Through the length of Finland and across to Estonia

Had one of my best sleep for in a week, completely knocked out on a sturdy bed in a room all by myself. No need to sneak around in the dark worried about waking others up, no need to wake up early for limited toilets, and best not having to endure painful snores. Breakfast was a refreshing change, considering that I have not have any proper meals for the last 18 hours, surviving on a tube of Pringles crisps which I finished all. The morning sun was barely visible, blocked by a thick layer of fog, as I strolled in the direction of the bus station. I was encouraged as a small group started to form for the bus that is due to arrive at 10.05am. The 30km journey to Kemi took about half an hour and the train station is just a short walk across the other side of the road.

Started to chat to a couple who took the same bus as well at the station - husband was Thai who married a Finn and are living in Helsinki after 5 years working together in Bangkok; a modern day love story of fate bringing 2 people from such extremes together. Glad to have some locals to chat to on the way down south. Had my first Finnish food - meat balls with mash potato on the train - hang on, I thought that was Swedish? Anyway, it tasted rather good as it was nicely made hot before serving although it was a pricey €9.40. Was rather embarrassed to find out that Finland has been using Euros for almost 10 years now instead of Finnish Marks.

Managed to catch a few video podcasts under the series "Magnum in Motion", highlighting the best photographers in the world and their creations. I find it interesting as it doesn't necessarily just discuss about photography but also about the society and environment in the creation of those pictures.

Due to the delay from yesterday, I was unable to stop by Tampere today. Had wanted to visit it to see how the city is like since it brands itself as the first Fairtrade city in Finland. Instead, I have been sitting on the train for the past 9 hours, staring at countless laptops in front of me as they attempt to pass time by watching movies. Arrived in very windy Helsinki and spent an hour getting to the correct ferry terminal (after I went to the wrong one the first time round and had to track across the city center). The ship is quite luxurious and even have free WiFi onboard as it crosses the Gulf of Finland, although it is so painfully slow that you give up after 10min. If you feel posh, you can choose to take a helicopter and arrive in Tallinn in 18min instead of the usual 2 hours.

Checked into Vru Backpackers, can't wait to check out this town in the morning. Sorry, no photos in today's post, need to catch up on some sleep before leaving for Russia later tonight.