finland trip, part seven

as our trip was winding down, we were able to spend a more relaxed day with our aunt and uncle. we went with them to the helsinki LDS temple, and it was so beautiful and peaceful.

 i loved all the granite everywhere, the temple grounds were gorgeous.

 after the temple, we went to dinner at this really posh restaurant. our aunt and uncle were celebrating their 40th anniversary, and we got to tag along! there was even a complimentary architectural tour of helsinki afterwards from my uncle!

can you believe these doors!? my aunt had a book she showed us, with doors, gargoyles, and all sorts of cool architectural details to be found around the city.

everything was so fantastic, i loved it. there is something about curvy brick, though, i have to say.

we had a really great day with them, and were so glad to be able to spend some more time enjoying their excellent company.

the next day was our last- and mary and i parted ways. she went to tallinn, estonia, and i had some plans of my own. i had a few hitches figuring out which tram to take to my appointment with this sweet girl, but finally made it after asking for help from a few kind strangers! most of the younger generation (everyone we met/tried) spoke english really well, so that helped a lot.

after getting a little "permanent souvenir" from linda, she helped me find a place nearby where i could rent a paddle board. that was one of the things i wanted to do most in finland, and i was so glad it worked out!

this was only my second time on a SUP, but i was hooked the first time i tried. it was such a dream to be able to do it in the baltic sea!

from there, i walked to the rock chapel (temppeliaukion kirkko) which looked pretty unassuming from the outside..

but the inside was very impressive! it is a chapel built into living rock, with this huge copper ceiling and lots of natural light. they have concerts sometimes, which would have been really cool to hear, but i was so glad to be able to go and see it, regardless.
the last day worked out so perfectly, with everything i wanted to do falling into place- it was all within walking distance, and i even stopped into a few vintage/thrift stores along the way!

it was hard to say goodbye to finland.
i'm dreaming of a summer cottage there, but i am really just filled with gratitude that i was able to go there. to spend precious time with loved ones, and establish/strengthen connections and bonds with our family and roots, and just enjoy the beautiful country and culture. it was such an amazing trip, and i will cherish the memories forever!






**start from the beginning: part one