Helsinki
June 3, 2011 

Had a very pleasant Gulf of Finland crossing yesterday on the Tallink ferry Superstar.  I spent as much time as I could stand on the open deck, but brr!  Damn, if it’s this cold in the middle of a sunny day in June, what must it be like in January?

I got very little sleep last night at the lovely St. Olav Hotel.  It was very hot and the street was very loud.

Perhaps because of that, or perhaps just because of my general travel weariness, but when I landed in my lovely hotel room in Helsinki, I just hit the tourist wall.  I took a nap, and headed outside armed with my map and my walking tour.  And I just couldn’t make any headway. 

And that’s okay.  I have to say I’ve had really, really good Tourist Endurance during this twelve week trip.  It’s okay if on one day I simply don’t feel like exploring a foreign city.  Tomorrow I’m having lunch with an old acting friend, and perhaps I’ll feel fresher then.

It’s certainly not Helsinki’s fault.  It’s beautiful.  And the men . .  oh my.  Everywhere I look I see strapping, sturdy, handsome young men, some blond, some not-quite-as-blond.  It’s as if the city has been overrun by a convention of Midwest college football players.  This is not a complaint.  I’d love to be able to spend some time here and do some serious photography.

Places I’ve Hit the Tourist Wall

• Helsinki
• Paris
• Rome