The countdown is on...... less that a fortnight to go! I'm yet to let my 'peeps' know that I'm on my way. I guess if I'm going to blog, I'll need to use the appropriate lingo.

I can't lie, I have told two buddies.

Here I stand, checking that I have "things" prepared....

Passport out of date; check. Damn, I need to get my passport renewed and in less than two weeks and over the Easter break. Nothing like a mission. Mind you, I have a valid passport that can be used, so it's not a great drama if an updated passport isn't renewed prior to my departure.

Ticket and Insurance; check.

Accommodation; check. A hotel has been arranged for Helsinki, hope they do early check-ins, we arrive into Helsinki at 07:00 on a Saturday.

Travel companion; check. I won't be going alone! However, Oscar won't be coming. He'll have to stay in Australia. Oscar is an Indian Ringneck that's part of the family. Oscar is going to stay with a trusted friend.

So far, so good. All appears in good order.