Yesterday was the 1st of May, in Finnish it’s called Vappu. My friend and I went to the city centre. We walked to the market square, kauppatori, the popular place where the travellers usually stop by when they visit Helsinki. Then we went to Kaivopuisto (Kaivo park), where there were a lot of people gathering in that place as same as on the street in the city centre. I rarely saw Helsinki crowded and excited like this.
They had picnic with family and friends. In Vappu, people wore white hat (ylioppilashattu), the hats they got when graduated from high school. Not only the young people wore but many elders did as well. A lot of colourful balloons on the street made the day even lovelier. People drank champagne and ate tippaleivät.
One of the old building in this area.
My friend and I walked through those places, chatted and enjoyed sunshine. We watched people, listened to the sounds of music, noise, vehicles, the birds, the sea and its wave... They were all wonderful. What could be better than to be with a true friend on a day like that? I really appreciate, day was so simple and peaceful!
Inside Kappeli, one of the oldest the cafe, restaurant in Helsinki
