I know it seems like I just got back from Madrid, but I’ve actually been hard at work and in need of a tropical summer getaway.

So I’m going to Helsinki.

I’ve always had a fascination with countries in the north, but there’s a short window for when I would actually consider visiting them.

When I booked this trip, I was convinced I’d be escaping an unbearable heat wave like we had last year in Frankfurt. Instead, this summer has been cool, cloudy and rainy (I’ve contemplated bringing out my happy light).

I’m also traveling to Tallinn (Estonia) and Riga (Latvia). I’ve heard great things about these cities and I can’t wait to see if they live up to the relative hype.

While the rest of Europe is gone fishin’ down south, I’m excited to explore a part of Europe I’m not familiar with (I mean when it comes to geography, who can keep up with the borders of the Baltic states?).

My book selection for this trip is Between Shades of Gray, a best-seller about a Lithuanian family escaping the Russians in the 40s.

So I have my eye mask packed (current sunrise is around 4am…sunset at 11pm), along with my umbrella and a light jacket.

And of course my dancing shoes.