FLASHBACK #38: MidSummer 2003 in Tampere

MidSummer 2003 arrived quickly once again in Finland. As usual, people had planned for this particular weekend months in advance, suddenly packing up and disappearing to the countryside for two days to celebrate god knows what. I still don't get the frenzy associated with MidSummer. Of course, its to do with the fact that, before it has even got warm, it is going to start getting darker again from this day onwards. How depressing. How is THAT worth celebrating, exactly?

Anyway, Bree was going to Lahti, to spend MidSummer with his family and I chose to remain in Tampere. Seemingly, I was the only person without plans this MidSummer, but it turned out to be a wonderful weekend. When I woke up on the Saturday morning, the weather was amazing - it was warm and sunny, with a clear blue sky. After a breakfast on my balcony, I headed out on my new bike (I had just purchased a mountain bike), stuffing my rucksack with a camera and a supply of drink and snacks.

I spent the day driving around the City and took some amazing photos. At the time, the cycle ride was merely an attempt at keeping myself occupied, to be outside and enjoy the sun. When I saw the pictures, however, I was amazed at how beautiful the deserted city had looked. If only it could be like this all the time, I thought! I have attached some photos to this post.