Euro trip

DAY ONE

I said goodbye to Kev at the international terminal of Sydney airport, I felt calm and ready to go.

I sat between Lorna (from England) and Tom from Canberra. Tom was about 18 or so and had been involved with AFS. Lorna had a couple of drinks and slept .Tom and I chatted then each watched their own video screen. Dinner was creamy pasta.I experienced some confusion in Bangkok airport when getting directions but somehow found my way to the boarding gate in plenty of time. I sat in an aisle seat near an uncommunicative man who slept heavily. Ate slightly spicy egg meal. At Helsinki we touched down so gently, like a feather landing, it was easy to find my way to boarding gate, short wait as we arrived 20 minutes late. My first glimpse of real snow which looked like sand under yellow lights!

Morning comes and Happy New Year!! I can see houses thickly covered in snow below and coloured lights. The moon was so bright in a clear sky.Landing I made my way to the Aalders hotel in a shuttle bus, met a couple from Liverpool onboard. I was warmly greeted by Rowen at reception,who was becoming ill with the flu! I left my bags and walked around Amsterdam till my room was ready. Lots of mess around from big New Years party!Had MacDonalds then stayed in my room to read and sleep.