Talk done!

Sorry there's no picture here; I've been inside for most of the time, even though it's been gorgeous outside! My talk was this morning, and it went pretty well I think. I've had some positive feedback about content ( "I love your topic! I can't wait to hear more about your work!") and delivery ("You looked so calm!"). Best of all, Patti squeezed my arm and said, "Beautiful-- so scholarly and so human at the same time. Well done."

This must be heaven. :)

Will be celebrating with much chocolate and tea when we get home late this afternoon!

at the Nursing Informatics Conference in Helsinki

Just heard David Bates speak at morning keynote. Am now in conference room ready to listen to a series of talks on patient preferences. I've met some great people--future colleagues. More later!

Back in Helsinki

We slept 12 hours last night! Boy, did that feel good. It is a bit overcast today, but that did not stop us from exploring the city of Helsinki and finding chocolate and bargains. We have decided that Fazer chocolate is our new health food.

St. Isaac's Cathedral

St. Isaac's is the 4th largest cathedral in the world (so I'm told). Because of the climate in St. Petersburg, a decision was made to have the artwork be in the form of mosaics. The center dome (below) is 110 meters high, and houses a plaster dove that has a wingspan of 6 meters.

The Hermitage

Thursday was the trip to the Hermitage. It is hard to capture the opulence and grandeur. We visited only a few highlights. Every surface is embellished: ceiling, door, floor and wall.

Along the Neva River

Some of the bridges were designed by none other than Eiffel, of Eiffel tower fame. (Hard to get detail from this photo). There are many ways to get around town. And, this little bear (yes, a live bear cub), was one of our first sights along the Neva River.

A few sites in St. Petersburg

St. P is really on a series of 42 different islands. It is Russia's portal to the west. Since the summer season is so short (and this is it!) many people have weddings during June and July. We must have seen close to 20 bridal parties getting photographs taken at historic St. P. sites. We are off to dinner now. Hopefully more later!

Train to St. Petersburg

Wednesday morning we met our guide at the train station and 6:30 am, and boarded for St. Petersburg, Russia. The trip was about 5 hours, with a stop in the middle for a "formalities" custom check. They took our passports for about 45 minutes when we crossed into Russia, and during this time both the train restaurant car and the bathrooms were not available for use. I had a very tasty cardamom roll with my tea, and then, because it was so good, I had another one!

Arrival!

Arrival in Helsinki was uneventful. It is beautiful, sunny and 70 degrees. The first night's stay is in the Hotel Sokos Vakuuna. It took a rather long walk to find some place to eat that had a decipherable menu, but we had a light supper and then went home and slept very soundly at the Hotel Sokos Vakuuna.