INDIVUE – travel & art

Recent Posts

  • South Indian restaurant Saravanaa Bhavan in Stockholm

    South Indian restaurant Saravanaa Bhavan in Stockholm

    My latest video in YouTube tells about the South Indian chain restaurant Saravanaa Bhavan in Stockholm in 2019 and 2021, before and after Corona. I do not mean the time after Corona, as Covid19 is still strongly present in our daily lives, but the time when the corona restrictions allowed us to travel again.

    Indeed, I was able to travel to Stockholm last weekend after a long time and to my great surprise Covid19 was not visible in the city streets and restaurants in Stockholm. No one in Stockholm wore a mask or paid attention to safety gaps, except two Chinese tourists. Even the tables in this video-featured restaurant were all full at lunchtime and no one had masks, not even the waiters. Handsanitizers were also not visible anywhere, so it was good that I had carried mine along.

    I wonder if Corona had taxed Stockholm’s restaurants during the past couple of years, or what might have been the reason that the “best South Indian restaurant in Stockholm” I wrote about in 2019 was in 2021 a mere memory in terms of tasty food. The setting of the restaurant was okay and almost as before, but the food and the veg thali were more like a decoration, some even completely over-salty. There was nothing like the unchanging good quality of Saravana Bhavan’s chain restaurant. In addition to this, my companion, who ordered vegan thali, was exhausted from bread which could not be delivered during the whole meal, for whatever reason. And surprisingly the waiters also had lunch downstairs among other restaurant customers before they started serving them, wearing regular jeans and a t-shirt only, just like any other customer. The authentic Indian waitress of 2019 was now just a memory.

    But since I had travelled to Stockholm after a long time and specifically went to this restaurant, a video of that trip had to be made, no matter what the taste. Now you can watch the video here –

    And although this time the food was disappointing, I still call for Saravana Bhavan to have a restaurant in Helsinki, Finland, also, as I have done for more than one decade. I cannot believe that the quality of all the Saravanaa Bhavan restaurants in the world would have deteriorated substantially.

    Corona measures in the Port of Helsinki

    When I arrived in Finland after roaming around in Stockholm, tourists were put in order in the Olympic Terminal at the Port of Helsinki. Vaccinated, unvaccinated and cruise passengers who had not visited Sweden were separated into different queues in the port. With the mask and instructions given in hand I was able to continue my journey out of the port to Helsinki, feeling grateful for the caretaking of society and that I had been able to travel again, after being vaccinated.

    You can read this post also in Finnish

    Read more about traveling in Europe and India in my webworks INDIVUE – Trip to Europe and Trip to India.

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  • Prison experience in Tallinn: Patarei Prison

    Prison experience in Tallinn: Patarei Prison

    *pr-trip with Visit Tallinn, Visit Estonia, Eckerö Line, Viking Line and Tallink | Silja

    Patarei Prison in Tallinn, now a defunct prison facility, has transformed into a captivating public attraction. Less than a year ago, I explored this historical site armed with my camera, resulting in an evocative video that captures its essence.

    Situated along the seafront, Patarei is constructed from light-colored brick, lending it a deceptively serene appearance. Inside, the paint on its walls is flaking, revealing layers of history and despair. The artistry within these walls speaks volumes; murals depict scenes more reflective of angst and desolation than any attempt to uplift or brighten the grim atmosphere. A notable exception is found in a cramped corner, where framed portraits sketched by a former inmate hang, each stroke telling a silent story of incarceration.

    Patarei Prison is not just an architectural relic; it’s a repository of historical narratives. Alongside the bleak artistic expressions, the prison houses several exhibits that delve into its layered past.

    Inside walls of Patarei prison
    Inside walls of Patarei prison
    Window outside from the prison
    Window outside from the prison

    The building’s large windows face the sea, casting light into its somber interior, a stark contrast to the cell windows, secured with imposing steel bars. These elements of light and shadow play across the prison’s hollows, underscoring the stark reality of confinement.

    Much of Patarei remains untouched, preserving its original state. This authenticity offers visitors a visceral glimpse into the life of a prisoner. Particularly chilling are the sights of the dimly lit dungeon, viewed through a small aperture in a thick steel door, and the communal bathroom with its rudimentary stone-carved facilities.

    The thought of being confined within these walls is unfathomable. This sentiment is echoed in the striking stone carvings on the prison’s exterior, depicting figures in a desperate bid for freedom through the windows. These sculptures, carved with remarkable detail, are not just art; they are powerful symbols of the human yearning for liberty, a theme that resonates profoundly within the walls of Patarei Prison.

    Watch my video of visiting Patarei Prison here –

    Video of visiting Patarei Prison
    Patarei Prison corridor
    Patarei Prison corridor

    Patarei Prison, a Dark Relic of Estonia’s Past


    Located in the Estonian capital of Tallinn, Patarei Prison stands as a somber reminder of the country’s turbulent past. Originally constructed as a sea fortress in the 19th century, Patarei evolved into one of the most notorious prisons in the Soviet Union. Today, it serves as a powerful historical site, inviting visitors to delve into the darker chapters of Estonian history.


    Patarei, initially built between 1828 and 1840 under the orders of Russian Emperor Nicholas I, was designed as a coastal defense battery. Its strategic location near the Gulf of Finland made it an ideal military installation. However, its role dramatically shifted in the 20th century, particularly during the Soviet occupation of Estonia.

    Peeping window into the cell
    Peeping window into the cell


    In the 1920s, the Estonian government repurposed Patarei as a prison, a function it would retain for much of its history. Its transformation into a high-security prison occurred under the Soviet regime post World War II. The prison became a site of political repression, housing dissidents and enemies of the state.


    The conditions inside Patarei were notoriously harsh. Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and minimal medical care were prevalent. The prison cells, originally built for military use, were cramped and lacked basic facilities.

    Patarei in Modern Times
    Following Estonia’s independence in 1991, Patarei continued to operate as a prison until its closure in 2002. In the years that followed, the site transformed into a haunting, albeit poignant, tourist attraction. Its decaying walls, untouched cells, and execution room offer a stark, unfiltered glimpse into its grim history.


    As a historical site, Patarei serves several vital functions. It’s a place of remembrance and reflection, honoring those who suffered under repressive regimes. For Estonians, it’s a symbol of resilience and the struggle for independence. For visitors, it provides an educational experience, highlighting the importance of human rights and the dangers of totalitarianism.

    Estonian book in Patarei prison
    Estonian book in Patarei prison


    There have been efforts to repurpose Patarei into a cultural space. Proposals have included turning it into a museum dedicated to the victims of communism and fascism, as well as a venue for art exhibitions and cultural events. These initiatives aim to preserve the site’s historical significance while promoting a message of peace and reconciliation.

    Read more about traveling in Tallinn, Estonia and Europe from my visual travel guide INDIVUE – Trip to Europe and subscribe my YouTube channel, so you will get to see all the upcoming videos!

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  • Flight from Helsinki to Berlin and back to Finland

    Flight from Helsinki to Berlin and back to Finland

    (Updated 4/2023)

    There are several airlines that offer direct flights between Helsinki and Berlin. The duration of the flight depends on the airline and the route, but generally direct flights take about two hours. Airlines that fly directly from Helsinki to Berlin include Finnair, Lufthansa, SAS, Norwegian and Ryanair. These airlines offer regular flights throughout the year. Check out my videos on Flight from Helsinki to Berlin and Flight from Berlin to Helsinki and read on for more information.

    Helsinki Airport (HEL) is the largest airport in Finland and offers flights to destinations all around the world. Berlin has three airports: Tegel (TXL), Schönefeld (SXF) and the new Brandenburg Airport (BER). Schönefeld Airport is specialized for low-cost airlines, while Tegel is a more traditional airport. The new Brandenburg Airport was opened in 2020 and replaces the old Tegel Airport.

    Today’s video is about the flight from Helsinki to Berlin, offering viewers a sunny view of the journey to Germany. The video showcases beautiful green fields with wind turbines spinning in the middle, German islands in the midst of lakes, and forest areas near Berlin’s Tegel Airport. At the end of the video, an unexpected orange design at Tegel Airport cheers up the viewer and surely the passengers themselves.

    So far I’ve written to you about Berlin trip tips and travel experiences, about Berlin Zoo and other well-known sights in Berlin as well as people and street life in Berlin. You have been able to read about good hotel experiences in Berlin as well.

    But now, enjoy the flight from Finland to Germany, the beautiful summer sceneries and field patterns, and subscribe my channel if you like the video!

    Flight from Helsinki to Berlin

    Flight from Germany to Finland

    My second video showcases a beautiful flight from Germany to Finland and was filmed in 2019. The departure is from Berlin’s Tegel Airport and the flight lands at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, operated by Finavia. The beautiful weather and sunset made the flight particularly stunning – check it out on the video.

    Flight from Germany to Finland

    Airports in Germany

    Flying from Germany to Finland is quite common as many airlines offer regular flights between these two countries. The most popular routes are from Frankfurt to Helsinki, Munich to Helsinki, and Berlin to Helsinki.

    The duration of the flight varies depending on the route and airline, but generally, the flight takes about two hours. Direct flights are often available daily.

    Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin airports are all busy airports in Germany and important hubs in the European aviation industry.

    Frankfurt Airport: Frankfurt Airport is Germany’s largest airport, located about 12 kilometers from the city center of Frankfurt. The airport consists of two terminals with over 100 gates. The terminals are modern and equipped with a wide selection of shops, restaurants, and other services. Frankfurt Airport is very important for airlines as it provides connections around the world.

    Munich Airport: Munich Airport is located about 28 kilometers from the city center of Munich. The airport has two terminals with over 100 gates. The terminals are modern and equipped with a diverse range of shops, restaurants, and other services. Munich Airport is a very important location especially for Lufthansa, which is one of Europe’s largest airlines.

    Berlin Airports and their abbreviations: Berlin has three airports: Tegel (TXL), Schönefeld (SXF), and the new Brandenburg Airport (BER). Schönefeld Airport is specialized for low-cost airlines, while Tegel is a more traditional airport. The new Brandenburg Airport was opened in 2020 and replaces the old Tegel Airport. All three airports are located about 20-25 kilometers from the center of Berlin. The airports offer a wide selection of shops, restaurants, and other services.

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