Arrived in Helsinki on Saturday at about 1 pm (local time) after a looooooooong flight.
We flew from Jakarta to Singapore, to Frankfurt and then finally to Helsinki. As the plane was approaching the runway, the sight below was beautiful. All white with snow and pine trees. The temperature was -12 deg C when we left the airport.
My clothing was okay....warm enough but had to buy a pair of ear muffs. The hotel concierge was telling us that there were guys who had their ears frozen and dropping off!!! Yikes!! Wei? H refused to get a pair for himself and kept joking that he can't feel his ears!
The temperature went down to -18 deg Celsius today (Sunday). And that was the daytime temperature. Don't know what is the temperature tonight...am nicely tucked in bed in the warmth of our hotel room. Initially, was going to stay in a one-bedroom apartment but read from online reviews that the heating in the apartment was inadequate, no hair-dryer, no front desk etc etc. Glad that we switched to a hotel.... smaller (of course) but the heating is great - the bathroom floors are heated... no sudden cold shock when on the throne! Hahaha...
If we move here, really must get a house with heated bathroom floors too!
Checked out food prices in supermarkets today... Some things are cheaper than Jakarta (ham, cheese, sausages, juices, potatoes) some are similar (eggs, some fruit) and some are more expensive (meats, fish and especially garlic!!! H was like going Oh No!!! He absolutely lurves garlic!!). The range of cheese, yogurt, cold cuts is amazing. Figured that we need to eat like the Europeans, then we'll be okay. I was telling H that since the boys and him are always complaining "why Chinese again?", I will keep the more expensive Chinese veggies and foods for myself, and just feed the rest of the family cheese, pastas and what-nots!! Hahaha...
Actually, so much ready-prepared foods. No need to cook. Just heat up can already.
Got to go to the Asian Grocery Store to see their range...otherwise must fly to London every month and go Sei Woh Hong for my Chinese stuff!!! Haha...
Moving here? Donno yet!
9 comments:
OMG -18 degrees Celsius!! That is frigging cold but iLike! It's frigging hot here at 35 deg Celsius.
I have a friend in Finland, already for 6 years I think. Lowest temperature was like -24deg, and he said it's ok. :P Must have heater in the house and flooring!!! LOL!
Oh ya, forget about Chinese veggies, he survives on carrots and potatoes mostly.
He said it's not the cold during winter but the dark dark dark no sunlight for day and night which is more depressing.
I can imagine the beautiful sight - pine trees with white background. Even if you do not move to Helsinki in the end, this is one more enjoyable travel experience for you to add to your numerous travel logs!
i can't stand cold weather!
Health Freak Mommy - nit when you feel you are getting Brain Freeze and you are not even drinking anything!!!
Shopping mum - no sun. That's what I am afraid of too! I guessed if I really move here, I'll have to fly down to the South of France or the Algarve every December!
Ang moh Cos lettuce is quite good as a substitute for Chinese veggies. Iceberg, mange tout, sugar snaps, leeks, cabbage, broccoli also can be quite chinesey. Why must stick to potatoes and carrots? Lazy la, I think your friend... Guy rather eat simply than do more work. I am sure!!
Mun - what I was most amazed was the frozen sea!
Wenn - it's actually only if you need to get "out there".
Definitely will have a car so will not be walking "out there"!
I'm curious..why can't we tell others our lucky numbers?
as long as the house/room is blasted with heater, it is warm and cozy...
Alcohol is expensive in Scandanavia countries...
Wenn - apparently then, it won't be lucky liow
CL - I know. But it's the walking out that is way too cold. Can't exactly stay in the hotel all day.
Re alcohol.... Compared to Jakarta, this place is still slightly cheaper or similar in prices though.
Thx! Next time I know what to do!
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