Duro Takes Over Finland: A Journey of Curiosity, Culture, and Quiet Beauty

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Written by: Durodoluwa Femi-Ajala

Duro Takes Over Finland


Living in Sweden for some years now, I have always lingered on Finland as a place to visit, somewhere in the back of my mind. It was close enough to visit, yet somehow always postponed. Well, until last week.


What finally pushed me to make the trip was simple and personal. Family. My cousins and their beautiful family live there, and that alone was reason enough. 


La Familia


But there was also a lighter, unexpected reason. I had recently developed an interest in Chinese dramas, and one of them was filmed in Finland. That curiosity sparked something in me. I wanted to see the place through that lens, to experience even a fraction of what I had watched on screen.


Time did not allow me to visit all the filming locations, but I did make it to Allas Restaurant, where one of the scenes was shot. And strangely, that small moment, standing there and connecting fiction to reality, made my day. 


Photo taken in Finland



But beyond that, this trip became something deeper.

The Journey Begins

Helsinki Airport: Welcome to Finland


Coming from Stockholm, I took a ferry to Helsinki. And I must say that experience alone is worth the trip. There is something about travelling across water that slows you down, that prepares you for what is ahead. It is calm, reflective, maybe even almost poetic.


The Landing: Helsinki - Calm, Serene, Beautiful

The serene environment of Helsinki

Upon arriving in Helsinki, I realised it has a quiet confidence about it. It does not try too hard to impress you, yet it does so effortlessly. Walking through the city, I felt a sense of calm that is difficult to describe. The streets were clean, the architecture striking yet simple, and there was a steady flow of people and tourists blending into the rhythm of the city. 




It made me understand, almost instantly, why that drama chose Finland as a setting.


My first stop was the Market Square. A lively yet relaxed space, where the city breathes through its people, food, and movement. From there, I moved to Allas Restaurant, not just as a visitor, but as someone chasing a small personal story.


Market Square in Helsinki


Then came a series of explorations that each added its own layer to the experience. The City Museum gave a glimpse into Helsinki’s past, grounding the beauty of the present in history.


Museum in Helsinki



The Ateneum Art Museum brought a different kind of stillness, one shaped by creativity and expression.


Oodi Library


The Helsinki Central Station stood tall and iconic, a reminder of movement, connection, and journeys yet to come. 



Then there was the OODI Library, which, in my opinion, is more than just a library. It is architecture, innovation, and community all in one space. A place that makes you want to stay longer than you planned. 


The Natural History Museum in Helsinki


The Natural History Museum followed lastly on the first day, adding curiosity and learning to the mix before I finally returned home to what mattered most. 




Family: The Heart of the Trip

Family is everything


Well, truly, the core of this trip was family. Spending time with them, sharing meals (which I must say was a definite highlight), experiencing their daily lives in a different country, these were the moments that stayed with me the most. The laughter, the conversations, the simplicity of being present. It reminded me that travel is not just about places, but about people. 

Family makes everything beautiful


Even after visiting EMMA in Espoo, which was another beautiful and inspiring experience, it was those small, quiet family moments that defined the trip. 


A visit to EMMA


And as I boarded my flight back, I found myself wanting more time. Not just to see more, but to feel more. To stay a little longer in that space between exploration and belonging. 



Final Thoughts



So, as I conclude, if there is one thing this trip taught me, it is this - if you are thinking about taking that trip, do it. And if possible, do it in Finland. Do not overthink it. Do not wait for the perfect time. Sometimes, what starts as a simple weekend plan turns into something far more meaningful. A collection of moments, stories, and reflections that stay with you long after you leave.


For me, Finland was not just another destination. It was an experience of beauty, curiosity, and connection.


And you know what? I definitely will be back!

Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 16, 2026 at 11:19 PM

    This is lovely , you have just done one thing, which is in your final thought and conclusion, just do it and do not wait for the perfect timing, sometimes that perfect timing does not come, you just have to create it and be intentional about it. Thank you. This is real and i can feel it.

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