kiss my turku

Turku, Finland. Probably the best city in the world. One sure sign of its greatness is that it's built on seven hills.

It has a real castle, where a king was held captive in the dungeons, pining for the love of his life.

And a real cathedral (13th century) where on an ordinary weekday afternoon you can hear live organ music echo under the vaults and touch your very soul. Peace is found here - no wonder, since it's built on the Hill of Sleep.

There are lovely river walks. And bar boats!

There are unimaginably charming hidden parks, ancient buildings, lots of lovely cafés (order the blueberry/dark chocolate pastry Kiss My Turku) and the combined wisdom of two and a half venerated universities. And a huge daisy.

Not to forget, a giant spiderweb in a cave very near the city centre. What lives here?

Turku is the first capital of Finland, its first real city. Nine hundred years of history and a beach where you can experience the thrill of having your swim rudely interrupted by giant Stockholm ferries. What more could you possibly need?

I lived seven years in this city. Here I learned everything about life, love, friendship, the internet and how to write a French essay when you don't know any French.