I must admit that with the lovely weather that we are having, it is difficult to understand why anybody would want to go away for a holiday in another country.  That said, I am very much looking forward to going to Finland for a week.

It was a little touch and go a couple of weeks ago because of the strike announced by the unite union who are in dispute with British Airways.  Unfortunately my ticket is with British Airways as the flight has been booked using my air miles saved from the past two years.

The plan of action is to fly into Helsinki on Saturday night and take the number 615 bus into the city centre.  Although the may day celebrations will be beginning there at the time, I am hoping to be able to get a snack somewhere before my train departs at around 10.30.  I am taking the night train to Oulu and I will have a cabin on the train which is private to me, indeed the cabin is en-suite and includes a shower, toilet, and a small washbasin.

The train will arrive in Oulu at around about 7.30 in the morning; however I am unable to check in to my hotel, the Scandic Oulu, until 2.00 in the afternoon.  The upside is that the vappu celebrations for mayday will take place throughout the day.  The may day celebrations also occur on a Sunday but I do hope that a cafe may be open so that I can get a breakfast somewhere before moving on to have a look at the celebrations.

I’ve also taken time to have a look at the hotel restaurant menu and I see that they have reindeer on the main course selection.  I’ve had reindeer a few times before and it really is very tasty and I would highly recommend it to anybody who is considering travelling to Finland.

On the Wednesday, I will travel back to Helsinki by aeroplane and again go back into the city centre where will be stopping at the Scandic Marski which is on the main street through Helsinki.

It certainly looks to be a fun week ahead and it will all start on Saturday.

I will keep you informed as things happen.