Our final stop on this trip was Helsinki, Finland, and after the trip we had through Sweden our expectations were high. Of all the places on this trip, the place I could see myself moving to is probably Helsinki. The large city feel without the dense population was something I could appreciate.
Upon our arrival, we had a free day to roam the city. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to grab something to eat and see what the city had to offer. As Tom Turk led us through Helsinki, in an attempt to get us to the large park near the center of the city, the group started to get a little anxious as to when we were going to eat. We found a spot to get pizza, as it was the only thing the group of 9 could agree on.After we went our separate ways. Tom led Duke, Jonathon, and me to a local cigar shop to make some personal and gift purchases.
When we got back to the hotel, we spent some time by the harbor and enjoyed our purchases before heading upstairs to enjoy the pool and sauna. The pool was unlike any I had ever swam in before. The edge of the pool extended beyond the building, creating a place to stand with an incredible view over the city (and down through the glass bottom into the harbor below). The sauna was a little weird at first, but once you get past the nudity and get comfortable being uncomfortable it was a great experience. It is too bad we didn’t have the opportunity to use one in Sweden.
The next day we had a business visit, where we learned about the 90-day Finn Program. During this meeting we learned how easy it can be to move to Finland. The number of programs and aid they provide professionals and entrepreneurs seemed too good to be true. Helping with things like moving costs, and reimbursing 110% of R&D costs. After the meeting we had more free time, so we went to market square and checked out the street food and vendors.
When we finished eating we noticed how close we were to the cathedral, and figured why not check it out before we head back to the hotel to get some rest. We found out the cathedral was designed by the first gardener in Helsinki. Walking up to the entrance of the cathedral it was hard not to appreciate the beautiful architecture, and the inside was just as incredible. You do not have to be religious to appreciate the magnificence of the structure, proven by the fact none of us there were extremely religious.
The end of the trip came much too quickly, but some of us were ready to be home. As I reflect on some of the most memorable moments of the trip I will provide you with the top 5 funniest moments.
At number 5, we have Nicole falling asleep in the SAAB meeting… and snoring, and Duke’s uncontrollable laughter.
At Number 4, Logan’s attempt to use his Subway gift card to get on the Subway in Sweden.
Coming in at number 3, Nicole falling in the river where we were swimming in her clothes after being warned about slippery rocks. Thankfully no one was hurt, well maybe a bruised ego.
Runner up on my list must be, Brian’s Myhr impersonation toast. The mannerisms, cadence and timing are impeccable. “…Welcome to California!”
And coming in first, and this was a consensus first voted on by all who witnessed it, is definitely when Josh attempted to walk through a sliding glass door, and got rejected by a thud.
