrived in Helsinki in the early afternoon, and collapsed with all the mod-cons of a hotel room, such as TV, big comfy beds and the knowledge that we had finished the driving (almost). So we relaxed and had a lazy afternoon in the hotel, only setting out to find somewhere for dinner. However that somewhere was close to the centre of town, so even after lazing about we still walked a decent distance to get into the town proper for dinner.

Dinner didn't disappoint. We went to a quaint restaurant on the main street with a long history. Kamp Brasserie has been operating for over 100 years, and part of stepping into the covered terrace was like taking a step back in time. The tableware was elegant, and glasses beautiful. The service was attentive, and they did a roaring tourist trade... two tables around us also had Aussies at it, but many well heeled locals too! Going inside the building proper, was breathtaking - enormous chandeliers and plush velvet upholstery was a sight to behold. The dinner was delicious and we went all out and shared an entree and dessert, as well as a delicious main. Jie Jie's dessert was elegance in ice cream!

The next day, we were up and at breakfast promptly, to enjoy our full day in Helsinki, and pack it in we did! We started roaming through a flea market... I love looking at antique tableware and being surprised to see pieces of the dinner set that Mum and Dad have at home for sale on many tables! We also went to a design museum, a couple of cathedrals, looked at some shops and wandered around a market area.

Our ferry the next day was basic, and it would take us 28 hours to get to Travemünde, in Germany, so we relaxed wandering around the boat, and having dinner and letting the kids play in the soft play room. And then at about 8pm the following day, we arrived in Germany, we debated whether to find somewhere to stay, but decided it was easier just to drive through the night and get home to Düsseldorf - Home sweet home.... but wow, what an adventure!!