Ep 23. Helsinki, Finland

Samantha Brown's Passport season 3 episode 23 takes the viewers on a journey to Helsinki, the capital city of Finland. As soon as she lands in Helsinki, Samantha explores the city center, which is dotted with shops, restaurants, and landmarks.

The first stop for Samantha is the Kamppi Chapel, also known as the Chapel of Silence. She learns about the Finnish tradition of silence and why it is so important in their culture. Samantha takes a moment to sit and reflect in the peaceful ambiance of the chapel.

Next, Samantha visits the Market Square to get a taste of Helsinki's local cuisine. She tries some freshly caught Baltic herring and Finnish berries and learns about the Finnish tradition of foraging. She also tries her hand at making traditional Finnish cinnamon rolls and talks to the vendors about their specialties.

Samantha then meets up with a local artist who takes her to his studio and teaches her about Finnish design. She learns about the Finnish concept of "sisu" and how it is reflected in their designs. Samantha also visits the famous Design District in Helsinki, where she explores shops selling unique and modern designs. She even gets to take part in a pottery class.

In the afternoon, Samantha visits the Rock Church, an iconic landmark in Helsinki. The church is cut into solid rock and boasts impressive acoustics. Samantha attends a choir performance and marvels at the harmonious voices bouncing off the rocky walls.

Samantha also explores the island of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular attractions in Helsinki. She learns about its history as a fortress and its significance in the Finnish-Swedish war. She also explores the island's many paths and hidden corners.

Finally, Samantha meets with a local sauna master and learns about the tradition of sauna in Finnish culture. She also experiences a traditional Finnish sauna and learns about its health benefits.

Throughout the episode, Samantha gets a glimpse of Finnish culture and traditions, from the importance of silence to the significance of foraging and sauna. She takes part in unique experiences and meets locals who share their stories and insights into their culture. By the end of the episode, Samantha has gained a newfound appreciation for Helsinki and its people.