Am I crazy ? ( declined offer for more direct route)

[Archipelago]

I wouldn't have taken more than a second to make a decision myself, and that would have been the same as you. For me, travel is still as much about the journey, the experience, and visiting places I haven't been to (and otherwise wouldn't have an opportunity to) as much as getting to the destination. Its also a split between the flights and the airports. Always fun to explore a new airport, no matter how brief the transit stop.

Was good you didn't have a long layover in BKK - as JohnK said, there is bugger all to do airside in BKK aside from stretching the legs and enjoying the lounge if you have access to one. I always try to fit a shower in on a long haul stopover - something about being refreshed and washing the dust off, even if it means getting back in to the same clothes (I always have a change of underwear and a spare shirt in my carry on which helps)

What was your impression of HEL?

 

[QF WP]

I think you're entirely sane - most of us have the same issues as you . Why fly direct when you can connect? Why not fly to HEL if you've never been there - you obviously had that thought when you booked the ticket, so just follow through and do it.

You never want to say "I wish I had".

 

[Simo]

Totally normal response from me

 

[harvyk]

+1 would have done the same. I don't always pick the most direct route myself because the alternative has something which I like or want.

 

[ross11]

Otherwise spent a few hours in the EK lounge, which though pleasant enough seems completely devoid of any local influences and a mirror of all the other EK lounges I've been to. Just a bit too much of a uniform corporate image ?

One of the things I love about EK lounges is the uniformity - layout might be slightly different but I pretty much know what to expect in terms of offerings.
On a recent trip out of SIN, QF # EK metal, CSA asked if I was going for EK or QF lounge and it was a no-brainer for me. I'm sure others might go for variety instead, but hey I am a boring person...