Haphazard day in Helsinki

As the Russian orthodox Cathedral was open today i decided to explore inside this building which stands in a prominent position in the centre of Helsinki. Its a stark contrast to the simplicity of the church in the rock as its very ornate. .I didn’t care for it
After wards I went to the harbour front and complete with ice cream and water on this rather hot day,I went on a boat trip ,that I thought was going to go round the islands and canal...so I didn't get off at the island..However I was mistaken and it simply returned to the harbour.
I jumped on a different boat ,it too went solely to an island so I thought, best just get off and look around. It was thr location for Helsinki Biennial ,seemingly from the displays a wierd art festival, random fabric hung in a darkened room ,with the displays being called Le Jardin de something or other...wierd !!
Returned to the place id got off the boat only to be told by someone involved in the exhibition that id not be allowed to get back On the boat at this point but Id have to walk to Torpedo island!😳 which is the pick up point.
Dutifully setting off I passed a wierd unnecessary display of pipes finally reaching the shores of torpedo island
There were a couple of cafes so decided to have a brew which I had to drink out of a wierd cup possibly made from Reindeer horns ,that had come from Lapland ...the tea tasted wierd in it
Returning to the harbour, I was in time to get a meal from the pop up market. The salmon was delicious. Id noticed a Samsonite luggage shop in the city centre and unfortunately it was still open !🤦‍♀️...I just had to go in .The shopkeeper was from Finland but had lived 35yrs in UK
We had a lovely chat. I succumbed to a purchase..but ...I've to take it to the global blue counter at the airport, before I leave Helsinki and I'll get my tax back on my purchase! .I saw this tax free shopping in Norway too ...but didn't appreciate what it meant for me.Read more