Sometimes we forget how frenetic and loud the world is. Then we enter a place like Kamppi Chapel (Kampin Kappeli) in Helsinki, Finland, and we get smacked in the face with the soft pillow of silence and calm. It’s time for part 2 of Helsinki Chapels, welcome to the sound of silence (someone cue Simon and Garfunkel please)
Helsinki Chapels — Part 1 (Temppeliaukio Church)
Finland is known for a distinctive minimalist design and style aesthetic. The look is clean, functional, and beautiful. Each time I visit I am excited to envelop myself in this simple yet complex aesthetic. As luck would have it, on our last visit to Helsinki my husband and I were there on a Sunday which meant we got to attend church in one of the world’s most unusual chapels, Temppeliaukio Church (or “Rock Church”).
New Year’s Resolutions and Doughnuts
After listening to a radio talk show declaring the death of new year’s resolutions, I realized I have never made any “official” new year’s resolutions…ever! I have said things in jest, but I have never made a directed decision to do a specific thing as a new year’s resolution. 2015 will be my year to do it! With this in mind, I raced over to Donut Friend, grabbed a luscious delight and began to think…what shall I resolve to do this year? As I was thinking and thinking, I realized…these donuts are really good.
Potty Talk Alert!
My dad likes to declare he is going to “the head” when he is referring to a bathroom visit, much to my mom’s chagrin. Ever wonder why the toilet is referred to as “the head”? Here is some history on that point…
Declaration of Christmas Peace
Every nation has its own unique and special traditions. It brings an extra spice to the country and unites its people. One such tradition is the Declaration of Christmas Peace and is an integral part of the Christmas celebration in Turku, Finland. A tradition that dates back to roughly 1320.
First Aid for Ear Travel
“Do you hear what I hear?” That is a nice song lyric, but not what you want an airport doctor to ask you in what sounds like a muffled voice. However, I found myself answering that question with some trepidation as I learned I would be “grounded” in Sydney, Australia for an unspecified amount of time.
Park Hotel, Turku, Finland
Turku is the oldest city in Finland and the country’s original capital (Helsinki became the capital in 1812). It is also where you will find The Park Hotel. This quaint, boutique-style hotel is situated in the heart of the city at the end of a quiet street that leads to a small neighborhood park (hence the name?). If you are planning a trip to Turku, this is the place to stay.
Happy New Year, 2015!
Happy New Year! I cannot believe it is already 2015. Time really does seem to fly as I get older — just like my Nana said it would. At this rate, I should hit warp speed somewhere around 75 years old.
Happy Holidays!
I am temporarily stepping away from my regular blog postings to enjoy the holidays. Before doing that, however, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a very Happy New Year’s Eve. I look forward to talking, and sharing, with you all again in 2015. I will be traveling to distant lands so look for some fun stories to come in the new year!
Best Skin Care Travel Kit
In case you haven’t heard, skin care while traveling can be tricky. The airplanes with their wonky air, lack of sleep due to time changes, differences in water while visiting new cities or countries all add up to a lot of fatigue for your skin. To the rescue, intraceuticals rejuvenate travel pack.