There's something about the way sunlight filters through the leafy canopy, casting an almost ethereal glow on the city's beating heart. The cobblestone pathways echo stories of the old world while modernity playfully peeks out from the trendy boutiques and cafes that line the boulevard. Esplanade in the summer isn’t just a place; it’s an experience.

Once again, I find myself returning to this captivating canvas. Seated on a park bench, I become an observer, a silent student, deciphering the life pulsating around me. My notebook, covered in florals, seems to echo the colours of the flower bench nearby as if inspired by a blossoming symphony captured in a romantic painting.

Fashion here whispers subtlety and exudes understated elegance. This summer, as in many before, the quintessential white t-shirt reigns supreme. I see it styled with oversized blazers, airy cardigans, and flowing button-downs by passers-by. Helsinki's coastal winds are well known, and many are swathed in cosy sweatshirts. I, too, am shielded from the playful breezes by my 'Sell Better' sweatshirt, a cosy cocoon against the capricious weather.

A walk through Esplanadi wouldn't be complete without noting the luxury fashion stores lining its sides, their displays akin to works of art. Café Esplanade serves as a fitting interlude to my day, a vantage point to admire the effortless luxury that defines the Helsinki lifestyle. Silk scarves, transformed into the accessory of the summer, are frequently spotted tied to handbags, their vibrant hues a splash of artistic flair.

I end my summer stoll at Kauppatori, where I revel in the bounty of local produce before journeying home. Sweet peas, strawberries, and new potatoes are the Finnish summer essentials. I tuck them away in my shopping bag to be enjoyed later in the light summer evening.

As I meander through the stalls, I am reminded of the fleeting nature of Helsinki's summer. It might be over soon, but the memories we craft amidst its golden days will linger like a cherished keepsake.