I tweeted this picture earlier in the week as a precursor to my autumn posting! In case you are wondering, yes there are some filters involved – my phone’s camera now has a ‘pro’ mode 😉
We were sitting on the rocks of an island out in the Helsinki / Sipoo archipelago, enjoying what is colloquially known as the last weekend of summer (no matter what the weather is!). After the sun went down, the mökki owners lit their bonfires, and all around us these beacons bid farewell to summer. At least one place sent up a few fireworks as well!
Now the days grow shorter everyday (and it’s quite noticeable!) and our thoughts turn to autumn. I won’t admit to a favourite season – it’s possible to find something great about the weather, no matter what time of the year it is. I will concede however, that autumn does have more than a few things going for it!
- Mushrooms and foraging for mushrooms! Beware though: there are some poisonous mushrooms in the Finnish forest: a must to take with you is a well illustrated guide book!
- The Habitare show (Interior, Design & Furniture) at the Messukeskus – a truly wonderful happening where you can get your fill of Nordic & Scandinavian design (young and old, modern & traditional). This year it’s on 12-16th September, and the theme is Roots. Highly recommended for inspiration!
- We get a little bit of ruska (the colour change of leaves at autumn) in southern Finland, although if you want to experience the true beauty: head north!
- Berries! June, July and August are usually prime months for garden berries, and if you are looking for a great strawberry, nothing beats a Finnish strawberry! Either hand picked by yourself, or freshly packed from the market place. Autumn is when our really tasty berries arrive! Sea buckthorn / tyrni; rowanberry / pihjala; lingonberry / puolukka – these are all ripe for picking in the autumn.
- A personal favourite are the lovely crisp mornings! We haven’t had any frost in southern Finland (yet!) – it’s just a matter of time now.
So still! So crisp!
Stay tuned over the next few weeks for more autumn tips: things to do, places to go and people to meet as I share my comings and goings with you!
Safe travels!
Cheers
Heather
