Tampere (day 2)

Woke up at 5am today and somehow read the time as being 7am (mirror images of each other...) Waking up early has its benefits :)

I had time to update my blog and arrived at the train station well ahead of my scheduled departure. Didn't get lost this time, yay!

The train ride to Tampere took 90 minutes and the scenery was like a blur of green with quaint little wooden house scattered throughout (blue, yellow, red and white). 

I think I passed at least 7 or 8 lakes along the way, catching glimpses of them between the trees... I had two missions in Tampere

1. visit the Moominvalley museum

The Moomin stories were written by Tove Jansson for children but they are so delightful, anyone can read them (including myself!) The photo above is of me with Moominmamma. I don't expect any of you to know who she is but she reminds me of my mum. The atmosphere of the museum was wonderful and I enjoyed seeing original drawings by Tove Jansson for the books.

2. see the lakes (Pyhäjärvi and Näsijärvi) 

I asked the info desk for the best way to see the lakes and she recommended Pyynikki. Thus began my first nature walk in Finland... It was a gentle climb but the view was well worth it! There was a cafe at the bottom of the observation tower with the best doughnuts... I didn't even think to take a photo until I had almost finished it! I shall leave it to your imagination :)

Finding my way to the hotel wasn't too bad... I caught the bus, very proud of myself :) The room is great but it's up two flight of stairs...

After dinner, I went down to sit on a rock right by edge of lake Pyhäjärvi and listened to the waves wash away my worries... Perfect end to a lovely day :)