Tampere, Finland

We’ve spent the last five days with Melissa, Lara and Alex in the Finnish city of Tampere, about 90 mins train ride from Helsinki and host to the under 20s world athletics championships, with Alex competing in the Women's Javelin. She did well in a tough field – unfortunately not qualifying for the final but gaining invaluable experience for the next international comp. Great performances from some other stunning young athletes as well, including the men's decathlon (Australia gold and silver), and some spectacular long distance running.

Outside the stadium we enjoyed the city,  taking advantage of the very long, warm days. Snapshots of the week: picnic wine and cheese by the Tammerkoski rapids;  walking to the Pynikkkin lookout for views over the city and surrounds, and then back along the lakeside; Tampere Cathedral with its wrap-around fresco and cavern-like wings; a gentle boat cruise on the lake with looming clouds that turned into an anti-climax of a shower (the only rain we’ve had); very good waffles by the harbour and pastries in the historic indoor marketplace; the Ratina supermarket salad bar; and ice cream in the park (there is a strong food theme coming through here!)

 

Today we’ve back in Helsinki taking a quick detour into town before flying back to London. Helsinki is warm, sunny and buzzing with markets by the harbour, gardens in bloom, even a marching band. We captured some reindeer scarves and socks, and plotted how to come back for some other summer…

Next stop – last stop – London.