18 April 08 ---A day in the country

Took a bus ride into the country today. And they do things well here. The main bus station, under a shopping complex, was adjoining the metro and as well organised as a main line train station. Melbourne take note!!

Bus trip was one hour so gave us a chance to see a little of the surrounding country. Virtually no signs of spring yet, no leaves or even buds on trees. Brenda corrects me. All hotels have daffodils in tubs struggling to survive in the arctic winds!!!

So country side consisted largely of stands of silver birch (obviously these are to Finland what gums are to Australia) and fields freshly sown but very wet and no indication what the crops might be.


We visited Porvoo the second largest city founded in 1346. Cathedral was being restored after roof destroyed by a vandal fire in 2006. Restoration underway and they have made excellent progress in a short time. Was able to get a glimpse inside despite being officially closed.

Cottages of old town on riverbank have also been restored and are quite picturesque.



The sun did appear again briefly this afternoon and we felt warm for the first time in several days.

Evening concert in a Rock Church. A youth orchestra conducted by an enthusiastic Irish lady. Elgar took us back to the Malvern Hills.

Have just come across a very apposite quote by Mrs Elgar who devoted her life to her husband

"The care of a genius is enough of a life work for any woman."

WILL THIS ELICIT ANY RESPONSE FROM MY READERS I WONDER. IT GOT A SNORT OF DERISION FROM BRENDA!!

Isn’t Skype great. Had a long talk with Justin – voice and video. He is playing in Camberra and Sydney this weekend. Hopefully band had a review in SMH today.

Nichols, Rowena and Eloise are in London. We catch up with them babysitting in Paris next Wednesday.