Thursday 31 July 2008

Fantastic Finland- Wednesday 23rd July- Savonlinna

After breakfast, we left in both cars to drive south east around 90km to the town of Savonlinna. Jyrki had explained to me that it was a very attractive town, and was where he and Mari had met when they were at teaching college, quite a few years earlier! It also is where Olavinlinna, one of the finest medieval castles in Finland, which dates back to 1475, is situated. In July, the town is very busy, with lots of tourists who come to the castle to see the month long Savonlinna Opera Festival.

We ate lunch first, in a lovely wee pizzeria restaurant, then headed towards the castle. Once we arrived, Jyrki arranged a tour in English, which we all enjoyed very much. It's a very beautiful castle, as the pictures show! After the castle tour, we walked along to a park beside the lake where the children played for a while, went on an hour long boat trip and looked around the market, before returning to the cars and began our trip home, with an excellent value meal at the ABC restaurant just outside Savonlinna. What a brilliant day- and many thanks to our hosts for taking us to such a fantastic place!

Approaching Olavinlinna Castle.


As Jyrki said, this spot where I am standing has had very many photos taken- and no wonder, it's the entrance to the castle.


A group picture


Another one of the two families!


Look at the view from inside! Click on the photo for a bigger version.


Looking out, from one of the castle's windows.


Again, looking out, from inside the castle.


Sandy, with Antti-Jussi and Ville-Veikko!


Back on the outside, Mari and me.


Jyrki shows the ram who's boss!


At a cafe close to Olavinlinna.


Olivia enjoys a cooling drink.


What a view!


Another lovely view, of a lovely place- Savonlinna!


Sandy on the Flying Fox, in a park close to the lake.


Sandy, with Ville-Veikko, as we take a boat ride around the area.


Olavinlinna Castle. One of Finland's finest, without doubt!


How about one of these lovely houses, next to Lake Saimaa? Oh yes, I'd love one!


Our hosts, Jyrki and Mari!


Sandy with Ville-Veikko on the boat trip.


Sandy with Antti-Jussi, enjoying the trip.


Enjoying the ride.


Me, with the boys!


A picture postcard view of Lake Saimaa!


The Captain kindly allowed the boys to visit his control deck, and let them each have a shot at taking control of the boat!


Approaching the end of a most wonderful day in Savonlinna.

1 comment:

Chris said...

Finland is a wonderful place. I spent some time in Helsinki. Enjoy your time there!