Finland – Baltic States – Paris

Everything was covered with snow. It wasn’t surprising, cuz I came to Scandinavia. Winter is the best in Helsinki. I couldn’t wait any longer and started sightseeing in the dim light. First, I went to the pier to buy a ferry ticket as I didn’t have a smartphone. I took many photos while walking around the city. Of course, Marimekko and Iittala. I have to say, the snowscape is the most photogenic scene.

BTW, I knew days were very short. I was still surprised at how late the sun rose and how early it went down. *29/12/12

I took a ferry at 7am. I went on deck to see the sky getting light. After sunrise, the ferry reached Tallinn. As I didn’t do my homework, I accidentally looked for the immigration office. I got confused about the Schengen Agreement and the EU area. After all, passport check wasn’t there. I worried about available seats to Riga, but got a bus ticket and enjoyed sightseeing until departure.

BTW, Tallinn is a walled city and there is so much to see in this cosy city. Wish I had more time. *30/12/12

Last night, I crossed the border into Riga without realising it. I had beetroot soup for dinner. It was pretty cold outside, so I got all warmed up. I didn’t have a list of specialities I wanted to eat, but I did find good soup and rye bread. Anyway, I wandered around the stunning town. The street’s houses had a simple and clean charm, with a neat and quiet atmosphere. I was sad to leave but took the bus to Vilnius. There, I had tasty cepelinai, vėdarai and barščiai.

BTW, I saw modest fireworks on NYE in Vilnius. *31/12/12

As it was the beginning of the New Year and early in the morning, there were few locals outside. The serenity was cosy and I went to small pretty churches. Also, the panorama from Gedimino pilis on a hill was so beautiful. After that, I headed to Warszawa by train. I made several transfers to get there. I met local children who played at Sestokai station when I changed trains. They waved goodbye.

BTW, young Polish man was interested in my country’s culture and he kept talking for 4 hours in my compartment to Warsaw. *1/1/13

Even though I travelled with a backpack, I stayed at a 5-star hotel Rialto in Warszawa. I could book it online for only 60€. Since it was New Year’s Day, I wondered if it was discounted the same as Sunday night. As it would be bad if I can’t stay in budget hotels in the future, I should forget about comfortable nights. Anyway, I didn’t need to travel anywhere until getting a night train to Köln, so it was a relaxing day, very chill though.

BTW, why didn’t I visit the Chopin Museum? I carelessly … *2/1/13

I got up in the morning on the train and I was talking with a German gentleman until getting off at Köln. Then I went to buy a ticket to Paris, but the train was full. Everything should have gone well if I could have got a ticket. Tearfully I bought 1st class one. Somehow, when I entered Germany and had breakfast on the train to Paris, I felt an inexpressible sense of relief.

BTW, I stayed in the Montparnasse Area, so it was about time for going around Godard’s filming locations. *3/1/13

First, I went to Rue Campagne Premiere. The path was where Belmondo ran away at the climax of the film A Bout de Souffle. I didn’t lie on the road to act dead, though. Next, I had breakfast in Vavin. And, I went to Champs-Elysees. Seberg had sold newspapers there. Anyway, I went to various other places, not only Godard. I visited Auvers-sur-Oise, as I love Van Gogh. And, I went to Rouen. Besides, I saw Cathedrales de Rouen at Musée d’Orsay.

BTW, I ate galette at Creperie du Manoir Breton. *4-5/1/13