The second night wasn't better than the first. Everything just hurt, we even did some sport exercises for our back in the hope that it will be better during the next night. At one of the stations we bought a kilo of tomatoes for Rub 20 (about EUR 0.80). We added salt, pepper, onions, garlic and oil and our salad was ready to eat. Delicious!
For our evening walk we went to the restaurant. We wanted to see something different to our cabin, drink something and meet other people. The restaurant was supposed to be near our wagon, just 2 or 3 wagons further. After the 7th, the door was closed. And where's the restaurant?? Or isn't there one? We went back to our cabin. Disappointed! Again: lay down and read.
Sunday, August 31, 2003
Saturday, August 30, 2003
Transsib
What a night! I (Ramona) woke up hundreds of times because of the train shaking and rattling and not to know how to lay down. I was so tired and everything just hurt. In addition to that, there was a boiling heat and I started to get a headache. I really felt sick. What a torture!
Nicole had already been to the toilet and came back a few minutes later. That was quick! "Not at all. I still haven't been." When I (Nicole) got out of our cabin, the red light had already been on. the sign that the toilet is occupied. I had waited for 10 minutes and eventually knocked at the door. But nothing happened. So I took my book and Ramona joined me. We waited in the aisle. Still nothing happened. And we were not the only ones waiting. Or do we approach a station now? I had read that the toilets are closed 15 minutes before and after a station at which the train stops. In fact, the train stopped. We first had a look at what was going on at the station. Here, they sold everything. Dry fish, tomatoes, cucumbers, fruits, grains, 5 minute terrines, even teddies and tinker stuff. Main nourishments, beer and bread, was also sold. But we didn't want to buy anything, we had to go to the loo. After another 20 minutes the train moved again and we pitched our camp again in the aisle. Then eventually the toilet had been reopened. Relief! Afterwards we faced a new challenge. The following happened to both of us because of lack of communication: After business we had to clean our hands. Soap dispenser? Pushing the button, soap comes out. Water tap, no water. Opening cold button, no water. Opening hot button. Still no water. ??? Maybe there's a light barrier? No. Maybe there's a hidden pedal? Or do we have to use the one for the toilet? No. What about pressing the knee against the wall under the sink? Again negative. The whole drama hadn't been eased by the train's joggling and shaking. We had always knocked our heads and shoulders as we couldn't shore up having our hands soaped. We played with the tab, pressed it back and forth. No success. We pressed it up and ... what was that? Water! But only if you press it up all the time. And how can we clean our hands if one always has to press the tap?
From the upper beds we couldn't see a lot of the landscape. Therefore, we spent the rest of the day with reading.
Nicole had already been to the toilet and came back a few minutes later. That was quick! "Not at all. I still haven't been." When I (Nicole) got out of our cabin, the red light had already been on. the sign that the toilet is occupied. I had waited for 10 minutes and eventually knocked at the door. But nothing happened. So I took my book and Ramona joined me. We waited in the aisle. Still nothing happened. And we were not the only ones waiting. Or do we approach a station now? I had read that the toilets are closed 15 minutes before and after a station at which the train stops. In fact, the train stopped. We first had a look at what was going on at the station. Here, they sold everything. Dry fish, tomatoes, cucumbers, fruits, grains, 5 minute terrines, even teddies and tinker stuff. Main nourishments, beer and bread, was also sold. But we didn't want to buy anything, we had to go to the loo. After another 20 minutes the train moved again and we pitched our camp again in the aisle. Then eventually the toilet had been reopened. Relief! Afterwards we faced a new challenge. The following happened to both of us because of lack of communication: After business we had to clean our hands. Soap dispenser? Pushing the button, soap comes out. Water tap, no water. Opening cold button, no water. Opening hot button. Still no water. ??? Maybe there's a light barrier? No. Maybe there's a hidden pedal? Or do we have to use the one for the toilet? No. What about pressing the knee against the wall under the sink? Again negative. The whole drama hadn't been eased by the train's joggling and shaking. We had always knocked our heads and shoulders as we couldn't shore up having our hands soaped. We played with the tab, pressed it back and forth. No success. We pressed it up and ... what was that? Water! But only if you press it up all the time. And how can we clean our hands if one always has to press the tap?
From the upper beds we couldn't see a lot of the landscape. Therefore, we spent the rest of the day with reading.
Friday, August 29, 2003
Moscow
8am. Get up, we'll soon be in Moscow. At the station we followed the crowd to get out of it. We wanted to lock our luggage at the Jaroslaw station where the Transsib starts. This station was supposed to be next to the one where we arrived. But where is it? Moscow has eight stations, four should be here but we could only see the one at which we arrived. A nice Russian man came to help us. We locked our luggage and went through town. In fact, we only went to the Kreml and its surroundings. Unfortunately, the Red Square was closed because of the world-wide terroristic attacks. But we could walk around it. In the 'Catherdral of Christ the savior' just next to the Kreml we followed a Russian wedding. It was clear that we would not like to get married like that. Everything was just so impersonal. After walking for hours we were so tired that we sat down exhaustedly at the station. We had jumped over the back of the chair on two seats and only learned then that this was only for VIPs. One had to show his/her ticket but not everybody was allowed to enter. Too late. We sat down already. Nicole wanted to have it comfortable and laid down on two seats. Then the security man appeared. No laying down, just sitting. Actually, Nicole should have known better. At the station in Malmoe we had the same situation. Nicole sat down, he left. Then she took off her shoes and put her feet on the seat. Already the security man reared up. "Put down your feet. Tickets please." Ooops! We're lucky though and were allowed to stay.
At 11pm we went to our train. Of course, to the last wagon again. We shared our cabin with two Russians, mother and daughter. As my backpack didn't fit in the luggage compartment, the Russian girl offered to me to put it underneath her pallet. Has she carefully thought about that offer? Or didn't she realize that she had to get up every time I needed something? The train started moving. Finally, our Transsibirian journey starts! After a couple of minutes the conductor came. She brought us some blankets and also wanted Rubels 41 for that. Hadn't Mrs. Knop arranged for that? A few minutes later, she took our tickets with her. When we got them back we noticed that the ticket from Taischet to Irkutsk was missing. Oh no! How should we explain her that? It didn't matter - we still have two days to sort this out.
At 11pm we went to our train. Of course, to the last wagon again. We shared our cabin with two Russians, mother and daughter. As my backpack didn't fit in the luggage compartment, the Russian girl offered to me to put it underneath her pallet. Has she carefully thought about that offer? Or didn't she realize that she had to get up every time I needed something? The train started moving. Finally, our Transsibirian journey starts! After a couple of minutes the conductor came. She brought us some blankets and also wanted Rubels 41 for that. Hadn't Mrs. Knop arranged for that? A few minutes later, she took our tickets with her. When we got them back we noticed that the ticket from Taischet to Irkutsk was missing. Oh no! How should we explain her that? It didn't matter - we still have two days to sort this out.
Thursday, August 28, 2003
St. Petersburg - Moscow
Today, we had the second sight-seeing part on our list: All sights we couldn't see yesterday. Of course, only the most important ones. But the only interesting sight was the Isaacs Cathedral. We could climb the tower and we had a lovely panoramic view of St. Petersburg. Unfortunately, we were only allowed to take three pictures as we hadn't paid for it. That's why you can only see eight or nine pictures on our site. :)
After having packed our backpacks we filled up our washing up liquid. Of course not without having asked beforehand. At the farewell, Vladimir was surprised by our heavy backpacks and asked whether he should call us a taxi. Silly Billy, do we look like we shit money? Why don't you drive us? But we didn't say anything and trudged away.
We had the longest way to our train cabin, directly behind the locomotive. To our surprise it was a sleeping wagon. We wouldn't have booked it, but Mrs. Knop ... :)
After having packed our backpacks we filled up our washing up liquid. Of course not without having asked beforehand. At the farewell, Vladimir was surprised by our heavy backpacks and asked whether he should call us a taxi. Silly Billy, do we look like we shit money? Why don't you drive us? But we didn't say anything and trudged away.
We had the longest way to our train cabin, directly behind the locomotive. To our surprise it was a sleeping wagon. We wouldn't have booked it, but Mrs. Knop ... :)
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
St. Petersburg
After a nice breakfast we left our new home at 11am to explore St. Petersburg. Brave as we were, we had left our Russian books there. By now of course, we could read Russian pretty well. We'll manage the rest. That's what we thought. Already at the metro station we learned our lesson. They all only knew Russian. And please - what's the translation for 'A ticket please'? Well, we had to use our body language. Somehow they did understand us. After 2,5 minutes on the moving stairs we faced our next problem: Which direction with the metro? By the time we found out, three trains had already passed us. Aren't we good readers?
We spent all day with sight-seeing. Although we don't like big cities, we enjoyed it a lot.
We spent all day with sight-seeing. Although we don't like big cities, we enjoyed it a lot.
Tuesday, August 26, 2003
Helsinki - St. Petersburg
Even on our last day together, Pascal had not prepared breakfast for us. But of course, he happily served himself as we had prepared it. That's just him! Pascal went to town and we spent hours packing our backpacks. It was more to pack than usually as we had received our parcels. We were just about to leave when we thought about a last souvenir for Pascal. But what? But Pascal, what was that? Big mistake! And you'll notice tonight. The first thing we discovered - we hadn't even opened his tent - were the laces of his walking boots. It was obvious what had to be done. Our eyes couldn't even follow how fast the laces were knotted. :))
Then we were off to the mbar where we met Pascal again. He took us to the train to say good-bye. We got on the train and there was this unpleasant smell. No clue what this was?! Mouldy, maybe old?! We took our seats and at 3.42pm we left Helsinki. We started our Russian lesson. Not an easy job though. A woman came to our cabin to serve us with apple juice, joghurt and two muffins. Funny - just like in a plane. At 6pm German time = 7pm Finnish time we reached the Russian border. It was 8pm. How time flies!
At 10.30pm we reached St. Petersburg. Viktor picked us up and took us to our guest family. The flat was in the backyard. Of course, on the upper floor, no elevator but therefore 96 steps. Ouch! A young girl called Alyona welcame us and showed us around. She and her grandma, who knows German perfectly, recommended us several things to do for tomorrow's sight-seeing tour. Lateron, Vladimir, the grandma's son and Alyona's father, joined us. It got 2am before we went to bed. What a feeling! After four weeks finally a real bed!
Pascal had sent a text message:"Wait till I get you home. Revenche is waiting for you." Nice to see that he liked our souvenir.
Then we were off to the mbar where we met Pascal again. He took us to the train to say good-bye. We got on the train and there was this unpleasant smell. No clue what this was?! Mouldy, maybe old?! We took our seats and at 3.42pm we left Helsinki. We started our Russian lesson. Not an easy job though. A woman came to our cabin to serve us with apple juice, joghurt and two muffins. Funny - just like in a plane. At 6pm German time = 7pm Finnish time we reached the Russian border. It was 8pm. How time flies!
At 10.30pm we reached St. Petersburg. Viktor picked us up and took us to our guest family. The flat was in the backyard. Of course, on the upper floor, no elevator but therefore 96 steps. Ouch! A young girl called Alyona welcame us and showed us around. She and her grandma, who knows German perfectly, recommended us several things to do for tomorrow's sight-seeing tour. Lateron, Vladimir, the grandma's son and Alyona's father, joined us. It got 2am before we went to bed. What a feeling! After four weeks finally a real bed!
Pascal had sent a text message:"Wait till I get you home. Revenche is waiting for you." Nice to see that he liked our souvenir.
Monday, August 25, 2003
Helsinki
Actually we thought that our breakfast would be ready as we got up at 9am, but ... men! How could we expect. Pascal had only thought of himself but as we had our breakfast ready he was happy to join us.
At 11am we went off to the town. We had a lot to do:
- buy the train ticket to St Petersburg (€47.90)
- get 1 and 2 Euro Cent coins for collecting (the Finish coins are not used for payment, only for collection. You pay at least 3,50 € for a set of 1,2,5 Cent.)
- get traveler checks cashed
- get the parcels from our families at the post office (thanks for keeping fingers crossed, it helped!)
- sent home our books which we gave already collected on the trip = 9 books (Parcel costed €23, not much cheaper than in Sweden)
- Supermarket
- final update at Internet Cafe (Shit, this time we had to pay the full price!)
For dinner we met up with Pascal and went to MC Donalds. Later we went to the movies to watch "Identity". Pretty good. Of course, it goes without saying that we spent our last evening in the TV Room.
At 11am we went off to the town. We had a lot to do:
- buy the train ticket to St Petersburg (€47.90)
- get 1 and 2 Euro Cent coins for collecting (the Finish coins are not used for payment, only for collection. You pay at least 3,50 € for a set of 1,2,5 Cent.)
- get traveler checks cashed
- get the parcels from our families at the post office (thanks for keeping fingers crossed, it helped!)
- sent home our books which we gave already collected on the trip = 9 books (Parcel costed €23, not much cheaper than in Sweden)
- Supermarket
- final update at Internet Cafe (Shit, this time we had to pay the full price!)
For dinner we met up with Pascal and went to MC Donalds. Later we went to the movies to watch "Identity". Pretty good. Of course, it goes without saying that we spent our last evening in the TV Room.
Helsinki
Actually we thought that our breakfast would be ready as we got up at 9am, but ... men! How could we expect. Pascal had only thought of himself but as we had our breakfast ready he was happy to join us.
At 11am we went off to the town. We had a lot to do:
- buy the train ticket to St Petersburg (€47.90)
- get 1 and 2 Euro Cent coins for collecting (the Finish coins are not used for payment, only for collection. You pay at least 3,50 € for a set of 1,2,5 Cent.)
- get traveler checks cashed
- get the parcels from our families at the post office (thanks for keeping fingers crossed, it helped!)
- sent home our books which we gave already collected on the trip = 9 books (Parcel costed €23, not much cheaper than in Sweden)
- Supermarket
- final update at Internet Cafe (Shit, this time we had to pay the full price!)
For dinner we met up with Pascal and went to MC Donalds. Later we went to the movies to watch "Identity". Pretty good. Of course, it goes without saying that we spent our last evening in the TV Room.
At 11am we went off to the town. We had a lot to do:
- buy the train ticket to St Petersburg (€47.90)
- get 1 and 2 Euro Cent coins for collecting (the Finish coins are not used for payment, only for collection. You pay at least 3,50 € for a set of 1,2,5 Cent.)
- get traveler checks cashed
- get the parcels from our families at the post office (thanks for keeping fingers crossed, it helped!)
- sent home our books which we gave already collected on the trip = 9 books (Parcel costed €23, not much cheaper than in Sweden)
- Supermarket
- final update at Internet Cafe (Shit, this time we had to pay the full price!)
For dinner we met up with Pascal and went to MC Donalds. Later we went to the movies to watch "Identity". Pretty good. Of course, it goes without saying that we spent our last evening in the TV Room.
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Helsinki
Even though today was Sunday, we had to get up early. Washing cloths was on the program. Already at 9am the first machine was running. We used the time to write the next report for the homepage. Did we actually learn?
Since it was raining all the time we spent the afternoon watching Formula 1 on TV.
Round 8pm it stopped raining for a while so we prepared our dinner. Macaroni al Pesto. We were just talking about Pascal, of who we still hadn't heard a thing although he was going to be in Helsinki tonight, and all over sudden there he was. What a surprise! We didn't think we would see him again so quickly. He was just in time for dinner. Just like in the good old times we were sitting together at "our" table. And of course, we spent the rest of the evening in the TV room.
Since it was raining all the time we spent the afternoon watching Formula 1 on TV.
Round 8pm it stopped raining for a while so we prepared our dinner. Macaroni al Pesto. We were just talking about Pascal, of who we still hadn't heard a thing although he was going to be in Helsinki tonight, and all over sudden there he was. What a surprise! We didn't think we would see him again so quickly. He was just in time for dinner. Just like in the good old times we were sitting together at "our" table. And of course, we spent the rest of the evening in the TV room.
Saturday, August 23, 2003
Helsinki
It was raining as we woke up. Why couldn't it have rained yesterday? Today, we wanted to go to town. Well, we started the day by learning our Russian Alphabet. Maybe meanwhile it would stop raining. But no, not even after we had our shower it didn't stop. So today we've had breakfast in our tent. No eggs, no tomatoes, not even hot chocolate nor tea.
In town we first went to the post office to check whether our parcels from our families had arrived. Ha, you thought we just wanted to use the free Internet again, didn't you? No, not today. Of course, the counter for picking up parcels was closed on Saturdays. Keep your fingers crossed that we'll have more luck on Monday and the parcels will be there.
Then we went to the M-Bar. Again we needed over 7 hours for the reports for the homepage and other stuff. As we both wanted to write our last email for the day, suddenly there was a loud bang and everything turned dark. The power was gone. It seemed to be the whole building block. So we paid. And as usual they didn't want to have our money. Of course, we were cheating a little, but after explaining that girl several times that we needed to pay for 3-4 hours each she still only charged us for 3,5 hours all together. Tough luck, we didn't complain any longer.
We went to the cinema. This time to watch a movie and not only to have popcorn. But here everything was dark, too. Was all of Helsinki out off power??? We gave it a chance and waited for about 10 minutes and we got lucky. The power came back on. But after the announcement of the staff we didn't feel that lucky anymore. All movies had been cancelled until 10.45pm. Great, that's too late for us as there are no trains to the campsite after 11.30pm. Well, maybe at least have some popcorn then. Negative, they had closed.
So what to do with the rest of the evening? There was a free live concert in town but there was no getting through. Finally, we went to a restaurant. A really cool place. It looked like a German brewery and had a bar and disco all in one.
Back at the campsite we went for a little evening walk to the river. Unfortunately, it ended pretty fast. The whole river area was locked with a fence. So there was nothing left to do but go to sleep.
In town we first went to the post office to check whether our parcels from our families had arrived. Ha, you thought we just wanted to use the free Internet again, didn't you? No, not today. Of course, the counter for picking up parcels was closed on Saturdays. Keep your fingers crossed that we'll have more luck on Monday and the parcels will be there.
Then we went to the M-Bar. Again we needed over 7 hours for the reports for the homepage and other stuff. As we both wanted to write our last email for the day, suddenly there was a loud bang and everything turned dark. The power was gone. It seemed to be the whole building block. So we paid. And as usual they didn't want to have our money. Of course, we were cheating a little, but after explaining that girl several times that we needed to pay for 3-4 hours each she still only charged us for 3,5 hours all together. Tough luck, we didn't complain any longer.
We went to the cinema. This time to watch a movie and not only to have popcorn. But here everything was dark, too. Was all of Helsinki out off power??? We gave it a chance and waited for about 10 minutes and we got lucky. The power came back on. But after the announcement of the staff we didn't feel that lucky anymore. All movies had been cancelled until 10.45pm. Great, that's too late for us as there are no trains to the campsite after 11.30pm. Well, maybe at least have some popcorn then. Negative, they had closed.
So what to do with the rest of the evening? There was a free live concert in town but there was no getting through. Finally, we went to a restaurant. A really cool place. It looked like a German brewery and had a bar and disco all in one.
Back at the campsite we went for a little evening walk to the river. Unfortunately, it ended pretty fast. The whole river area was locked with a fence. So there was nothing left to do but go to sleep.
Friday, August 22, 2003
Helsinki
There is not much to say about today. We spent it in the TV room, writing the reports for our website which we hadn't done for 9 days. What a nightmare! Already last time when we had to write so much we said we would keep it up day by day. But laziness needs punishment. :-) Of course, no rain today!
By the way, relating to our criminal career we maybe should mention that we equipped ourselves with toilet paper for our transsib trip. How?! Well, we just took it out of the box in the TV room. :-)
By the way, relating to our criminal career we maybe should mention that we equipped ourselves with toilet paper for our transsib trip. How?! Well, we just took it out of the box in the TV room. :-)
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Helsinki
Today, we met Anna-Leena at 12.30pm at the station in Helsinki. We spent the whole day with her. We walked trough the town and passed the market at the harbor. Here, you can buy food and drinks, cloths, souvenirs and jewelry. But sometimes you don't even have to pay for it. We have no clue how we all over sudden had two new earrings... Some time during the afternoon we went to the RTT travel agency to pick up our visas. Everything had worked out fine. Now we were all set for our Russian trip. It was a really interesting day. Anna-Leena told us a lot about the Finish life.
After we had said good-bye to Anna-Leena we went to the cinema only to get some popcorn. Originally, we didn't want to watch a film, but as it started to rain ... 'Basic' with John Travolta, pretty good!
After we had said good-bye to Anna-Leena we went to the cinema only to get some popcorn. Originally, we didn't want to watch a film, but as it started to rain ... 'Basic' with John Travolta, pretty good!
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
Turku - Helsinki
What a night! I (Nicole) was just about to fall asleep as I heard a strange sound. It was not the rain falling on our tent. Might this have been the animal Ramona had heard the night before? I listened and looked outside a few times but I couldn't see anything. But there had to be! I could hear something rattling at the plastic bags. Then at my backpack. I turned on the lights again and finally I saw it. A mouse! I tried everything to scare it away, but it kept coming back all the time. It really got on my nerves! And Ramona was sleeping like a baby. At some point I didn't care anymore. I just wanted to sleep. I couldn't have won anyway.
We took everything slow and had breakfast as the French people already had their lunch. At 2pm we were ready to check out. Again we only had to pay for 2 nights instead of 3. Can someone maybe explain this to us?
The train to Helsinki left at 3pm. We were just on time. In Helsinki, we went to a book store and bought the book "Teach yourself Russian". We thought the transsib trip was a good opportunity to learn another language. In addition, it's going to help us a lot to read the signs in Russia.
On the way to the campsite we stopped at the petrol station to refill the bottle for our cooker. We kept our backpacks on. Because I (Ramona) had had some bad experiences with petrol coming out of the hose before I could even tuck it in the bottle, I wanted to warn Nicole. But as if she hadn't listened she knelt down further and further. I asked her again: "Didn't you hear ...", before I realized that it was her backpack pulling her down and she suddenly lay in front of me like a turtle on its shell four legs in the air. We burst out with laughter!
We checked in at the campsite, collected our stored luggage and set up the tent near our former place close to "our" table. Then as usual, off we went to the TV room. Nicole started learning Russian and I was trying to finish off reading my last book. Nicole politely wanted to fill our caps with lemonade but the bottle slipped off her hand. She was lucky, not a lot had spilled out. But after she grabbed it and put it upright she slammed it so hard on the table that lemonade spread out like a fountain. The table was soaked with lemonade. What a mess!
We took everything slow and had breakfast as the French people already had their lunch. At 2pm we were ready to check out. Again we only had to pay for 2 nights instead of 3. Can someone maybe explain this to us?
The train to Helsinki left at 3pm. We were just on time. In Helsinki, we went to a book store and bought the book "Teach yourself Russian". We thought the transsib trip was a good opportunity to learn another language. In addition, it's going to help us a lot to read the signs in Russia.
On the way to the campsite we stopped at the petrol station to refill the bottle for our cooker. We kept our backpacks on. Because I (Ramona) had had some bad experiences with petrol coming out of the hose before I could even tuck it in the bottle, I wanted to warn Nicole. But as if she hadn't listened she knelt down further and further. I asked her again: "Didn't you hear ...", before I realized that it was her backpack pulling her down and she suddenly lay in front of me like a turtle on its shell four legs in the air. We burst out with laughter!
We checked in at the campsite, collected our stored luggage and set up the tent near our former place close to "our" table. Then as usual, off we went to the TV room. Nicole started learning Russian and I was trying to finish off reading my last book. Nicole politely wanted to fill our caps with lemonade but the bottle slipped off her hand. She was lucky, not a lot had spilled out. But after she grabbed it and put it upright she slammed it so hard on the table that lemonade spread out like a fountain. The table was soaked with lemonade. What a mess!
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
Turku
Pascal wanted to leave us today to get on with his travel plans for Kusamoo. After breakfast he started to pack and we enjoyed the sun while reading. As he went to wash the dishes he dared to only take his stuff. He had to be punished for that. Quickly we tied his shoe laces together. Both pairs. Then he showed us how to change the nozzle of our cooker. We almost got bad conscious. But no, he deserved it. He continued packing and all over sudden he screamed. He had just discovered his laced hiking boots. Not even looking at the second pair he started untying them. It was so funny to watch him as his underlip moved forward more and more. We were already looking forward to the next pair. It took quite a while before he noticed the second pair of shoes. "I knew it!" he screamed "I knew it the whole time!". While Pascal went to the beach we untied his shoes. It was 17.30pm when he left us.
Today we wanted to cook fried potatoes which we tried to cook with the spirit we had received from a camp neighbour this morning. But the cooker didn't work, not even after we took it apart to clean everything. And as if that wasn't enough it started to rain. After a while we had enough and took everything to the camp kitchen. As it didn't stop raining we spent the rest of the evening there.
Today we wanted to cook fried potatoes which we tried to cook with the spirit we had received from a camp neighbour this morning. But the cooker didn't work, not even after we took it apart to clean everything. And as if that wasn't enough it started to rain. After a while we had enough and took everything to the camp kitchen. As it didn't stop raining we spent the rest of the evening there.
Monday, August 18, 2003
Turku - Naantali - Turku
8.20am, we couldn't believe it. Is there no quiet place at all? The Turkish people probably believed they were alone at the campsite. As if there wasn't enough space they had to set up their tents right next to ours yesterday. Nothing had changed after 10 minutes, so Nicole asked them politely to at least turn down the music. To our surprise they turned it off completely but only to replace the noise with their loud talking. After 15 minutes still the same game. Nicole lost her patience and shouted "Haal de Back!" (something like 'shut the fuck up') Silence, but only for a moment. Then the man said "But we have the right to speak." so I shot back "Yes, but not to shout!" We looked at each other and laughed. Of course, they still didn't stop.
After breakfast we went sightseeing in Turku and further to Naantali, another town with a wooden house area. Much more charming than Porvoo. A wonderful harbor, swimming bays and crossing a pier you get to another tiny island where children can visit Moominworld.
It was already late as we took the bus back to the campsite but as if we didn't walk enough already the last station at this time of day was the Hotel 700m before the campsite. Sure that wasn't really far but we were tired and hungry.
After a giant portion of Spaghetti Nicole and Pascal played "Two old Ladies at the hairdressers". Why, because of all the mosquitoes they put on their mosquito net caps which looked like hairdryers at the hairdressers. We laughed our heads off.
After breakfast we went sightseeing in Turku and further to Naantali, another town with a wooden house area. Much more charming than Porvoo. A wonderful harbor, swimming bays and crossing a pier you get to another tiny island where children can visit Moominworld.
It was already late as we took the bus back to the campsite but as if we didn't walk enough already the last station at this time of day was the Hotel 700m before the campsite. Sure that wasn't really far but we were tired and hungry.
After a giant portion of Spaghetti Nicole and Pascal played "Two old Ladies at the hairdressers". Why, because of all the mosquitoes they put on their mosquito net caps which looked like hairdryers at the hairdressers. We laughed our heads off.
Sunday, August 17, 2003
Helsinki - Turku
Today, we took down our tent and went to Turku for a few days which is the oldest town in Finland. We packed the tent, sleeping bag, Inflater, cooking stuff, towel and toothbrush and left the rest at the campsite reception where we got a good deal for the storage after a short discussion.
The train to Turku left at 14.03pm. Two hours later we were there. The campsite is based on a small island about 20 minutes bus ride outside town. It was a quiet place with not many people. And a beach was there as well. After putting up our tents we went for a little walk round the island.
Later we relaxed with a cup of tea. It felt really good not to have to watch TV for once.
The train to Turku left at 14.03pm. Two hours later we were there. The campsite is based on a small island about 20 minutes bus ride outside town. It was a quiet place with not many people. And a beach was there as well. After putting up our tents we went for a little walk round the island.
Later we relaxed with a cup of tea. It felt really good not to have to watch TV for once.
Saturday, August 16, 2003
Helsinki
During breakfast Pascal asked us if we wouldn't like to come to Kusamoo to hike for a few days. We would have liked to but as we arranged to meet up with Anna-Leena on the 21st, it wasn't worth going all that way. We'd rather go to closer places like Porvoo and Turku. Pascal was fine with that. As Porvoo is good for a half day trip the decision was quickly made for today.
After an hour bus ride we reached Provoo, full of expectations. In our travel book we had read that this town had a harbor area with wooden houses which reminded of Sweden. The Dutch couple from yesterday also said that Porvoo was worth a trip. But as we were walking through the wooden house alley we were very disappointed. For us it looked like the houses were especially put there for tourists.
Tonight we were the cooks. Therefore, we chose fish-fingers and mashed potatoes. After doing the dishes we went to the TV room for a change. :-)
After an hour bus ride we reached Provoo, full of expectations. In our travel book we had read that this town had a harbor area with wooden houses which reminded of Sweden. The Dutch couple from yesterday also said that Porvoo was worth a trip. But as we were walking through the wooden house alley we were very disappointed. For us it looked like the houses were especially put there for tourists.
Tonight we were the cooks. Therefore, we chose fish-fingers and mashed potatoes. After doing the dishes we went to the TV room for a change. :-)
Friday, August 15, 2003
Helsinki
As I (Nicole) got up at 9am that Dutch couple from yesterday sat on "our" table again. I joined them and we got into a conversation, as suddenly my eyes fell upon a tiny egg whip. I was thrilled, we were looking for one exactly like that for days. Only yesterday I had asked my mum to send us one by post as it seemed impossible to buy it here. I was smelling my chance and asked him where he bought it. The Dutch guy just smiled, handed it to me and said I could keep it. Seems there are still some nice Dutch people out there. :-)
After having had breakfast with Pascal he fixed my sandals sewing the lace which had come apart. You remember that I had only bought them in Norköpping. Afterwards, Pascal went shopping as he wanted to cook dinner for us. We instead went into town to see a skater event. It was a skateboard, inliner and bicycler competition at the harbor, the age didn't play a role. Just before the second run it bursted down with rain. It seemed like the end of the world. In only a few minutes we were standing in water several cm high. However, we were the only ones who were prepared with proper rain cloths. The competition got stopped and ended so we went back to the campsite.
Pascal had cooked already. Potatoes and Fish. Will I be able to eat that? I tried and to my surprise it wasn't all that bad.
Guess where we spent the rest of the evening! Right, in the TV room.
After having had breakfast with Pascal he fixed my sandals sewing the lace which had come apart. You remember that I had only bought them in Norköpping. Afterwards, Pascal went shopping as he wanted to cook dinner for us. We instead went into town to see a skater event. It was a skateboard, inliner and bicycler competition at the harbor, the age didn't play a role. Just before the second run it bursted down with rain. It seemed like the end of the world. In only a few minutes we were standing in water several cm high. However, we were the only ones who were prepared with proper rain cloths. The competition got stopped and ended so we went back to the campsite.
Pascal had cooked already. Potatoes and Fish. Will I be able to eat that? I tried and to my surprise it wasn't all that bad.
Guess where we spent the rest of the evening! Right, in the TV room.
Thursday, August 14, 2003
Helsinki
We struggled a bit to get up and running this morning. No wonder with that weather. It was raining cats and dogs. Even after a long hot shower, the sun still didn't seem to want to come out. So we went to the TV room.
Later in the afternoon we met up in town with Pascal. It was a lazy day. We were so lazy that we couldn't even bother to cook dinner and went to MC Donalds instead.
This exiting day ended in the TV room with yesterdays bottle of red wine and cheese.
Later in the afternoon we met up in town with Pascal. It was a lazy day. We were so lazy that we couldn't even bother to cook dinner and went to MC Donalds instead.
This exiting day ended in the TV room with yesterdays bottle of red wine and cheese.
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Helsinki
After having had a shower on this special day, Ramona surprised me with a birthday song. Just like in the 'Yes Torty' advertisement Ramona gave me a biscuit with a candle on top. How nice, but wasn't the biscuit already 4 weeks old?! Then she surprised me again. Secretly the last couple of days she had arranged a present from Andrea and Günni to give to me. As it was my special day Ramona said I could decide what I wanted to do today.
So at first we had a nice long breakfast. Like every day and tonight we'll go to the movies. It didn't take long and Pascal came over. He wanted to pick up the key to his flat from a friend and asked us if we wanted to come to the city with him. Sure, as we had to arrange our visa and visit the other weirdo again, to tell him 'no thanks'. But first we went to the post again to check our emails. Did Mrs Knop write again? She did and had made the perfect travel plan for us. We confirmed directly. Too bad, now weirdo had lost already and couldn't even show us how brilliant he was. We paid €1,041 for the 3 weeks trip with the Transsibirian Rail. Who still thinks this is expensive, wait and see what Mrs Knop arranged for us. And guess what! You can read all about it in our diary. Also I was very surprised how many people thought of me and sent me a mail for my birthday. What a good feeling to know that you haven't forgotten about me yet.
We arranged to meet Pascal later on in the harbor and went to the weirdo. He did fulfill his task but pretty careless. He proved to us that we had taken the right choice to book with Mrs Knop. Being in a very good mood we went to the RTT agency to arrange our Visas. Here, they didn't need any travel booking arrangement to provide the Visa like at the Embassy. What they did need though was a certificate of an International health insurance. We did have this paper but only on email and not printed. No problem, Ramona could use the computer to log into her emails and print off the certificate, of course in double copy. She used the opportunity well and also printed off the travel schedule from Mrs Knop and another private email. I didn't sleep either. While nobody was watching I quickly grabbed 2 pens and put them in my bag. Does a criminal career start like this?
We met up with Pascal at the harbor, bought 2 liters of cherries, went into the park and enjoyed the sun. Pascal was not as lucky as we were, he didn't get the key to his flat, which meant staying another night at the campsite. This should be the beginning of a funny week. Although Pascal and later Ramona had bad stomach aches from eating too many cherries, we bought a bottle of red wine and went to the movies. We watched 'Phonebooth' and had a giant bag of popcorn each. Back at the campsite we were too tired to drink the red wine, the only thing we could still manage was to watch TV.
So at first we had a nice long breakfast. Like every day and tonight we'll go to the movies. It didn't take long and Pascal came over. He wanted to pick up the key to his flat from a friend and asked us if we wanted to come to the city with him. Sure, as we had to arrange our visa and visit the other weirdo again, to tell him 'no thanks'. But first we went to the post again to check our emails. Did Mrs Knop write again? She did and had made the perfect travel plan for us. We confirmed directly. Too bad, now weirdo had lost already and couldn't even show us how brilliant he was. We paid €1,041 for the 3 weeks trip with the Transsibirian Rail. Who still thinks this is expensive, wait and see what Mrs Knop arranged for us. And guess what! You can read all about it in our diary. Also I was very surprised how many people thought of me and sent me a mail for my birthday. What a good feeling to know that you haven't forgotten about me yet.
We arranged to meet Pascal later on in the harbor and went to the weirdo. He did fulfill his task but pretty careless. He proved to us that we had taken the right choice to book with Mrs Knop. Being in a very good mood we went to the RTT agency to arrange our Visas. Here, they didn't need any travel booking arrangement to provide the Visa like at the Embassy. What they did need though was a certificate of an International health insurance. We did have this paper but only on email and not printed. No problem, Ramona could use the computer to log into her emails and print off the certificate, of course in double copy. She used the opportunity well and also printed off the travel schedule from Mrs Knop and another private email. I didn't sleep either. While nobody was watching I quickly grabbed 2 pens and put them in my bag. Does a criminal career start like this?
We met up with Pascal at the harbor, bought 2 liters of cherries, went into the park and enjoyed the sun. Pascal was not as lucky as we were, he didn't get the key to his flat, which meant staying another night at the campsite. This should be the beginning of a funny week. Although Pascal and later Ramona had bad stomach aches from eating too many cherries, we bought a bottle of red wine and went to the movies. We watched 'Phonebooth' and had a giant bag of popcorn each. Back at the campsite we were too tired to drink the red wine, the only thing we could still manage was to watch TV.
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
Helsinki
It was just before 11am when we arrived at the Russian Embassy. Masses of people were crowded in front of the gate. Probably about 10 people. But we were lucky. People who needed Visas could come in directly. We filled in our application form only to be told after that we had to go to a travel agency first to book our trip in Russia and then come back. The Visa would cost €37 and would be ready in 6 days. The woman at the counter showed us a board on the wall were 5 travel agencies were stated who could help us with the bookings.
We wrote them all down and went to the first one. But this was only the Headquarters who couldn't do any bookings and they sent us to the next one. As we were near the post office, we decided to have a look at our emails first. Maybe Mrs Knop had replied. We've been in contact with her since a few days to organize our transsib trip from a to z. But also her 2nd offer was still too expensive for us although we were thrilled by the program. One last time we asked her to adjust the offer according to our price limit. To compare prices with the finish travel agency, we went to have a look at the 2nd one on the Embassies list. The bunny in this agency was totally lost. She had no idea what we were talking about. So off we went to the next travel agency, RTT. But also here they couldn't help us. Although they offered us to organize our Visa for €62 in 6 days. In addition, we received an address of another agency which was specialized on transsib trips. That sounds great, let's go. We arrived at a closed door. How come? Open hours from 10am - 15.30pm, lunch 13.30pm - 14.30pm. Someone should be back in half an hour. We sat on the doorstep waiting. 14.40pm, we were just about to leave as a man came and asked us if we were waiting for the door to open. What kind of question was that? Didn't it look obvious?! The guy opened the door and we stepped in. We explained to him our plans and were hoping that he could offer us something. He couldn't. This guy was so weired! He couldn't explain anything to us nor convince us to book with him. But just like Ralf in Gjesvaer that weirdo should be given a second chance. His task was to deliver us an offer for the transsib tour until tomorrow afternoon. As we left his office we knew already that we would not book anything with him.
This evening we explored the TV Room at the campsite. There were not only two German channels: MTV and 3Sat, no, there were also a lot of sockets. Of course, we used them straight away. We started watching TV and soon Nicole fell asleep. A man cam in and asked whether he could change channels and I said sure. He chose a film in a language I didn't know. He didn't even stay 5 minutes before he left. Great! What did he change channels for then? I couldn't bother to move and nearly fell asleep as well, as another guy entered the room. He sat down next to me. After quite a while he asked me what the film was about. No idea I said. I don't understand a word. He got up and switched to another program and only then we found out that we were both from Germany. His name was Pascal and he was from Wittlich. How small is the world!
We wrote them all down and went to the first one. But this was only the Headquarters who couldn't do any bookings and they sent us to the next one. As we were near the post office, we decided to have a look at our emails first. Maybe Mrs Knop had replied. We've been in contact with her since a few days to organize our transsib trip from a to z. But also her 2nd offer was still too expensive for us although we were thrilled by the program. One last time we asked her to adjust the offer according to our price limit. To compare prices with the finish travel agency, we went to have a look at the 2nd one on the Embassies list. The bunny in this agency was totally lost. She had no idea what we were talking about. So off we went to the next travel agency, RTT. But also here they couldn't help us. Although they offered us to organize our Visa for €62 in 6 days. In addition, we received an address of another agency which was specialized on transsib trips. That sounds great, let's go. We arrived at a closed door. How come? Open hours from 10am - 15.30pm, lunch 13.30pm - 14.30pm. Someone should be back in half an hour. We sat on the doorstep waiting. 14.40pm, we were just about to leave as a man came and asked us if we were waiting for the door to open. What kind of question was that? Didn't it look obvious?! The guy opened the door and we stepped in. We explained to him our plans and were hoping that he could offer us something. He couldn't. This guy was so weired! He couldn't explain anything to us nor convince us to book with him. But just like Ralf in Gjesvaer that weirdo should be given a second chance. His task was to deliver us an offer for the transsib tour until tomorrow afternoon. As we left his office we knew already that we would not book anything with him.
This evening we explored the TV Room at the campsite. There were not only two German channels: MTV and 3Sat, no, there were also a lot of sockets. Of course, we used them straight away. We started watching TV and soon Nicole fell asleep. A man cam in and asked whether he could change channels and I said sure. He chose a film in a language I didn't know. He didn't even stay 5 minutes before he left. Great! What did he change channels for then? I couldn't bother to move and nearly fell asleep as well, as another guy entered the room. He sat down next to me. After quite a while he asked me what the film was about. No idea I said. I don't understand a word. He got up and switched to another program and only then we found out that we were both from Germany. His name was Pascal and he was from Wittlich. How small is the world!
Monday, August 11, 2003
Helsinki
Today was a special day. We had to go to the Embassy. Therefore we should better have a shower and brush our teeth.
We awoke at 9am. Damn it, too late! Between 9am and 9.30am the showers got cleaned. So we had to stay in bed. But at 9.45am we could go. I (Ramona) needed a little longer today, so meanwhile Nicole prepared the breakfast. We had just finished eating as 2 squirrels came to visit us. Unfortunately, Nicole had gone to the toilet. The squirrels were playing in the trees nearby and I was so fascinated by them not being shy at all. I quickly took some pictures which came out pretty well. As Nicole came back I showed them to her excitedly. But she just said: "So what, I thought you would have cleaned up the table." When we finally left the campsite shortly after 11am it was clear that again we wouldn't make it on time to the Embassy. Remember, they close at 12pm. Maybe we'll manage tomorrow. And then we won't need to shower.
We went to the Internet Cafe and as always we spent hours on checking emails and updating our website. Afterwards we strolled through the Bonzenviertel of Helsinki. When we passed by a stage where a band played live music, we stopped to listen. It was a young finish band called Pihka. Not bad. We found out that during the summer there are bands playing every day in the afternoon. When the music stopped we went to have a little drink in a cafe. Well, mostly we don't go to the pubs because of the drinks, but to recharge our mobiles and cameras.
As we got back to our campsite round 10pm we got hit by a truck. What happened here? Our rubbish bag seemed to have exploded. Our garbage was laying around everywhere! Although we had closed the bag with knots and put it under our tent. Might that have been our finish neighbors who we didn't think were worth mentioning before? It surely hadn't been an animal as the bag got unknotted and not ripped apart. Will we ever find out?
We awoke at 9am. Damn it, too late! Between 9am and 9.30am the showers got cleaned. So we had to stay in bed. But at 9.45am we could go. I (Ramona) needed a little longer today, so meanwhile Nicole prepared the breakfast. We had just finished eating as 2 squirrels came to visit us. Unfortunately, Nicole had gone to the toilet. The squirrels were playing in the trees nearby and I was so fascinated by them not being shy at all. I quickly took some pictures which came out pretty well. As Nicole came back I showed them to her excitedly. But she just said: "So what, I thought you would have cleaned up the table." When we finally left the campsite shortly after 11am it was clear that again we wouldn't make it on time to the Embassy. Remember, they close at 12pm. Maybe we'll manage tomorrow. And then we won't need to shower.
We went to the Internet Cafe and as always we spent hours on checking emails and updating our website. Afterwards we strolled through the Bonzenviertel of Helsinki. When we passed by a stage where a band played live music, we stopped to listen. It was a young finish band called Pihka. Not bad. We found out that during the summer there are bands playing every day in the afternoon. When the music stopped we went to have a little drink in a cafe. Well, mostly we don't go to the pubs because of the drinks, but to recharge our mobiles and cameras.
As we got back to our campsite round 10pm we got hit by a truck. What happened here? Our rubbish bag seemed to have exploded. Our garbage was laying around everywhere! Although we had closed the bag with knots and put it under our tent. Might that have been our finish neighbors who we didn't think were worth mentioning before? It surely hadn't been an animal as the bag got unknotted and not ripped apart. Will we ever find out?
Sunday, August 10, 2003
Helsinki
Maybe we should have had some tea last night. That way, while running to the toilet, we might have noticed that we were slowly drowning in puddles. But we only saw the mess in the morning. Inflater wet, sleeping bag wet, clothes and backpack. Nearly everything. But were did the water come from? The rain was floating between the plastic sheet underneath the tent and the tent bottom and squeezed itself through the tent floor.
So we both got up quite pissed, took off the top tent and put everything to dry, including our cloths. Originally, we wanted to go sightseeing, but after all this we were no longer in the mood. We spent another day reading.
For dinner we cooked our first vegetable soup. The best we ever had! For recipes ... 'grin'
So we both got up quite pissed, took off the top tent and put everything to dry, including our cloths. Originally, we wanted to go sightseeing, but after all this we were no longer in the mood. We spent another day reading.
For dinner we cooked our first vegetable soup. The best we ever had! For recipes ... 'grin'
Helsinki
Maybe we should have had some tea last night. That way, while running to the toilet, we might have noticed that we were slowly drowning in puddles. But we only saw the mess in the morning. Inflater wet, sleeping bag wet, clothes and backpack. Nearly everything. But were did the water come from? The rain was floating between the plastic sheet underneath the tent and the tent bottom and squeezed itself through the tent floor.
So we both got up quite pissed, took off the top tent and put everything to dry, including our cloths. Originally, we wanted to go sightseeing, but after all this we were no longer in the mood. We spent another day reading.
For dinner we cooked our first vegetable soup. The best we ever had! For recipes ... 'grin'
So we both got up quite pissed, took off the top tent and put everything to dry, including our cloths. Originally, we wanted to go sightseeing, but after all this we were no longer in the mood. We spent another day reading.
For dinner we cooked our first vegetable soup. The best we ever had! For recipes ... 'grin'
Saturday, August 09, 2003
Helsinki
For those who don't know it yet, just for info: it's no good to drink nearly half a liter tea just before you go to bed. Because then you can be sure to run to the toilet several times at night. Just talking of experience.
After a late breakfast we went to do our washing. Because there was just one washing machine, we had to register at the reception first. For €4.50 we got a token for the machine.
The afternoon we spent at the campsite reading. Just like in Gjesvaer the weather was teasing us again. Cloths on, cloths off, all the time. Just before the shops closed we went to buy our dinner. Spinach with potatoes and eggs. Mmh, it tasted good. But maybe we should mention that there was not a lot of spinach taste but milk and flour.
In the evening it started to rain and we had to sit in the tent. Bad timing, as we could have seen the Mars tonight.
After a late breakfast we went to do our washing. Because there was just one washing machine, we had to register at the reception first. For €4.50 we got a token for the machine.
The afternoon we spent at the campsite reading. Just like in Gjesvaer the weather was teasing us again. Cloths on, cloths off, all the time. Just before the shops closed we went to buy our dinner. Spinach with potatoes and eggs. Mmh, it tasted good. But maybe we should mention that there was not a lot of spinach taste but milk and flour.
In the evening it started to rain and we had to sit in the tent. Bad timing, as we could have seen the Mars tonight.
Friday, August 08, 2003
Helsinki
We had to wake up early in order to go to the embassy. First alarm clock set off at 7.50am, second at 8am and the third at 8.10am. Needless to say that we were not really in the mood to get up. We had no choice. After the shower we had breakfast. The delicious, well kept left over bread from the Reindeer soup. Remember, 3 days ago!
Afterwards we went on our way to the German embassy. But why to the German embassy? We wanted a Russian visa. But this we only noticed when the lady at the German embassy told us so. All the way for nothing. The Russian embassy is in the center, which means we could have applied for our visa already yesterday. Now, it was too late, they close at 12pm. Aren't we heroes!
In order to enjoy the sun we went to a park. After 10 minutes sitting there it poured down with rain. We hurried to the next cafe.
On our way home we stopped at a supermarket to get some food and drinks for the next days, as we now, after being so stupid this morning, had to stay longer than planned.
Afterwards we went on our way to the German embassy. But why to the German embassy? We wanted a Russian visa. But this we only noticed when the lady at the German embassy told us so. All the way for nothing. The Russian embassy is in the center, which means we could have applied for our visa already yesterday. Now, it was too late, they close at 12pm. Aren't we heroes!
In order to enjoy the sun we went to a park. After 10 minutes sitting there it poured down with rain. We hurried to the next cafe.
On our way home we stopped at a supermarket to get some food and drinks for the next days, as we now, after being so stupid this morning, had to stay longer than planned.
Thursday, August 07, 2003
Rovaniemi - Helsinki
Annoyed and still being tired we arrived in Helsinki at 8.45am. At the tourist office we got some information about a campsite, embassies for Russian visa and internet cafes. As the embassy was far out of the center and closed at 12pm we went to the internet cafe straight away. We nearly spent the whole day there, from 10am - 5pm, and when we wanted to pay the waiters couldn't remember when we started. So they only charged us for 3 hours. And on top of that we got the drinks free because we had been there for so long. :)
Our lucky strike carried on. We were checking at the city library whether we could download our pictures from the digicam and they told us about the foto shop down the road. And it was true. They had facilities to download directly from the memory cards. Even better, we didn't have to install the software. The guy from the shop burned the photos on a CD and to make us even more happy, he let us stay to rename the pictures and burned a second CD. Finally, we can send the pictures to our webmaster Tom.
Now, we had time to take care of our breakfast. We hadn't thought about that the whole day and were now starving. We went to an Italian place and had Tomate Caprese and Spaghetti. It seemed we landed in an upper class restaurant because the salat was more for the eye than for the stomach.
Round 9.30pm we took the metro to the campsite and set up our tent. At 11pm it was dark outside and we were sad, as we got so used to the "daylight" nights.
Our lucky strike carried on. We were checking at the city library whether we could download our pictures from the digicam and they told us about the foto shop down the road. And it was true. They had facilities to download directly from the memory cards. Even better, we didn't have to install the software. The guy from the shop burned the photos on a CD and to make us even more happy, he let us stay to rename the pictures and burned a second CD. Finally, we can send the pictures to our webmaster Tom.
Now, we had time to take care of our breakfast. We hadn't thought about that the whole day and were now starving. We went to an Italian place and had Tomate Caprese and Spaghetti. It seemed we landed in an upper class restaurant because the salat was more for the eye than for the stomach.
Round 9.30pm we took the metro to the campsite and set up our tent. At 11pm it was dark outside and we were sad, as we got so used to the "daylight" nights.
Wednesday, August 06, 2003
Ivalo - Rovaniemi
Breakfast was served until 10am, so it was said at the check-in yesterday. But as we came to the breakfast room everything was gone. Reproaching we looked at the waitress. She just smiled and said:"You are late." What was she talking about?? It was only 9.30am! And then it hit us like a rock: the time difference! She was right. But they had mercy on us and brought us some bread with cheese, tomatoes and eggs.
Shortly after 12pm we went on our way to Rovaniemi. Not by bus but by car. Svein took us but we should drive the car. No problem. At 3.30pm we arrived at Rovaniemi. Because our night train was leaving for Helsinki at 6pm we still had some time. So we were looking for a hotel for Svein to stay. The farewell was done very quickly, but that was OK as both of us hate good-byes. We had a small bite to eat and hung around. We didn't pay attention to the time and therefore missed the train. Didn't matter, there was another one at 9pm.
We found two seats with lots of space for the legs. These were reserved for people traveling with pets. But who would travel with pets at night? We stored our backpacks there and sat down. At the next stop a girl with a huge cage entered. Two Husky babies were sitting in there. "Sorry, but I think no. 73 is my seat." Great, that was were I (Ramona) sat on. So I had to move incl. my backpack.
At night it got pretty busy on our wagon. There was a smoking cabin at the one end. Smokers were coming and going not making any effort to be quiet. They even started to smoke outside that cabin. It got really annoying. As the noisy people finally got off the train, peace returned. Not for long though. The Husky babies woke up and were bored. Or maybe they were missing the noise, which they were replacing now with their howling. What a night!
Shortly after 12pm we went on our way to Rovaniemi. Not by bus but by car. Svein took us but we should drive the car. No problem. At 3.30pm we arrived at Rovaniemi. Because our night train was leaving for Helsinki at 6pm we still had some time. So we were looking for a hotel for Svein to stay. The farewell was done very quickly, but that was OK as both of us hate good-byes. We had a small bite to eat and hung around. We didn't pay attention to the time and therefore missed the train. Didn't matter, there was another one at 9pm.
We found two seats with lots of space for the legs. These were reserved for people traveling with pets. But who would travel with pets at night? We stored our backpacks there and sat down. At the next stop a girl with a huge cage entered. Two Husky babies were sitting in there. "Sorry, but I think no. 73 is my seat." Great, that was were I (Ramona) sat on. So I had to move incl. my backpack.
At night it got pretty busy on our wagon. There was a smoking cabin at the one end. Smokers were coming and going not making any effort to be quiet. They even started to smoke outside that cabin. It got really annoying. As the noisy people finally got off the train, peace returned. Not for long though. The Husky babies woke up and were bored. Or maybe they were missing the noise, which they were replacing now with their howling. What a night!
Tuesday, August 05, 2003
Gjesvaer - Ivalo (Finland)
Although we wanted to meet up with Svein at 10am, he already came over 20 minutes before. Of course, we were not ready yet, as we planed to leave at 10am. At 9.58am we went to the car. Perfect time management.
We took the fastest way to Ivalo. Shortly after the border we stopped for lunch break and tested already the Finish food = Reindeer soup. It tasted like typical German beef soup. Thinking ahead to our next breakfast we prepared a doggy bag with the left over bread and butter. As we had paid for it, it was ours anyway.
We arrived at Ivalo at 5pm. Just 45 minutes too late to catch the bus to Rovaniemi. Originally, we wanted to camp, but Svein refused to drive us to the campsite. Instead he wanted us to stay at the hotel with him. He threatened that he would take us back to Gjesvaer if we didn't accept. So what could we do? We took the rooms, went for a walk and stayed the rest of the night in the bar. Looking at the map of Finland Svein said: "Tomorrow I will drive you to Rovaniemi." In the meantime we know that refusing didn't help.
We took the fastest way to Ivalo. Shortly after the border we stopped for lunch break and tested already the Finish food = Reindeer soup. It tasted like typical German beef soup. Thinking ahead to our next breakfast we prepared a doggy bag with the left over bread and butter. As we had paid for it, it was ours anyway.
We arrived at Ivalo at 5pm. Just 45 minutes too late to catch the bus to Rovaniemi. Originally, we wanted to camp, but Svein refused to drive us to the campsite. Instead he wanted us to stay at the hotel with him. He threatened that he would take us back to Gjesvaer if we didn't accept. So what could we do? We took the rooms, went for a walk and stayed the rest of the night in the bar. Looking at the map of Finland Svein said: "Tomorrow I will drive you to Rovaniemi." In the meantime we know that refusing didn't help.
Monday, August 04, 2003
Gjesvaer
Already while getting up we were looking forward to the fact that we had to do the dishes. Well, it only had been laying around for 3 days and still it could be seen that we had fish fingers for dinner. How much we had hoped that the rain would do the job for us. But no, tough luck. We had to do it ourselves. Yak, how greasy!
We tried to enjoy the sun, but this was not really possible. Every time we just had stripped, the sun got covered by a cloud and it got chilly again. Same thing the other way round. Whenever we had just put the cloths back on, the sun came out and burned like hell. At some point we got fed up and decided to collect our washing and say good-bye to everybody, as we planned to leave Gjesvaer the next day.
Svein wasn't at home so we took our cloths from the washing line and went to the harbor. We refilled our bottles with water for cooking and waited for Ola to come back from the bird islands. While waiting, Svein appeared. As he heard that we wanted to say good-bye to everyone, he insisted again to drive us to Finland to Ivalo. He invited us to the pub for a farewell drink. And as if they had planed to meet us there, Ola and Stein-Hugo appeared as well. Even though we were very hungry we didn't want to leave our new friends so soon. In the end it got after midnight when we finallystarted to cook. As we learned our lesson this morning we did the dishes straight after.
We tried to enjoy the sun, but this was not really possible. Every time we just had stripped, the sun got covered by a cloud and it got chilly again. Same thing the other way round. Whenever we had just put the cloths back on, the sun came out and burned like hell. At some point we got fed up and decided to collect our washing and say good-bye to everybody, as we planned to leave Gjesvaer the next day.
Svein wasn't at home so we took our cloths from the washing line and went to the harbor. We refilled our bottles with water for cooking and waited for Ola to come back from the bird islands. While waiting, Svein appeared. As he heard that we wanted to say good-bye to everyone, he insisted again to drive us to Finland to Ivalo. He invited us to the pub for a farewell drink. And as if they had planed to meet us there, Ola and Stein-Hugo appeared as well. Even though we were very hungry we didn't want to leave our new friends so soon. In the end it got after midnight when we finallystarted to cook. As we learned our lesson this morning we did the dishes straight after.
Sunday, August 03, 2003
Gjesvaer - North cape by car
After having had a late breakfast, we went over to Stein-Hugo who invited us to watch Formula 1 and have a shower. He cooked for us and we spent the rest of the day at his place.
Svein Thore, the guy who offered to drive us to Finland, joined as well. In the evening we went over to his place and did our washing. As we had to wait for the machine to finish, we made a trip to the North cape by car. As local people have free entrance to the Cape, we didn't need to pay the NOK185. Glad about not needing to pay we strolled around the area. If we had had to pay so much money only to see a souvenirs shop, a chapel and a video, we would have been pretty annoyed.
On our way back to Gjesvaer we saw plenty of Reindeer on the road and everywhere.
Svein Thore, the guy who offered to drive us to Finland, joined as well. In the evening we went over to his place and did our washing. As we had to wait for the machine to finish, we made a trip to the North cape by car. As local people have free entrance to the Cape, we didn't need to pay the NOK185. Glad about not needing to pay we strolled around the area. If we had had to pay so much money only to see a souvenirs shop, a chapel and a video, we would have been pretty annoyed.
On our way back to Gjesvaer we saw plenty of Reindeer on the road and everywhere.
Saturday, August 02, 2003
Gjesvaer
As it was very hot already we didn't go into the tent to sleep, but stayed outside. 7.30am rain! Ramona didn't seem to notice anything, she just pulled her sleeping bag tighter and slept on. How funny. I drove her attention to the rain and quickly we went inside the tent. But not for long. Only 1 hour later it got hot as a sauna. So again we went outside dressed only
with a slip. This night was crazy, just a short time after we had to take the sleeping bags again as it got too cold. And then finally we slept in peace.
We didn't do much during the day. In the evening we went to the pub and had a pizza for 20 EURO. We seemed to be the big attraction in town. People kept coming over and talked to us. One even bought us a bottle of white wine from Zell. Another man offered us to stay in his house in case it rained too much. When the pub closed at 2pm, we got invited to a party by again somebody else. We couldn't say no. We were 8 people and the offers didn't end. Starting with watching Formula 1, taking a shower, checking emails, then "I can drive you to Finland" and an invitation for next year to come back to Gjesvaer. It really got a bit uncomfortable.
Time passed pretty fast and it was 5.30am as we got back to the tent.
with a slip. This night was crazy, just a short time after we had to take the sleeping bags again as it got too cold. And then finally we slept in peace.
We didn't do much during the day. In the evening we went to the pub and had a pizza for 20 EURO. We seemed to be the big attraction in town. People kept coming over and talked to us. One even bought us a bottle of white wine from Zell. Another man offered us to stay in his house in case it rained too much. When the pub closed at 2pm, we got invited to a party by again somebody else. We couldn't say no. We were 8 people and the offers didn't end. Starting with watching Formula 1, taking a shower, checking emails, then "I can drive you to Finland" and an invitation for next year to come back to Gjesvaer. It really got a bit uncomfortable.
Time passed pretty fast and it was 5.30am as we got back to the tent.
Friday, August 01, 2003
Gjesvaer - North cape by boat
It already doesn't bother us anymore if we are not able to wash ourselves for a day. Is that disgusting? No, just normal. We hope.
Set back to our childhood, we had arranged our "flat" very quickly. A big rock as the bathroom, a smaller one for the living room, the shade behind the tent was our fridge and in the middle of it all our kitchen with dining room. No need to mention that the toilet was not in the bathroom, but miles away. Hm, something's wrong. Whenever we got out off the tent in the mornings when it got too hot, we were sleeping in the kitchen. Well, as you all know, the kitchen is the most coziest place.
We were hanging around, of course in the kitchen, and later on in the afternoon we went for a walk to the harbor to fill up our water supply for bath and kitchen. Guess who we met! Ralf! Full of pride he told us:"The motor is running perfectly now, so how about a trip to the North cape tonight?" As everybody deserves a second chance, we accepted. Meeting time was 10pm.
Before we went we had some diner. Who knows when we will get our next food. We had fish-fingers and rice with Bearnaise sauce. Unfortunately, we forgot to buy some milk, so we had to improvise and cook the sauce with water. It didn't taste as bad as we thought.
Over at the pier we directly took our places on the boat. Ralf loosened the ropes and pushed us off the pier. Then he wanted to start the motor. First try failed. Second, same thing. 20th, 30th, ... we don't need to go into further details, do we?! Annoyed we grabbed to the paddles as the current had dragged us away from the pier. Ralf then asked the locals in the pub for help and they finally got the motor running. It was 11.30pm as we took off again, to the north cape. We didn't get far though. Only half an hour later the motor died. Here we were again, paddling. As we reached the harbor 2 locals saw us and jumped into their speedboat to come and tow us to the shore. But Ralf seemed to be too proud to ask for help again and sent them away. What a jerk! We nearly pushed him over board.
The two locals got the situation, with that boat you never make it to the Cape. Ramona, clever as she is, asked quickly if we could go with their speedboat. The one guy replied:"No, but we can take the big boat." He nodded to the one he does the tourist trips to the bird-islands with. A few minutes later we were on the way. Ola the captain, Chesuwe and us two. Oh yes, and Ralf. Unfortunately!
We passed Knivskjellodden, the real Northest point in Europe.
Then the North cape and further to Skarsvåg where we visited a fish factory. A Swedish friend of Chesuwe was still there, so he showed us around. It was really interesting.
On the way back to Gjesvaer, we passed the bird-islands and saw some seals and sea eagles from close up. In the end it turned out to be a really fun night as Ola and Chesuwe made one joke after the other. Ola even served us sandwiches with self smoked salmon and cheese.
At 5.30am we reached land and went straight to sleep.
Set back to our childhood, we had arranged our "flat" very quickly. A big rock as the bathroom, a smaller one for the living room, the shade behind the tent was our fridge and in the middle of it all our kitchen with dining room. No need to mention that the toilet was not in the bathroom, but miles away. Hm, something's wrong. Whenever we got out off the tent in the mornings when it got too hot, we were sleeping in the kitchen. Well, as you all know, the kitchen is the most coziest place.
We were hanging around, of course in the kitchen, and later on in the afternoon we went for a walk to the harbor to fill up our water supply for bath and kitchen. Guess who we met! Ralf! Full of pride he told us:"The motor is running perfectly now, so how about a trip to the North cape tonight?" As everybody deserves a second chance, we accepted. Meeting time was 10pm.
Before we went we had some diner. Who knows when we will get our next food. We had fish-fingers and rice with Bearnaise sauce. Unfortunately, we forgot to buy some milk, so we had to improvise and cook the sauce with water. It didn't taste as bad as we thought.
Over at the pier we directly took our places on the boat. Ralf loosened the ropes and pushed us off the pier. Then he wanted to start the motor. First try failed. Second, same thing. 20th, 30th, ... we don't need to go into further details, do we?! Annoyed we grabbed to the paddles as the current had dragged us away from the pier. Ralf then asked the locals in the pub for help and they finally got the motor running. It was 11.30pm as we took off again, to the north cape. We didn't get far though. Only half an hour later the motor died. Here we were again, paddling. As we reached the harbor 2 locals saw us and jumped into their speedboat to come and tow us to the shore. But Ralf seemed to be too proud to ask for help again and sent them away. What a jerk! We nearly pushed him over board.
The two locals got the situation, with that boat you never make it to the Cape. Ramona, clever as she is, asked quickly if we could go with their speedboat. The one guy replied:"No, but we can take the big boat." He nodded to the one he does the tourist trips to the bird-islands with. A few minutes later we were on the way. Ola the captain, Chesuwe and us two. Oh yes, and Ralf. Unfortunately!
We passed Knivskjellodden, the real Northest point in Europe.
Then the North cape and further to Skarsvåg where we visited a fish factory. A Swedish friend of Chesuwe was still there, so he showed us around. It was really interesting.
On the way back to Gjesvaer, we passed the bird-islands and saw some seals and sea eagles from close up. In the end it turned out to be a really fun night as Ola and Chesuwe made one joke after the other. Ola even served us sandwiches with self smoked salmon and cheese.
At 5.30am we reached land and went straight to sleep.
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