Armed with the Three Day Helsinki Card, Marc and I began our cultural blitzkrieg of the Finnish capital. The first on our list was the Island Fortress of Suomenlinna. We had read many travel guides and books and a visit to this island was one of the top must sees. Hence, we went. Although many people bought the 5 euro ferry ticket, nobody really checked if each passenger had paid admission or nor. I got the impression it was done on an honor system. At any rate, our 3 day Helsinki card and pass allowed us free admission to many sights as well as free travel on piblic buses, trams, and ferries.

The ferry ride didn't really take long. Marc and I sat inisde the ferry and not on the top deck. Today was a very sunny and warm day and I just knew the sun's rays were going to hurt my skin just like they always did. One thing I noticed on this vacation was the huge presence of Chinese tour groups. They were a big and happy bunch. We saw them practically everywhere. I have never seem them in as many numbers before except in Hong Kong and Macau in the early 2000. I am sure the Chinese economy and new government have made it all possible. I am glad. Everyone should have the freedom and ability to travel the world should they so wish.

Leaving the ferry was a breese. In a matter of minutes everyone who boarded the ferry at Market Square was off and the touring began.

The Suomenlinna Church was built as a Russian Orthodox garrison church in 1854. In the 1920s, during the early days of Finnish independence, it was turned into an Evangelical-Lutheran church.