Had I known there was a second hands clothes store - a wonderful, fabulous charity shop, no less - around the corner from my hotel in Helsinki, I would have saved some room in my suitcase, or maybe in my snowboard bag. But this would have brought with it a read more

I'm a walker. I absorb a city step by step. It's how we get to know each other.It was a pleasure to then find out that snow on the ground wouldn't hinder my getting to know Helsinki as I walked her streets for a few days. There were so read more

In the Design District of Helsinki - so-called and encouraged thanks to the city being named World Design Capital in 2012 - there are minimalist independent art studios and galleries, furniture designers, antique stores, shops selling vintage clothes and vinyl and many other outlets for celebrating good design.And then read more

I walked a mile across Helsinki to see the Cathedral and I felt I got to know the city a little better with each step.I was excited to see the Cathedral as it appears a striking building in photos. But when it's stood there right in front of you read more

I Shazam-ed this song as NewMan and I dined in a trendy new bistro (their words) called St. Andre on  Lönnrotinkatu  in Helsinki on Saturday night. I Shazam a lot of songs but rarely go back to them and even less often do I do something with them. Read more

Ihana Kahvila ("Wonderful Cafe") is a coffee-shop/book-shop/think tank/community project run by the University of Helsinki as part of a city-wide project entitled " Designing Society Through Thinking".We stopped by today as we strolled through the centre of the city, our noses turning red in the cold and hands burning a little read more

We arrived in the middle of the night and in the middle of winter.Perhaps this was why instantly I felt like there was a little magic in the air? Or should I say on the ground. Because it was the snow piled up around me; slushy in parts, icy read more

And we're back so let the music play!Today's song is a clue to where we're headed tomorrow... I've bought brand new snow boots and have invested in a coat that could easily double up as a sleeping bag. Finland I think I'm ready for you!http://www.youtube. Read more