And so we arrive in Sinko Sinko Sinko (or Helsinki for the normal people of the world)....well more accurately Amy arrived first, then I arrived afterwards. Although in an amazing feat of planning, I walked straight past her at the gate, got my bags and didn't realise she was waiting. To make matters worse, she could no longer get access to her baggage pick up as she had made it to my gate. So maybe after 20 mins or so we were reunited, more importantly she was reunited with her good friend Elle and Elle's fiancé Matias.

I couldn't ask for better hosts for my 3 days there (altho matias is no tour guide, which was obviously a huge disappointment on my entire european trip [in joke]). It wasn't too cold, 6 degrees or something which was easily fine. We got the bus into town and found our accommodation at The Apple, no reception, no staff (except cleaners when u leave), a complete self sustainable and remote accommodation. Perfect accommodation, one room, 2 single beds (plus two fold out beds), bathroom. Cheaper than a hostel between the 4 of us. Many beers, champagnes and scotches were had in this room over the two nights and plenty of laughs about friends, Finnish superstars (creepy singer guy), stories from Elle and Amy's past and plenty more.
"Man: the world is your toilet" - Elle
"The beginning of the end" - Elle attempting to speak about her excitement of marrying matias in 2 months time, perhaps the end bit should be taken out next time Elle.

After a Thai dinner on the first night, burgers for lunch both days (one of those with a beer at 3pm to celebrate Melbourne new years, and seeing status' of the arts centre burning, which is very alarming when u r on the other side of the world. It feels more iconic when u r an Aussie wearing the flag so to speak) so I didn't experience any Finnish cuisine, which by some of Matias' descriptions would have been interesting.

We did manage to visit a few bars, although the first night I was still dealing with getting back to the hostel 4.5 hours before needing to be at heathrow, not to mention flights being hungover is the worst experience in the world. Which explains all my waffling in the last blog as I attempted to put my thoughts into writing while on the plane.
Where was I? Hungover, yes. So I didn't make it out on the first night, instead having my second 12 hour sleep since my time in Europe. Oops.

Second night (new years eve) was the complete opposite, as it always deserves to be. Includes a few too many predrinks then heading to the Aussie Bar. That's right! I came all the way to Helsinki so I can visit an Australian and kiwi bar with an Irish singer on stage (who did the worlds first acoustic cover of sesame street). All was great, then at 11.20 I quickly headed to another club, which matias had suggested was good, so I ran down to check if there was a line. There was no line.

After paying 20€ to get in (via a detour to the accommodation to get my passport), I thought this must b good. A large venue. It all seemed good until it was a live gig of rockabilly music with plenty of Elvis hairstyles resembling skateparks! Well I guess it was an experience. Especially since the girls got lost the 2 blocks they needed to walk, somehow ended up in a cab that took them to the wrong place, Elle lost her phone and matias went to find them. So my new years was spent alone......but u know me. I couldn't spend it alone, so I bought a drink for some chick on her own next to me, shared new years together with the countdown, had a short chat then that was that :-) the new year had arrived.

Once we left Dom it had been snowing outside, which was a great present to receive from the gods, until Amy slipped twice in the snow, and in a feat of coordination matias went to pick up Elle and literally threw her over his shoulder and down on the ground. Oops, think u need more practice if ur pick her up on HER wedding day.

A great night had with some great people. I think the Finnish got a bit sick of our ability to laugh at the top of our lungs while tears streamed down our faces and Elle snorted her lungs out, all the disapproving looks we're a bit of a give away. Anyway, now off to Amsterdam to meet Marcus and Maurits and see what this town has to offer.