Modern Families
I’ve been down this emotional road before and I don’t like
it. The last destination or port before returning where we started is always
bittersweet. Everyone knows that this is one of the last hurrahs of a week
filled with amazing music, friends, and exploration. We’d just arrived in
Helsinki, Finland and the morning was brisk.
This was the first day in this region that I actually needed
a jacket. The sun, however, did not fail us with its presence. It was a great
day to ride through the country’s southern capital and learn about its history.
One of the things that struck me right away was the activities of families.
Early morning responsibilities like getting kids off to school or daycare were
being performed by both moms and dads.
Like many countries in the region, green functions are
important in Finland. It was common to see commuters on bikes here just as
residents of Copenhagen had done. Modern families interacting at work and play
were visible from the tour bus. Those hopping on and off of the city’s tram
systems looked like residents from any location around the world.
Helsinki Cathedral and the Market Square were memorable
attractions that provided a different way to experience this area. Here we met
an American working for the tour company, who had chosen this for his
retirement spot. International
travel is just another way to learn about people and what they are
interested in.
We all want happiness, health, and genuine connections with
family and friends.
