We didn't have the best of weather while I was there, but seeing the sun set over the Baltic horizon from HUS beach is one of the things I have to do when visiting Hanko. The quiet lapping of the waves on the granite boulders and reeds, the beautiful scent of pine trees, the orange glow of the sun on the horizon.......it's beautiful

Tags:   pine bark tree sunset HUS beach baltic sea granitre boulder finland suomi

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Because I can't be bothered being complicated tonight.

And I wish I was back on this little island on the edge of the Finnish Archipelago with sausages sizzling and marshmallows melting on a fire we made on the rocks. And the sun glinted on the sea all around throwing such beautiful light everywhere. These trees in the little forest in the heart of the island caught my eye. Just a simple picture from a place of simple pleasures.

Wild and beautiful

Tags:   trees finland suomi birch hanko hango

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For many November is the worst month of the year. It's dark and there is nothing in the month to look forward to. They even call the last Friday, Black Friday, just to remind you how grim things are. and of course when you feel at your lowest, that is when they are out to capitalise on the vulnerable.

They don't waste their time with Black Friday in Hanko, southernmost town in Finland, Pearl of the Baltic. They just get drunk to blot the whole day out. It's a far better idea. And probably cheaper too. They wake up Saturday with an awful headache, but at least that passes whereas those who go and spend, spend, spend are left with the permanent headache of debt.

I suppose the Archbishop of Canterbury has got quite good at giving lessons or sermons. And I have to confess something he said once has stuck with me ever since. He was being interviewed on the radio and was impertinently asked by the DJ, don't you feel rather responsible for all that terrible debt that people get into at Christmas? And cool as a cucumber the Archbishop of Canterbury said, "I think you will find that those people aren't celebrating the same Christmas that I am!" And he was so, so right.

Anyhow, this is a picture taken from the top of Hanko's Tin Tin rocket water-tower looking out over the lovely seaside town, with sparkling waters all around and the islands of the archipelago stretching as far as you can see. It's the thought of seeing this again that carries them through November. Ain't that right Basse?

Tags:   hanko finland suomi hango water tower archipelago baltic sea islands

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Standing facing out to the sea, a woman with the wind in her hair is a sculpture by Rafael Saifulin symbolising freedom, adventure and a steadfast direction. I love the seashells and leaves 'tattooed" in her skin. Hanko, southernmost tip of Finland. Pearl of the Baltic.

Tags:   hanko suomi hango finland marina sculpture bronze woman wind in her hair

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Yachts gather in the harbour for the Hanko Regatta. Makes me think of sailing away too. So I think you have to hear this (again) www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TcztyNlFx0

Tags:   hanko finland hango suomi yachts regatta nautical sail away

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