Finland: the United Buddy Bears

Finland, September 2010

Finally our ferry docked at Helsinki ferry port in the morning. The weather was getting colder compared to Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

see you again Silja Line :)

Helsinki ferry port

After loading up our luggages on the coach, we visited Uspenski Cathedral which is only 15 minutes away from the ferry port. It is the largest Orthodox church in western Europe and was built between 1862 and 1868.
The exterior is deep-red brick walls and green-and-gold onion domes.There are 13 onion domes in all, representing Christ and the twelve apostles.

Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral

pretty red brick walls

From there we went to Senate Square to visit St. Nicholas Cathedral. I was lucky because the United Buddy Bears exhibition was held there. Here are some informations I copied from Buddy Bear website

Under this motto, the UNITED BUDDY BEARS promote living together in peace and harmony on their global tour. Around 140 Buddy Bears (each 2 m tall) represent as many countries recognised by the United Nations.

Since the first exhibition in Berlin in 2002, more than 25 million visitors world-wide have been able to admire the United Buddy Bears.

Art and Culture: Each Buddy Bear shows the individual design created by different artists on behalf of their native countries. The international artists’ different styles are joined together in one work of art, spreading zest for life. The diverse design of the Buddy Bears – always typical for the respective countries – enables the visitors to experience a journey around the globe.

The Message: The Buddy Bears stand together “hand in hand”, symbolising the future vision of a peaceful world. Each bear stands for the people of the different countries and their culture, yet not for political systems.

Charity: Buddy Bear activities and aid for children in need have formed an inseparable unit. To date, around €1,800,000 (November 2011) have been raised through donations and auctions in aid of UNICEF and local children’s relief organisations. 

Senate Square

St. Nicholas the Lutheran Cathedral

pretty colourful bears

each bear represents different country

Before heading to our hotel, we managed to visit the Rock Church and Sibelius monument. Both are quite popular attraction in Helsinki.

Temppeliaukio Kirkko (Rock Church) has a ceiling made of copper wire

Sibelius Monument

It was built to honour Finland’s national composer Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)

downtown Helsinki

Helsinki city tram

Rautatieasema train station

the train platform

The next morning we woke up very early to catch the 7 o'clock train to St. Petersburg, Russia. I was quite enjoy the 6 hours trip, just a little bit nervous about the Russian border. I've been told that sometimes it can be tough and troublesome :(
I went to train cafeteria to get some breakfast and kept hoping that I wouldn't face any problems in the border......