Throughout the previous two seasons (2010 & 2012) I spent working in the Baltic, I always equated Helsinki with the not-so-pleasant fishy smells of the Hakaniemi Street Market; that and the often gloomy weather.  But this time felt different.  The city seemed more welcoming and homey to me.  Sure, the sun-shiney weather helps but something was different, even though I can’t quite put my finger on it.

I definitely walked away this time with a more positive association to Finland’s capital and for the first time, a desire to return and explore more thoroughly.