I spent the weekend in the eastern Finland with my niece and her father. My niece started studying in the University of Joensuu this autumn. On Saturday, we decided to visit the Monastery of New Valamo. On Friday when we arrived to Joensuu, the ground was snowless but when we woke up (quite late) on Saturday, we had snow on the ground. Not much but anyway. The monastery's graveyard pictures posted on here.


( the snowy Monastery area... )

I made a short walk with my friends to Seurasaari yesterday late in the evening.

 

( two more... )

Today, when I was returning from Lahti city (visited an art exhibition opening there), I decided to stop in this place. The medieval stone church was built in 1510-1540. It's still in use but as usual in Finland, doors were closed and locked. I don't understand why the doors could not be open day and night - it was about 9 pm. when I was there...


( Tuulos... )

Quite close to my summer cottage there is this beautiful church. 

 

( look inside... )

A herd of Russian souvenir dolls. Which one does not belong to the group?

 

( Moscow... )

Today, I visited Helsinki. It was just a short stay and then back to home. Anyway, I found this view by accident. Can you imagine, this view is from a parking garage! Well, cars are very expensive in Finland so it's quite reasonable to build parking garages with such a view...

 

The old town does not look like the first picture. I'm not sure if they just cover the buildings but most of them are really beautiful and well restored.

( The old Tallinn... )