Helsinki and Porvoo with Private Guide

We have a private guide, Finbar, who originally hails from Malaga, Spain. For a bloke who's only been in Finland for six years, he has amazing knowledge to impart.

We drive through Helsinki. This is Helsinki Cathedral, a large Lutheran church.

We drive along the waterfront past the market. We've been here in the summer when there was a vibrant market with fruits and veggies not seen before. There are only a few stalls mid-winter.

Market pictures from warmer weather in 2012.

The Russian Orthodox Church is up the hill and only a few blocks from the market.

We did not go in since it was Sunday and services were being conducted. However, we were in the church in 2012.

CJ lighting a candle for his mother in 2012.

CJ thought Porvoo was a suburb. Its 30km from Helsinki. Our three travel partners decide to have a snowball fight on the walking path along the river. There are dozens of locals on the path.

On the other side of the river the old town of Porvoo. The buildings date from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

The five of us first stop for tea before having a walk about. The 'porvoo' blend tea is excellent.

We spilt after tea. Carol walks directly to the car, CJ walks the two-block town.

Scenes from Porvoo.

The return to Helsinki seems shorter. Finbar stops at the Rock Church for the others.

Having previously seen it, we pass on the Rock Church visit. Temppeliaukio Church or the Rock Church as it is commonly known is an underground church carved from rock. Here are pictures from 2012.