By the Baltic Sea

 

One of the reasons I've always loved Helsinki so is because of its location right by the Baltic Sea. I love the sea. I need to see far sometimes and just staring at the water and horizon helps. 

Helsinki has an archipelago, but there are places where you can see between the islands towards the south and Tallinn. One of those places is the Eira shore. Handily, Eira is also one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the whole city (unless you are one of those unnatural people who like brutalism above art nouveau. I'm afraid you'll have to settle for Itä-Pasila or Merihaka in that case.) 

Last Sunday, PW and I took a walk by the sea and then up through the beautiful buildings in Eira. We chose the ones we want to own or live in - which we can't, this is a seriously expensive neighborhood. 

One of my favorite buildings is Villa Ensi, on Merikatu 23. I've loved this building since I've been a child. I think it is currently some sort of assisted living home for the rich elderly, but it would fit me perfectly, don't you think? The tower would make a great writing space. And you could see out to the Baltic Sea...  

Of course there are statues by the entry. 

 
PW also agreed that the building was lovely and we should buy it. Or at least he agreed on the lovely part. But it wasn't the only lovely building. 

 I don't know which building this is and what is its use these days, but I love how it looks towards the sea. I call it the Captain's House in my mind. Don't know where I got it from. 

There are still plenty of beautiful days, and in between them rainy and cold days. Today is sunny and warm, but who knows about tomorrow? (Actually, the weather forecasts are relatively reliable, at least the Finnish ones, but only about three days ahead. Our Google weather has been overly optimistic.) 

If you want to see more marvelous buildings in the Eira region, you can find the street view on "Eiran sairaala" (Eira hospital) on Google Maps and then walk south and east from there. Enjoy!