May 1: Vappu

The celebrations continue on Vappu itself.

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These people probably just slept on the steps overnight.

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Balloon mania at Kauppatori.

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Lurking cathedral dome.

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Kaivopuisto is a main hangout spot on Vappu, so we went there. Since it was another nice sunny day, everyone in town was catching rays on the grass.

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The descent into the heart of Kaivopuisto.

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Sun Jugend.

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The Kaivocrowds.

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I kept thinking the kids in the foreground were going to fall off the rocks, but they didn't.

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We picnicked up on the rocks.

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Up at the height of land, the Hello Kitties bide their time, unblinking.

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Out beyond the shore, Uunisaari, the island sauna that was our first sauna experience in Helsinki way back at the beginning of the semester, in much less clement conditions.

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Contrailtastic!

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The little observatory.

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More crowds, with soundsystems interspersed.

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Well, the leaves are almost beginning to look like they might appear.

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Down at the shore, it was surprisingly peaceful.

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Especially on the water.

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On the way back, the Klippan villa, on the Luoto islet, right near Eteläranta.

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Someone celebrated a little too heartily last night.

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Back to Kauppatori.

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Uspenski hiding behind Enso.

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The large scale of Katajanokka's south side.

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Hey look it's the building from last night.