Baltic 2011

Baltic 2011

Friday, July 8, 2011

DAY 3 - 8 JULY Suomenlinna, lunch in Market Square, Ainola, and the Glass Museum!

Everyone feels much better after a good sleep and a wonderful big breakfast! The whole group walked down to Market Square, oohing and aahing over the beautiful vegetables and berries for sale. A quick ferry ride to Suomenlinna, a fantastic sea fortress situated on several islands. After free exploring time, we took a guided tour to see the very old structures and walls, learn the interesting history of Swedish, Finnish and Russian control of the Fortress, view a huge dry dock where boats were built, and overlook a sweet little beach.

With Euros in pocket, everyone found lunch in Market Square at the many food stalls – salmon soup, fried herring, reindeer meatballs, juicy cherries, and yummy ice cream. Paige joined us in the afternoon, fresh off her long flight.

Our bus driver – also Pentti (Benedict in English) – was great, sharing interesting stories and fun Finnish words on the way to Ainola, the home of Jean Sibelius for most of his life. We learned about the colors Sibelius associated with keys – yellow and D Major, blue and A Major, red and C Major, green and F Major – and visited his grave.

Next was the Finnish Glass Museum, a fantastic collection of important examples of Finnish, Estonian, and Swedish glass artistry, as well as detailed displays of different glass production techniques. Many favorites amongst the Singers :) We spent a little time outside with some wonderful carved wood sculptures and little buildings.

Another dinner – with berry crepes! – at the hotel, followed by rehearsal in one of the conference rooms.

Very early tomorrow, we drive to Pärnu for the 6th annual Europa Cantat junior Festival!

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