The flight from LHR to HEL is on a A321 which has all economy seats in a three three layout. The first six rows were designated J which just had the middle seat blocked. J was full for this flight and the Finnair crew were very friendly.
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Champagne was free flowing from the small individual bottles which were being handed out liberally. Finns definitely know how to drink. I got the obligatory blueberry juice which was served in the signature Finnair Glass.
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Followed shortly by my pre ordered Gluten free meal as discussed. It was very ordinary.
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HEL is a huge airport and the arrival gate was a long walk to the passport control desk. After handing over my passport, I was given the third degree by the officer. I'm not sure what he didn't like about me. Perhaps it was the vague answers I was giving trying to reconcile time and dates etc and how long I had been travelling and how long I was staying in Finland. After collecting my bag I was then stopped for a "random bag search", I was so tired by this time, but these guys were just doing their job. I had nothing to hide and after a few questions and quick bag x-ray I was outside and getting a taxi to my hotel.
The price of the taxi was 39 euro, which was a flat rate from airport to city centre for the cab company I took. I stayed at the Holiday Inn City Centre which is right next to the central train station.
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The train station is the building on the left looking down from my room.
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It is in a great location and in relatively easy walking distance to the waterfront, pedestrian shopping areas and of course transport options. Here is the front of the train station.
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I will take the train to the airport and let you know how it goes.