MOTION PICTURES … Movies are shown in all languages, but most of them are in English.
MUSIC … The Helsinki Symphony Orchestra gives concerts during the season at the University Hall. Opera at the Opera House. You should try to hear the Finnish opera, The Maid of Pohjola, by the Finnish composer, Oskar Merikanto. It has been more than fifty years since the First Symphony of Jean Sibelius was first heard. Sibelius was not only Finland’s foremost composer, but was renowned the world over; a great musical event is the annual Sibelius Festival, which take§ place in Helsinki during the first two weeks of June. The program consists mainly of Sibelius’ music.
PHOTOGRAPHY … Films and developing charges are reasonable in Finland. Color film is available as are black-and-white still and movie film. There is excellent service on developing as long as you make clear how many or how few days you can wait. An expert recommends the orange filter for lakes, islands and summer clouds, the dark green for full effect of the forest and landscape, and yellow for Lapland scenes. Sunsets in Finland are particularly strong and beautiful especially in July, August, and September. Recommended photo shops; Bogelund on the Esplanade, SVO on Kaisaniemenkatu and Nyblin at Mannerheimintie (Forum).
RELIGION … Finland is 96 per cent Lutheran, but there are Methodist, Anglican and Roman Catholic churches, and synagogues.
RESTAURANTS … There are dozens of restaurants in Helsinki besides the hotel dining rooms. Some of the better ones are the Monte Carlo, Savoy, Palace, Victoria, Vaakuna, Torni, Motti, and Walhalla. There are also many restaurants where they have music for dancing; among these are the Adlon, Kalastajatorppa, Casino, Klippan, Kaivohuone and Fennia. They have temperance restaurants, too, the Kestikartano, Elanto, Primula and Pikapala.