Day 111,2 - Thursday 22, Friday 23 - Helsinki to Fukuoka

 
Thursday 22 August.


We had done a reasonable job packing last night, so had time to go to the station and buy bus tickets without the bags.  Then we had morning tea at McD to get some happy toys.

We got the bus at about 12:15, which took us on a tour of the city and the new developments (business parks and residential) out further.

Finnair allow only 23kgs each person downstairs, and 8kg in hand luggage, and it was always going to be a problem.  So we did a weigh in, with bag A-11.2kg, B-19.4, C-21.6, D-5.8, E-7.4. Total weight for checked in luggage = 52.2 which was 6kg over.  I asked, and was quoted E95.

So we re-organised A-10.3, B-18.4, C-18.3 (check in now 47kg), carry on 15.5kg and we stuffed my handbag and carried our hoodies. All the same stuff, now legitimate, and  we saved the E95. 

We ate a sandwich and watched the planes come in, then walked for miles to the bussing off place, and were among the first in, and it looked pretty empty.  The plane gradually filled, and an announcement said they were waiting for a late flight to deliver more, so we ended up full and 35mins late. 

 Previously we had swum in the Red Sea, and this trip we paddled in the Black Sea (way back in week 3). I had  tried to fit in the White Sea, a trip from St Petersburg to Archangel, but it was just too hard, so here it is - maybe.  The dinner trolleys came at the wrong time, and I couldn't get to a window.

Friday 23 August

The guy next to me swapped seats, but even though I had extra space, I couldn't sleep until the last 15mins, so I missed the landing and docking.

and the Yellow Sea, which we just might get to on a trip to Japan via Korea.


Steve and Tomoki were late because of traffic, so we waited in the heat and humidity, and it was nice to get home.  Cars driving on the left, a house full of English speakers, and a very bouncy Taiki.  We had a big sleep after lunch.

Then I got up at 2:30 and worked until 4:30 finishing this.