Helsinki reviewed by Manchester Paper.

[sinikettu]

I spotted this story in todays Helsinki Sanomat and because the Int Edition is on holiday it is unlikely to appear in English so I found the original.
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/ ... al_of_cool

[Rosamunda]

Inevitably, both East and West have left their marks - signs are written in both Finnish and Swedish and the Swedish Peoples' Party holds nine seats in the Finnish parliament. Far from being confusing, this historical oddity adds to the charm and another layer of interest to this lively capital. It doesn't seem to unduly bother the Finns

...if only they knew...

there are still people of his generation who live in Swedish speaking areas and do not speak Finnish fluently. One of our mökki neighbours speaks no Finnish at all.

Yes, and i think it's totally ridiculous.

[otyikondo]

...it is also home to Nokia and Finnish president Tarja Halonen, who keeps fit with ballet classes. How cool is that?

I have to wonder if that wasn't an example of "excuse me while I kiss this guy" - I thought Tarja did BELLY-dancing. And even that one of our number was in the same class with her. But maybe she's traded up to ballet. Who knows?

[Desundial]

"..an enviable list of sophisticated bars and restaurants serving a range of cuisine most larger cities would envy" Is Manchester really that bad (that the writer would conclude this from a visit to helsinki...)?? Oh wait, no, obviously that writer never left their desk!

Tarja halonen ballet...feeling quesy, thank you....