Helsinki, Finland

Next stop: Finland. In this country we could begin to see the Russian influence in things such as the language and architecture. We visited several main sites, but two of my favorites were Senate Square and the Sibelius Monument. The Helsinki Cathedral in Senate Square (pictured right) was worth the climb of what seemed like a million steps, in particular to experience the first commercialized crypt I've ever been in. Yes, it's true - this crypt is the surprising home to "Cafe Krypta," a contemporary coffee house, as well as an art gallery. Gotta hand it to them for their entrepreneurial spirit.

The Sibelius Monument (left) was created in honor of of Jean Sibelius, a Finnish composer of classical music. I really liked this spot for the creativity the designers showed in creating a monument. After looking at dozens of statues of men on triumphant horseback, it was refreshing to see a different way of honoring a national icon.