Day 11: Birthday at Sea

The day started early. Too early. Like four-in-the-morning early, as we had to catch the ferry to Åland.

After packing our backpacks and making sandwiches, we enthusiastically headed to the terminal and boarded the 'Baltic Princess' at 7:10.

After stowing our backpacks, we sat on the ferry's sun deck for a while and had our sandwiches while watching a pair of swans swimming through the islands and getting up close with a few white-tailed eagles.

The following hours were spent admiring the archipelago around us, enjoying a birthday breakfast with strawberry cake and hot chocolate, and shopping at the tax-free shop and other stores on board.

At 13:35 Finnish time, the Baltic Princess finally arrived in Mariehamn, the capital of the largely autonomous and demilitarized Åland Islands. Although the archipelago belongs to Finland, the official language is Swedish, and the proud islanders have their own flag 🇦🇽, license plates, and the country code 'AX'.

Even during the approach to the main island, our first impression was very positive, which only grew stronger upon further exploration. Åland welcomed us with bright sunshine, crystal-clear water, sandy beaches, lush trees, and small rocks. On the way to our accommodation, we noticed the beautiful old wooden houses that are preserved on the islands.

Upon arrival at our accommodation, we were informed that our room had been upgraded from a double room to an apartment due to the low number of guests. We were also allowed to choose the components of tomorrow's breakfast. After exploring our spacious living room with an open kitchen and our own balcony, we set out again to have dinner on the island.

We first passed by a small sandy beach with a wooden pier, where we sat for a while, enjoying the nature and the sun rays. Along the way, we hiked through a small forest with reddish soil and came across an old cannon standing by the roadside.

Unfortunately, our attempt to find a restaurant for dinner proved difficult, as most of them were closed or too expensive. We ended up in a supermarket, trying to decipher Finnish words on food labels - despite being part of Finland, Åland still gets most of its consumer goods from the mainland.

In the end, we had chicken in lemon sauce with potato wedges on the table in our apartment - not the most elaborate birthday dinner, but definitely delicious.

Afterwards, we cozily watched a few episodes of Red Oaks, drank the champagne we bought at the tax-free shop, and indulged in cheese popcorn. A nice way to end a long day.

Now, tiredness is slowly creeping in, and the birthday, shortened by one hour (silly Finns), is coming to an end. Who can say they have spent their birthday in two countries and briefly in none - and all with continuous sunshine? 😊