| 22-May-2012 | Thunderstorms this morning, but we had nothing specific planned. We decided a “lazy” day in the city was in order, packed our raincoats “just in case” (you can take us out of Seattle, but …. ), and headed out. It’s nice to have enough time to not have to pack every minute with the *must see* sights of a city.

The weather shaped up mid-morning and we didn’t need the raincoats. Arriving at the harbor, we looped south into Kaivopuisto park and enjoyed splendid views of the harbor islands from the hilltop.  We stopped at a seaside cafe for refreshments and people-watching. After the break we headed back into town to check out the shop at the Design Museum that we’d passed on an earlier excursion.

The view of Merisatama (private marina and cruise ship docks) as seen from Urson Tähtitorni in Kaivopuisto park.

Urson Tähtitorn. Built in 1928 by the Ursa Astronomical Association. There are three telescopes in the tiny room, the oldest is from 1928. Tiny little building – maybe 10×10. 

Kaivopuisto park and the coastal islands. The weather over the Gulf doesn’t look as favorable as yesterday!

A small glass piece from the Alvar Aalto collection by iittala, a Finnish glassmaker. We think of Scandinavian design as having sleek lines and subtle color, but there is organic inspiration that inspires fluid shapes and bright colors (yes, I know this one is black!).

Ingenious chopsticks from the Design Museum.

Mom, you’ll love these – they lock together to become “food pinchers”! 

Björn Borg is huge here.

Greek salad from the deli at Stockmann. Check out the dressing – individual bottles of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Genius! Jeff had a mixed sushi plate, but I didn’t get a pic of it, but it looked like sushi.