Hi I'm Mike, and this is "Mike's Road Trip!"
"Get off the road" says driver.
Hey Guys, well I've traveled long and far for this next trip, I in the Nordic country
of Finland.
Where in a few days I'll be participating in a "winter on wheels" event in the northern
part of the country.
But right now, I'm in the vibrant city of Helsinki, located right on the Baltic Sea,
this is the nation's capital.
So come along with me, and let me show you around.
After a long journey from the west coast of the US, my first priority was some rest.
The next morning I strolled the cobble stone streets of Helsinki to get my bearings, while
seeing some interesting and talented street performers.
Then I took a short ferry ride across the harbor to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress one
of the most popular sights in Helsinki.
Here, visitors can explore historic buildings while finding solace from the hustle and bustle
of town.
Back in town you'll find plenty of outdoor activities, architecture and epicurean delights.
Well know I'm Lapland area, staying in the regional capital of Rovaniemi, where the winter
activities thrill, and the holiday spirit, well, it never ends.
Rovaniemi is located in the Arctic Circle and is the official headquarters for the "real"
Santa Claus, where I got a chance to meet the man himself.
This is the official post office for Santa Claus, where over half a million children
from around the world send their Christmas wishes.
Santa Claus Village is a magical place with lots of things to see and do.
Even the hotel I stayed at is named after ol' St. Nick.
Tonight I'm having dinner in an igloo at a place called, Snowland.
I had a host of winter activities in my bucket list and the folks from Lapland Safaris allowed
me to check most of them.
So right now we're about to participate in the rally sport.
Did you get this in 3rd gear? reply: "no"
Well, scratch another one off the bucket list.
After a break to warm up by a fire, we then had an opportunity to go dog sledding and
ride in a reindeer slight before hoping on the snowmobiles toward our destination.
As night fell, we relaxed in a sauna and invigorated ourselves with a dip in a frozen river.
Then, it was time to dine by fire in a relaxing lodge to conclude the evening.
The next day it was all about culture, with a visit to the Arktikum museum, that evening
we enjoyed some local fine dining cuisine.
The adventures in Rovenimi never seemed to end, the next day I went snowshoeing, tobogganing,
and got to see some great snow athletes.
Well now I've traveled south to the seaside town of Kemi, which is home to this extraordinary
snow castle.
Visiting the Snow Castle was such a unique experience, and yes, I even stayed the night.
The next day I took an Olokolo ride, then, I boarded the only tourist icebreaker cruise
in the world.
Of course the grand finale of visiting Lapland Finland, were the Northern Lights...
Until next time...we'll see ya on the road...