From Turku To Stockholm

Carlos Viitanen June 28, 2015 1 Comment

Hey y’all! Two weeks into this adventure and I’m still alive! I’m going to have to post more often so that I don’t write such long posts and bore you to death. I can tell this one’s going to be a doozy …

Leaving Tampere

After Midsummer’s Eve at my uncle Pepe’s cabin, we went back to Tampere where we stayed with my sweet grandma for a few days. She has been so loving to me. She let my two friends and I stay in her small apartment, taking care of us and feeding us to our heart’s content. I definitely had my fill of food and love there! She has to be one of the most selfless people I know. I really enjoyed the time I spent with her walking around town, shopping, and playing cards.

Before we left Tampere, she and I went to a cemetery outside of town where we visited the grave of Kaarlo Viitanen, my grandfather who I never met. She told me about him and their time together since I didn’t really know much. It was very interesting for me to hear about him. We also visited the grave of my Uncle Juha, her son, who died last year. It was great to spend that quality time with my grandma.

Our last day in Tampere, I walked alone across town to a tower that overlooks the city. There, in one of my typical reflective moods (where I think I’m oh so philosophical and aware) I contemplated the town, it’s people, and my life in general. I need days like that every now and then. It was a beautiful sight from the top of the tower. Afterwards, I spent some time reading in the cafe nearby, and visited a few churches in the town. One of the churches in particular really caught my attention. I loved how the copper top had rusted green to contrast with the brick. Out of curiosity, I asked a lady sitting on a bench in the courtyard to which religion the church belonged to. She smiled and said, “Love.” What a concept! So, I don’t know what denomination owns the church, but does it matter?

Rauma

On Wednesday morning the three of us travelers walked to the bus station and took a bus to the eastern town of Pori, where my Uncle Jari picked us up and took us to his home in Rauma, a beautiful coastal town. On the way, we stopped at several of the must-see places of the area, including a beautiful beach and a nuclear power plant. Unfortunately, the torrential downpour wasn’t cooperative and we weren’t able to spend much time outside. Also, we were still suffering from the time change, and were extremely sleepy in the car, but what we did see of the countryside was beautiful!

We stayed with Jari, his wife Mona and their son William for two nights. They were of course very hospitable and went out of their way to make sure we were well taken care of. On Thursday, we visited a beautiful church in Rauma (the organist came to practice while we were inside, it was a surreal experience with gorgeous medieval style art/architecture and eerie music). After walking around the fairy-tale style town, we took a trip to Turku where we walked around a medieval festival. We enjoyed the vendors, shows, and of course the food that was offered there.

I was also able to obtain a guitar from my uncle so, I am now officially equipped with all I need! Coincidentally, it is the same guitar that I played at my uncle’s house seven years ago on our last trip to Finland. It was the first guitar I ever sat down and actually played, so it seems fitting that I was reunited with it on this trip that means so much to me! On Friday morning we boarded a day-cruise from Turku to Stockholm. We slept for most of the cruise, but when we woke up the scenery of the Finnish and Swedish islands surrounding us was breathtaking.

Stockholm

As soon as we got off the ferry, we were warmly greeted by my lovely cousin Aida. She made sure we had train passes for the city, and showed us where we would be staying. Her mom, my Aunt Marita, left her apartment to us while she is away at her summer cabin in eastern Sweden. We were shocked that the apartment was left completely for us and that we were being treated so kindly. It was unbelievably humbling!

We have enjoyed the past few days, exploring Gamla Stan (Stockholm’s Old Town) and seeing the beauties that downtown Stockholm has to offer, thanks to Aida’s help. The buildings are extremely colorful and vibrant. It reminded me of something that I might see in Amsterdam. There were lovely narrow streets and cobblestone walk ways. Like Finland, Swedish people are a little reserved, in that they won’t usually go out of their way to talk to a stranger. But, once a conversation has started, they are extremely friendly. One thing that was undeniable about Stockholm is the bustle! Compared to Tampere, this city is constantly in a hurry! It seems like everyone is always trying to get somewhere! It was clearly more busy and had much more traffic and tourism than any city we had seen in Finland. Although Stockholm was outstandingly beautiful, in that aspect, I preferred the atmosphere in Finland a little more because it suited my personality. However, Stockholm is a must-see for anyone traveling in Scandinavia.

With Aida, we were treated to a night on the town by another cousin, Laura, and her English husband, James. James and I enjoyed discussing the latest happenings of European Football (to my content, James affirmed that Messi is without a doubt the greatest footballer on earth) and he even invited us to stay with them in July in the French Riviera. It hadn’t been part of our plans thus far, but he definitely did a good job selling the idea to us! We will have to see what the future holds.

Sunday afternoon was spent again with family. Paivi, my aunt, introduced me to another cousin of mine, Natasha, and her husband Matthias and their two young boys. Petrus was also there visiting, with his two cute little girls. It was so great to see him again! After lunch and desert, we went to the Vasa museum, where a 17th-century Swedish ship is on display. It is massive! It’s always great to learn about the local history when visiting a new place, not just seeing the sights, but actually delving into the past to gain clues as to why a place is like it is!

Afterwards, we were tipped by Natasha and Mattias that The Tallest Man On Earth, a folk artist who I have recently been listening to quite a bit, would be in Stockholm performing at night. Thanks to their amazing help with coordinating, Caden and I were able to buy tickets to the sold out show. It was jaw-droppingly awesome. His guitar skill is simply unbelievable and his voice has a rawness that evokes some serious emotion. I just thought it was unreal how I had been listening to him for the majority of the trip, drawing inspiration and application from the his beautiful lyrics, and here he was, tonight, in Stockholm! It was definitely an omen that we are in the right place at this time. Anyone who cares should listen to his songs, “King of Spain” and “Over the Hills.” I have had them on repeat this whole trip. Thanks again to Natasha and Mattias for making it possible! On the way home, Caden and I chose to walk much of the way to view the gorgeous city over the water one last time in the Scandinavian night sun.

Goodbye To Stockholm

Well, although we never got to see Zlatan Ibrahimovic wandering the streets of Stockholm, this evening it will have come time for us to leave. Our next destination is Karlstad, in western Sweden, were my Aunt Marita will pick us up and drive us to her summer cottage. There, we will get a much needed reconnect with nature and relax. I’m sure I will have some great time for meditation and reflection, and I will share all of those thoughts with you all. I miss my friends and family back home, but am also coming to realize that anywhere I am is home as well. Love you all!

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