Day 1: Flight 2 APR 13th 18.45 BRU-HEL

Flight 2: Finnair 18.45 AY818 BRU-HEL
Aircraft: Airbus 319
Class:  Business
Distance flown: 1020 miles
Tier points: 40

A couple of hours in the BRU lounge between flights, lounge was pleasant enough, lots of Leffe on tap. In fact probably the most distinctive thing about  Brussels airport as I walked through was the abundance on men sat drinking beer in fancy pint sized wine glasses. Very distinctive and all very civilised.

I was travelling in 1A up against the bulk head for the flight, the service was very good without being intrusive, business passengers were handed a menu upon take off which was simply informative, no choice just a heads up of what to expect (pictures below). The meal was pleasant enough, and tied me over until bed time.

While the cabin crew had exceptional English the captain sounded like Kimi Raikkonen (Formula 1 driver) which, for those who have not heard Kimi do an interview, is akin to someone you'd find at a bar at 10 to 2 on a Saturday night after 10 pints. Thankfully he had picked up piloting far better than English and the journey was very smooth. I also thought its very lucky to be born with English as your mother tongue, almost everywhere you go these days there is an English translation on hand.

Landed at around 23.00 local time, into a very cold Helsinki. A short wait for the 615 bus into the town centre, and then it became obvious that the bus was heavily over subscribed! The driver was a true champion and kept cramming people on with their luggage so much so that he struggled to get the doors shut.

The bus stopped right outside of the Hilton Strand where I was staying, quickly checked in and then straight to bed, my next flight is not until 17.15 so I have time for a little bit of sightseeing while I'm here.