Scandinavia Day 8 Savonlinna to Helsinki in search of Sibelius

Day 8 of Scandinavia was another travel day, but with frequent stops to look at music related sites.  We drove through some lovely scenery blasting Sibelius as we went.

The morning started with another breakfast in our apartment before we packed everything up

Then we drove to the water in search of coffee and souviners

Lincoln requested pink ice cream so he had that while we had our morning pastry and more coffee

One last view of the castle on the way out

Really I was looking for any open souvenir shop but nothing was open for midsummer

Then we were off in search of Sibelius sights as we drove across the country

First stop was in Lahti for lunch, time to see the harbor and a visit to Sibelius hall where Osmo Vanska conducted

Harbor with Sibelius hall

Sibelius hall.  There is a plaque to Osmo, but it is inside the building and it was locked

Next stop was Hameenlinna where Sibelius was born.  On the way we played Sibelius 2nd and 5th symphonies and of course ended with Finlandia

The house he grew up in

Sibelius park

The school Sibelius went to 

In Sibelius park 4 benches played Sibelius music when you sat down

The town square and probably the church he went to.  Also I found a horrible bathroom here.  Like puke in the sink no tp disgusting mess...but since it was midsummer that was the only thing open

Next stop was the Hame castle.  We didn't quite make it while it was open but we sneaked in to at least see the grounds

Dinky with the castle

The moat

Hard to get a good view from this side of the water so that is the best I could do

Then it was about another hour drive until we got to Helsinki.  We stayed at the Helsinki Hilton right on the water

By the time we figured out the strange gas station and returned the car it was pretty late so we just ate in the hotel. Lincoln was nearly a screaming mess but between Dinosaur Train and pencils that the waitress brought us we got through dinner

I had risotto Zach had reindeer

Then as promised we went swimming.  They had a fish pool next to the actual pool

Lincoln wasn't so sure at first but then he started loving the water!

Long ride back to our room in the fun glass elevator

And then every one went to sleep so we could get up and see more of Helsinki in the morning.  Tomorrow we see the fortress and then take a cruise to Sweden!