OUT OF INTEREST: Helsinki Day (June 12)

Yesterday was Helsinki Day, the day when thousands of people head to the City to commemorate the founding of Helsinki. On June 15, 1550, King Gustavas Vasa of Sweden ordered citizens from the towns of Rauma, Ulvila, Poorvo and Tammisaari to mouth of the River Vaanta.

These orders mark the founding of the City, conveniently situation halfway along the Gulf of Finland and serving as a competitor to the Hanseatic City of Tallin (in Estonia) on the south of the Gulf. More about Helsinki's history can be read here.

Last weekend, a massive free outdoor concert was hosted by the city drawing some 55,000 people. As I basked in the 25ºC heat at the Outdoor Pool near Helsinki's Olympic Stadium, I could hear another concert, in nearby Töölönlahti, starting up. It's a great time for visitors, if the weather is good, and this week we have been promised temperatures in the region of 25ºC - 28ºC. Bree joined me later and, after swimming our usual 2kms, we cycled home in the evening sun. Now 9pm, this heat was a welcome change from the comparatively harsh winters.

At least I know what I will be doing each night this week - of course, I'll be heading to the outdoor pool!