First day back in London

Gio fell asleep on the way to the British Museum. This was the position he slept in. We didn't pose him.

At the British Museum: this is a horse head that was part of the Parthenon. It's one of the Elgin Marbles.

Gio and I in front of the Elgin Marbles. They were stunning. We were surprised and amazed by how detailed and beautiful they were. They are mostly horses that look as if they're running. The high relief was especially amazing as the workmanship had to be perfect. They were incredible.

The ceiling in the center of the British Museum. Very pretty. The Museum is HUGE! We thought we'd just go and check out the Elgin Marbles, but were quickly surprised by how much great stuff is here, the Rosetta Stone, a huge bust of Ramses, and the most gorgeous Assyrian relief panels. We decided we would have to come back the next day.

More Helsinki

At the fish market in Helsinki. The fisherman sell fish and veggies from their boats.

Gio at the park. We took a little break there after looking at a lot of design boutiques. Gio loves frolicking in the grass.

The indoor market where everything is sold like meat, fish, bread, and there are little restaurants as well. We weren't really excited about Helsinki. There wasn't a lot to do or see, it's a relatively new city (established 1787) and the food wasn't too great. It's likely we won't go back anytime soon.

Helsinki

As soon as we arrived a the hotel in Helsinki, Gio wanted to get naked and play on the pillows!

While Ming was at his conference, I took Gio to the Design Museum and the Kiasma Contemporaty Art Museum. This was a common view for me that day!

At the contemporary art museum.

Gio hanging out in one of the galleries. He liked crawling around the benches and on the floor.

Film of Gio on Ferry

Random Tallinn Pictures

Gio at a yummy restaurant in Tallinn called Bonaparte. It was very good. The salmon soup was super yummy. Gio really loved it too.

While there some government people came in for lunch. They were all in suits and a guys with earpieces came in before and after to scope the place out. The whole building was made of stone and the walls were very thick.

Family pic from the top of St. Olav's.

After checking out the city views, we took a walk around the city walls and caught this nice view.

Unusual Views of Tallinn

We took these pictures from the top of the St. Olav church spire. It was quite a hike going up it. The stairwell was narrow and spiraled up the tower. The views were breathtaking.

Ming took this picture from inside the oldest Apothecary in Tallinn. There are records of it from the 13th century.

These are views from the Town Hall Spire. The spire you see on the right in this picture is St. Olav's spire, where we took the previous pictures.

Tallinn Town Square

Cafes in Tallinn

Isn't this a ridiculously cute cafe? It's called Tristan und Isolde. It's located in a corner of the Town Hall. We ate Elk Soup, meat pies, carrot pies, and a pickle here. Gio loved the pickle. Is that weird for a 13 month old?

Another super cute street in old town.

We came here for dessert. The cafe is called Cafe Chocolaterie. It's all about extremely cute cafes in Tallinn.

Portraits in Old Town

Doesn't this photo look fake? The old town is so picturesque.

Gio wasn't thrilled with participating in a family portrait.

It's what Disneyland wants to be.

More Tallinn Architecture Tour

Tallinn Architecture Tour

Old clock on the side of Holy Spirit church. The church was built in the 13th Century. It's burned down a few times, but the interior has remained protected (I don't understand how!)

This is the top of Fat Margaret. It's a huge tower overlooking the North side the harbor.

The tower now houses a Maritime Museum. Perfect sign for it.

Love these random stained glass windows set in the stone building.

First day in Tallinn

Ming and Gio at one of the city gates. Tallinn's old town is almost completely surrounded by it's original stone walls. There were originally 46 towers, now only about half are left. Not bad considering they're over 600 years old!

See more of the wall there on the left. You can see the walkway on the top.

All of the buildings are colored a different, very well chosen color.

This is the tower to the town square. One of the oldest buildings in Tallinn.