Pihlajasaari in the Morning Hours

07.29.11 – Pihlajasaari, the island just off of Helsinki, has to be one of my favorite places to visit during the summertime. There is so much to do on the island; camping, swimming, sauna and for food, you can visit the restaurant Ravintola Pihlajasaari for some salmon soup or there are several grills which are always stocked with firewood.

I’ve camped out on the island twice this summer, once with the Salsa Borealis group and once with the kids. I took these photos one morning when I went with the kids and I woke up at 4AM. I decided to walk around because it was very close to midsummer and by 4AM the sun had already risen. I walked the short distance from the campground to the section of the island, which by day is a nude beach. Luckily the beach was empty 😉

Everything was quiet and peaceful and after a few minutes, I headed back to the campsite to get some more sleep.

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Dancing in the Dark on Pihlajasaari

07.27.11 – Finns love to dance and so do I! I’ve been taking salsa dancing lessons at Tanssikoulu Baila Baila for the last month and a half. It’s been a great way to take my mind off of starting the cafe. Yes, I’m still trying to set up my cafe. I haven’t found a location yet which is a bummer. Learning salsa has been great exercise and a great way to meet new people.

A couple of weekends ago I headed out to Pihlajasaari, a small island just off of Helsinki, for a 24 hour salsa and camping trip. Who would have guessed you could combine a camping trip with salsa but the long Northern nights kept everyone gyrating on the granite dance floor with the lights of Helsinki in the background. It was even more interesting eating breakfast with couples bumping, grinding and spinning around the tables.

I’ve already decided to go next year and can’t wait. Hopefully then I’ll have some moves 😉

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