Friday 13th October 2017

We got up at 8.30 a.m. - it was exercise day for the children at the school just across the park and their voices were audible as they ran or walked around the green. This didn't wake us up but was an unusual intrusion into the general peace and quiet of the location.

We had our usual leisurely breakfast and then walked to the local supermarket for some supplies. We called in at the library on the way home and saw the interesting art collection there. It is a beautiful large library and an excellent local community center.

Then we took off on the subway and then onto a tram to an area called Merihaka where my niece Annica lives with Jonas and their son Caspian. They live in a very nice 6th floor apartment with great views over the harbor and port.

From Annica's apartment we took the tram to a park at Kaivopuisto where the leaves on the trees where a golden yellow and Caspian had fun running through them. we passed an old observatory and saw a number of the embassies and fine houses which are dotted around that area

We walked down to the sea and to a cafe called Ursula where we stopped for coffee and cake. Jonas joined us here having cycled from his work.

After leaving the cafe, we walked up to the top of a nearby hill where, on May 1st. school and college graduates meet to celebrate their achievements.

Kaivopuisto Park

Annica and Caspian

More views of the lovely autumnal scene in the park

Caspian enjoying his snack at Cafe Ursula

More views from the Kaivopuisto Park from the top of the hill overlooking the harbor

 

Annica, Caspian and Jonas

On our way back to the city, we found a man lying on the sidewalk and after spending some time inquiring about his health, he was conscious but not very coherent. We left him but called the social services line for someone to come and attend to him. We hope that he was O.K.

We walked back into the city where Jonas left us and Annica caught her train back to her home and we walked to the restaurant Ragu where we were to belatedly celebrate Bill and Paivi's 40th wedding anniversary although the date was some time earlier.

We had elected for the 'Surprise Menu' with a wine pairing. The meal was excellent and the service immaculate. There was a delicious selection of bread with lovely spreads to go with them, they were so good we asked for seconds.The main meat dish was pork. The wine pairings were just right to go with each dish and well-explained by the sommeliere. Sadly, memories have faded as to the constituents of all the courses but safe to say it was much enjoyed.

Dinner at Ragu but where was Paivi?

A couple of dishes at Ragu.

We returned home on the subway only to hear that Nick, who we were to see tomorrow, had injured himself by an accident with a chisel. He had to attend hospital and have stitches in the wound but insisted we still come to see them next day.

We were soon in bed.