First Journey Day 61: Echoes of the Evening

Date: October 24, 2023
Location: Tampere, Finland

In Tampere, Finland, an unseasonably warm October afternoon opened onto the shore of Lake Näsijärvi. Between lake and sky, the city’s easy coffee culture and waterside lanes invited a slower breath.

An October Warmth Over Näsijärvi

Today was a day of simple pleasures in Tampere. The weather was surprisingly warm, a stark contrast to the usual chilly October days in Finland. I decided to take a lakeside stroll along Näsijärvi. The water was calm, reflecting the blue of the sky and the green of the surrounding trees. Every now and then, a gentle breeze would rustle the leaves, creating a soothing melody.

The City at Play by the Water

As I walked, I couldn't help but notice the locals making the most of this unexpected warmth. Families were out picnicking, children laughing and playing by the water's edge, and couples sitting on benches, lost in conversation. There was a sense of contentment in the air, a collective appreciation for this gift of a day.

Quiet Moments at a Lakeside Café

I stopped at a quaint café by the lake, ordering a pulla (a Finnish sweet bun) and a cup of coffee. The pulla was soft and sweet, with a hint of cardamom, perfectly complementing the strong coffee. As I sat there, I took a moment to just be present, soaking in the sights and sounds around me.

Choosing Stillness Over Sketching

Instead of rushing to sketch, I let the scene sketch itself across the senses—cardamom warmth, lake-light, and the slow drift of conversations. A pause within the journey.

A City in Sync with Sunlight

The day ended with a beautiful sunset, the sky painted in shades of pink and orange. It was a gentle reminder of the transient nature of moments, urging one to cherish them while they last. Today, Tampere felt like a warm embrace, a pause in the midst of a journey, a day to be truly grateful for.

Travel Notes

• Weather: Warm for October (~20 °C), mostly clear skies; light breeze carried across the lake, rippling reflections like glass.
• Scents: Cardamom from fresh pulla, strong coffee, and the clean edge of lake air.
• Sounds: Leaves rustling, children’s laughter near the shore, the soft lap of water against stones.
• Reflection: A generous pause—choosing presence over productivity, letting gratitude do the framing.

Continue the Journey

You may also enjoy yesterday’s quiet in Helsinki, or another lakeside reflection from Finland in Day 70.