Helsinki, Finland

Leaving Amsterdam a very tired puppy, it was a short hop to Helsinki, and a pretty cab ride from the airport to the Eurohostel.  Helsinki is clean, clean, clean.  No poverty.  No homeless people.  Good public transportation.  There's something to be said for evil socialism.  The Eurohostel looked like any other newish building, and it, too, was clean, clean, clean.

The sign above the flower box says "Save money while sleeping."  Trust me, I saved a lot of money, because I slept a lot!  More on that .....

View from the window at the end of the hall.  Spring was just arriving.

View from the window of my room.  A Viking cruise ship which plied between Helsinki and Stockholm

Dining room and bar.  The first night, I had salmon and vegetables, and it was delicious.  Washed it down with an excellent Finnish beer.  Many of those who stayed here used the kitchen facilities for their dinner meal, though many came down for breakfast.  My only nit with the breakfast was mediocre coffee.  Fortunately, I'd found a place just around the corner, owned by an Italian man married to a Finnish woman, with superb coffee, so I could have my necessary fix.

Hallway with the door to my room on the right.  A bit institutional, but I wasn't paying for the Ritz.

Had I shared this room, the rate would have been less, but I paid for a single.  It's clean, sparse, and surprisingly comfortable.  There are two closets just out of view, one for each inhabitant.  Blackout curtains were definitely useful, as it is light almost all the time at this time of year, what is called "White Nights."  More on that later.

Bedding and beds were European/Ikea style, with a platform mattress, a bottom sheet, and a duvet cover which went over the comforter under the blue spread.  Obviously, some DIY involved, but it ain't the Marriott!  And a towel and pillowcase. The bed was quite comfy; I should know, as I spent far more time in it that I'd planned on.....