Parents visit Pt. 1: 2 days in Helsinki

As mentioned many times before, my parents just left after a visit here in Finland. They were here from April 22nd-May 4th, equaling to a total of 10 days. Throughout their visit we explored Helsinki, took a cruise to Stockholm, Sweden and also visited here in Turku. As to be expected, I took many pictures during their stay and with that comes many stories. I figured instead of trying to compile their entire trip into just one blog post I'll go ahead and break it into separate parts. So here's the first bit, hope you enjoy. Xx

When meeting my parents for the first time in 9 months...

At first, it was really... and I mean, really weird. 

Everyone kept asking me if I was getting excited or nervous about their arrival, and I honestly hadn't known what to say. Because I guess the reality of the fact hadn't actually hit until I was standing right there in front of them. It seemed a bit weird at first because I knew both my mom & my dad as my parents, and I knew Finland as my current home. But adding the two together just didn't click in my brain. After the initial realization that yes, they are in fact in Finland the excitement quickly followed. Some pre-warned that it's not good to have your close friends or family visit during your year abroad, others said it's a great idea. Initially, before coming to Finland I had told my parents I hadn't wanted them to visit. But, after living abroad here for now 9 months and knowing how relaxed of a lifestyle and country it is... I was the one who asked if they would want to come after all! And after spending 10 days with them I have to say it was such a great decision, both on my & their end. I had such a great time and I feel like the 3 of us really bonded on an entire new level, which I think will be extremely beneficial when it's time for me to return home and start a new life there.

On our first day meeting we mainly talked and had a very relaxed evening. Both of my parents were rather tired from all of the traveling, so we just took the night easy. We had dinner close by our hotel and crashed pretty early in the night. The following day we took it to our hands to explore a bit of what Helsinki had to offer. Now that the weather was decent enough to comfortably be able to walk outside, we explored taking no rush in anything and simply enjoying each others company. We visited a few churches, including one which is known as the "rock church" and two others. We visited shops, drank coffee, ate delicious Mediterranean food, and enjoyed the cultural life of Helsinki. 

The second day spent in Helsinki hadn't been much different than the first, we simply continued to explore the city by doing lots of walking. Continuing to sight see, shop a bit, and eat some great food. We even made a trip to the Fazer cafe, also known as Finland's (and also one of my personal favorite) chocolate company's. 

&& what's not a better way to end one city's trip with some delicious desserts?