Helsinki + Stockholm

After visiting Russia, it was time for the truly Scandinavian part of our trip. As (one of) the lands of my ancestors, I was very excited to visit this corner of the world.

First up, Helsinki. I was freaking COLD in Helsinki. Cold and windy. We also got caught in a hail storm out on an island. Despite all of that, Helsinki was awesome. I will always remember sticking it out in the cold with my parents while Amanda and Madeline (and Bailey) retreated to the visitor's center. I didn't travel across the world to sit inside, dang it! 

This is me. On the boat going to the previously mentioned island. Hair by Amanda and necklace courtesy of Madeline ;)

Me absolutely freezing my tush off, but posing for the picture anyway. PS I really should have worn boots like my mom suggested. Moms are ALWAYS right!

After this picture was taken we saw some more of the charming village, and got an amazing view of the ocean, where we caught a glimpse of our ship!! 

I love this picture. The window is dark but the image within is bright and full of life. 

Once we were transported back to the mainland, we had just a couple of hours to explore Helsinki. Here is my favorite view of the day:

This picture has literally been my phone background for months now. I just love how blue the sky is, and the colors/shape of the Helsinki Cathedral. It was actually built as a tribute to the Grand Duke of Finland, Tsar Nicholas the I of Russia, so it was called St. Nicholas' Church until Finland gained independence in 1917. We had a race to see how fast we could make it up the steps--which was also a good way to warm up. 

I promise I'm not usually a selfie girl but i wanted to capture my joy in this moment (after sprinting up the steps) 

Our last stop in Helsinki was Temppeliaukio Church aka Rock Church. I wasn't 100% sure what to expect but holy guacamole it was cool. 

Pictures don't quite do it justice but it is literally a church made out of rocks. It is mostly underground, which is why they added the amazing skylights. There is also a second level of pews, which look down on this majesty. I daydreamed about a candlelit Christmas Eve service here with snow falling softly outside the windows... All in all, Helsinki is cool. I think more Americans should adopt the very Finish tradition of spending large amounts of times in spas. Although the part where they hit themselves with birch branches (?) I could probably do without. 

Perhaps my favorite city I've ever visited was the one we had the pleasure of touring the very next day. STOCKHOLM. SWEDEN. We were #blessed and had incredible weather, which, after two days of slightly uncomfortable weather conditions was very much welcomed. Thank you Sweden! 

This unfiltered photo was the first thing I saw when getting off of our (really swanky double decker) bus. WHOA

Really casual photo of me. Not posed at all. This photo also isn't edited at all, the light was feeling funky fresh and my sisters are real MVPs and were taking pics like i was a Hadid sister. 

Stockholm is comprised of 14 islands, so naturally it has a lot of water running through it. The water is so clean that when it freezes over in the winter you can see straight to the bottom. We started the day by visiting another Church of St. Nicholas, which is unofficially called the Coronation church. It is situated right next to the Royal Palace, so it seems fitting that royal coronations and weddings would take place here. 

The colors! The windows! The roofs!

After the church, we visited a really cool museum that has a lot of outfits, carriages, and other artifacts used by the Swedish royal family. Tbh if I had to choose what royal family to be a member of it would be a tough choice between the British Royal Family and the Swedish. They seem super chill and fun.

Lunch in Stockholm was one of the best meals of my life. I know my hyperbolic statements are getting out of hand, but I can't stop.

The potatoes were spectacular, the Swedish meatballs were divine, and the lingonberry sauce was the perfect touch. My stomach is literally grumbling right now at the thought of this meal. SO GOOD.

After lunch, we had a bit of time to wander around and shop a little. Somehow, this turned into my dad buying a large painting that is now hanging in our house. Typical dad stuff, you know.