4:30 AM January 4th.
My taxi driver was downstairs right on time. He loaded my suitcases into the trunk, I said my good bye for nows to Margot, and then we were off to the airport. I fought the urge to sleep because I wanted to see and take in my last ride to the Wro airport for 5 months. I'm glad I did.
I arrived at the airport, checked my bags, went through security (after my morning frisking of course). I still don't know what kept making me beep.
Things I like about the airport in Wro: they have these really rad new lounging chairs that are
We boarded and I fell asleep, only to wake up when they passed out the chocolate covered waffle bars and drinks, and then fell right back to sleep.
We landed in Warszawa and I found my terminal with ease; I didn't have to change locations or anything, I just had to walk a few gates down to the right one.
I passed out on that flight too, waking up only for food that I put in my bag for later.
We landed in Helsinki and my sleep deprived body at least managed to smile at that. I was here again. After 5 years I was BACK!
Thank the lawd the airport had free wifi. I was able to call the housing office to verify exactly where I was supposed to go to pick up my keys. The office, not the apartments as I had thought the night before.
Next up: How do I get away from the airport?
I found the information desk, and ate their candy, and the lady told me exactly what I needed to do to escape. I boarded the magical 615 bus to the city center and had to keep my suitcases from sliding up and down the aisle for 35 minutes.
There was a group of 4 girls behind me, two Finns, two not. They were talking and I was eavesdropping, and when we reached the Central Railway Station I asked if they were by chance going to the housing office. They were. SCORE!
I followed them like a poor desperate soul, lugging my bags with me. They were walking so fast and I could barely keep up.
We finally reached the housing office and I honest to goodness wanted to lie down in the snow and sleep. I waited a good hour if not more before my number was called. I got my keys and mission two of the day began. How do I get to my home?
It's good that I've been to Helsinki before because I at least had some memory of the layout of the city. I found my way to the metro station and had to take 3 breaks to catch my breath. Without suitcases it's a 2 minute walk. I think it to me 10.
Hello metro, we've never met before.
The ride home took 20 minutes. I emerged from underground to greet Kontula, my new neighborhood.
Kontula greeted me with a high five to the face.
I started walking because I was sure I knew where I was going.
I didn't.
I turned around, walked back a 1/3 of a block, then tried again down the same road. Turned around, found some 8 year old school kids and asked them where I needed to go. I probably scared them half to death.
Here's the 21 year old girl with post-flight hair of a lion and a face that looks like it's been slapped by a fish, twice, asking in English no less where my home was.
They didn't know where I needed to go which I soon realized when even I (emphasis on "I") knew their directions were wrong. I don't blame them in the least bit. If 8 year old Sylvia was asked to give directions you would've ended up in bumblehoop nowhere too.
I walked back to the bus station and asked a lady where I needed to go. Turns out I HAD been going in the right direction (yay me!).
Sylvia, you keep mentioning this bus station, why didn't YOU just take one?
Well Richard,
yeah I dunno. I'm stubborn and wanted to get to my house on my own by foot. I thought it would be nice. hahaha
So I'm walking around like a koo koo lady resembling the Hunchback of Notre Dame, draggginnnggg her suitcases along the sidewalk which were, by the by, accumulating snow like it was their profession. I seriously think there was 2 pounds of snow beneath each one. Snow and suitcases are a NIGHTMARE. I was tired, hungry, cold, and my body was ACHING.
I just really wanted a hug.
I reached some crosswalk and I turned my head around, looking distraught and lost, to find a Finnish man, wife, nephew, and baby. The man chuckled and asked me something.
"I'm sorry, I don't speak Finnish."
"Ah-ha," and without hesitation he picked up on of my suitcases and carried it across the street. In shock, I gave him a big thank you. His kindness didn't stop there, oh no, he asked where I was going, and he and his family escorted me all the way home!!!!! Well, the man left at one point because he had to go to the supermarket, but then his wife and nephew took over.
These Finnish angels saved me that day. I really think if they had not come I would have ended up on the side of the road crying and eating my airplane sandwich.
I got home and saw that it was completely dark inside. "Hello?" Out of the darkness I saw my roommate crawl around corner.
It was actually really scary.
Some hi's were exchanged but I really wasn't in the state of mind to speak coherently so I just plopped my stuff down, finally grabbed my sandwich from my backpack and scarffed it down my throat.
I walked into my room and realized that I still needed to buy bedding for my sad naked bed. Wasting no time, I went back to the metro, went to the only shopping center I knew, Kampii, found bedding, came home, resisted the urge to fall asleep, went grocery shopping, and THEN collapsed on my bed for a "nap" at 18:00. I woke up around 20 I think, met my other two flatmates, and then around 23 I fell into a VERY deep slumber.
The End.
Love always,
S
