Easter Weekend!

Easter weekend!

It was the long Easter Weekend and Chaitnya - Young Lad 2 was over from Turkuu in Helsinki.

While Young Lad 1 Deepak was away in Italy (ahem!) and the women ( Mitali and Bincy) were in Switzerland and Sapna and Aditya were in Lapland, a few of us chose to stay back and explore Helsinki.

:)

Day one: Sea Life –A Natural Park for Marine Life

Originally, the 3 of us had decided to step out (Sid, Chaitanya and I), but on a whim, called a few people – in 30 min had a group of 8 all gathered at the Lahsipalatsi tram stop!

Rakesh’s wife – remember the Paani Puri – was at it again – and this time packed chips, a few drinks and such. We stopped at a store– (and after some mild flirting with the girl at the counter), picked up some chocolates and drinks as well.

It was a very nice time – both at the Aquarium – where we got to see Jelly Fishes, Sharks and not to forget the Corals; and after – when we stopped by at a small hill next door to have our picnic goodies!

The Next Day, the three of us headed out to the Zoo.

This trip gave me an opportunity to see the quieter side of Helsinki.

The zoo is a short 15 min trip from the Metro. And almost quietly in a most unobsruse manner we are taken to the quieter side of Helsinki. Serene, wide open spaces, idyllic. Being by the sea side gave it a very cold nip and through our entire two hours there, we had to hug our jackets, keep our hands in the pockets …and shiver a lot.

More than the animals, the idea was to venture out and see what the city had to offer and I often found myself being curious about the people watching the animals rather than watching the animals- It takes all kinds to make humanity – I saw families with the children in tow, young couples, old couples, mothers and fathers are pretty much the same all around the world – chasing after their kids, and how happy they are to see their kids excitement!

I was reminded a lot of my nephew and niece that day.

After a good two hours, we walked our way back to the exit – and there is this one stretch connecting the island to the mainland – across a bridge – which we literally had to race across because of the nipping wind!

After some good coffee to warm up and the customary purchase of refridge mangnets, and Chaitnaya went fida on the girl at the counter…we headed back home.

Day Three: The Design Museum.

We decided to do some ‘Cultural activity’ i.e see some Musuems of art and culture today.

Most museums were closed this day – but we found one that was open…the Design Musuem.

We landed up at the doors and spent about a couple of hours here – on show was some Design work by a famous Finnish Designer who’s work is to be found in the City’s metros, bus stations etc. Mostly furniture. There was also on exhibition, some Indian Jewelry.

It was nice to hear the voice of Bismillah khan on the telly, with Silver Jewelry from over India – Orissa, Rajasthan, South India.