Flight to Estonia and ferry to Finland

Ice blocks in front of a restaurant/bar in Tallinn

Again I had a little job in Estonia, inspection at my former commissioning converter station, took a flight to Tallinn and my co-worker rented the car to travel to “magnificent” Rakvere. The only good thing there is the Aqva Spa hotel, in which we finally managed to check in, and the cheap Vana Tallinn liquor. Onsite the next day we had an over-long working shift and, therefore, missed dinner and sauna Estonian style, pouring water literwise over the heated rocks.

Small, narrow street in the old town of Tallinn

Before my colleague and name twin had to take the flight home, we had a few hours left in Tallinn and thus, we did some sightseeing in the centre. He had the flight at 6 pm, I took the ferry instead, crossed the Baltic Sea and watched those Finns getting all the beers and wines and spirits they would need for the next weeks. Quite funny to see how everyone drags a trolley packed with longdrink cans off the ship. I was one of them. “You have to adapt”, I said to myself.

One of the scenic views over Tallinn

Jouni picked me up from the ferry terminal and we immediately met a British friend of him in the city. He had to drive carefully – people are crossing the street, or moved waveringly from side to side totally wasted. Remember, it’s just a bit past 9 pm. Sauna was next, at Julian’s place. He has, like most Finns do, an own one in his apartment. Perfect finish for the day.

While Jouni had a basketball the next day early in the morning, I turned around one more time and slept a little longer. After breakfast, we directly went to his parents for lunch. Finnish meatballs and smashed potatoes … and … Jouni’s father had the opinion vodka suits extremely good. The first bottle was emptied quite quickly and he just got another one without asking. I grinched and tried to gesture politely not wanting a refill again. Obviously, he didn’t notice. Time passed by and we ended up playing cards and learning Swedish. Don't know why Swedish ... it just happened that way. I just let it go and stopped to ask questions :)

The party continued at Jouni’s place after, Shane, Julian and Henry joined us one by one. A few bottles later, Milli Clubbi in the centre was one more time our destination and we partied through the night.

Entering Helsinki's harbour

The next morning was hard, still a little tinnitus in my ears, a hammer in my head, tiredness. That’s how you should leave Finland. I had a lot time to get well – a metro ride though Helsinki, a little walk, waiting time at the ferry terminal, 2 ½ hours ferry cruise, taxi to the Tallinn airport, another 3 hours waiting time, flight to Nuremberg and taxi home … I made it all!

Birthday bash in Münster

It was Juan’s surprise party for his 30^th birthday. Thus, we hopped to their car “surprisingly” and went through complete Germany. Christina’s parents, where we all stayed for the weekend, welcomed us warmly, with some vodka and other liquors (raspberry schnapps from Thuringia). Half of the family can’t wait to say cheers and raised their glasses.

The next morning started expectedly late, but with an excellent breakfast and Columbian coffee. Regained some power, we took the bikes and a tour through Münster. Our Columbian tour guide showed us around, the cathedral and the famous market, the city centre and the castle.

Juan’s surprise party started in the evening and he didn’t even thought of having so many guests – a bit overwhelmed. The BBQ was lit up, having some delightful salads as side dish. And the vodka bottles have been emptied numerously. I can’t even recall how many they have been. Party was going on until late in a club called Fusion. I don’t know much anymore. Good party!!!

The next morning was hard and we were taking it slowly. After breakfast, we had coffee later in Münster downtown again, meeting a study buddy from Antje, before heading back home.

Warming up in Florida

Christmas time in Germany always includes rainy weather and people rushing through the city to get the last presents. Time to take some days off and take a flight across the big pond.

Dawn and Tobi were awaiting us, they just didn’t order the perfect weather. Okay it was still warm, but the first four days have been stormy and quite rainy. So what to do in the Sunshine State?

Shopping tours here and there, food tastings every now and then and there even had been time to visit a Peter Lik’s photography exhibition (something I highly recommend to do if there’s some spare time).

 

On the schedule this time as well: NBA Game time – and John Wall really showed off and Miami hot their limits. Of course, in Florida, another air boat cruise through the Everglades was a must do. Alligators and iguanas have been so close, almost within reach.

Florida’s west coast was inspected as well. Naples (city of the beauties and the richs) and Fort Meyers have been the highlights before heading back. Fort Meyers offered a spectacular sunset, enjoyable in calm scenery – the city has been empty, the quiet before the spring break storm.

A week in Pars one more time

On Sunday, Antje and I were going to the airport. She had to catch the flight 2 hours before me. Everything good, so far, until I noticed that I had left some packages of sliced ham at the hotel's minibar. I just remembered, out of the blue. Damn it, Jamon Iberico Bellota, the best one, quite essential gifts to bring home. There were just two options. Leaving the ham behind and handing it over into the hotel's property or, and that's option B I decieded to do, risking to go back to the reception. First, I called them and luckily, they have found it and offered me to come to pick it up. Excellent!!! Thus, I went all the way back and ask for some packages of ham. The receptionist lady returned it with a big smile. That made her day, and mine as well.

Then, it was time to rush to the airport one more time, with a feeling having all things together now. Ready for take off. The flight to Paris was okay, I slept it away.

I decided to take another hotel this time, located in La Défene, named Tempolodge, more like a maisonette apartment than a hotel. Good choice, I proudly agreed with myself - under the roof in the 12th floor, i.e. a little skyline view included. Then, there hasn't been much to mention. Too much work, I rarely left the laboratory before 9pm. I tried a French Döner Kebab, tried to order in French, drifted to English and ended up speaking German to Turkish guy who lived in Düsseldorf for a few years. "Enjoy it!", he said finally, and released me into the night, but that thing hadn't been much enjoyable.

On two nights, I found some hours to head towards the city. Always worth it, everything is truely impressive, walking along the Louvre or looking up the Eiffel Tower. Here some impressions...

Delegation to Madrid

View across Puerta del Sol in Madrid's centre

Three weeks time in downtown Madrid. My work place was located a bit more north, in Tres Cantos, so just around the corner. That offered some time to explore the city's beauty. And the metro station was in 1 minute walking distance from the hotel in the capital's north. Excellent!

Catedral de la Almudena at night

Madrid itself is famous for its nightlife. People are going out to the restaurants, bars, clubs or lounges on every day of the week. Quite an impulsive life, in Madrid. As soon as the clubs close, the first bakeries and cafes open up already. And where every you go to have lunch or dinner, almost everything is worth trying. Taps, burgers, fish, just to name a few. A three course lunch menu always comes with a good red vine, if you allow yourself to have a glass or two.

View north-east from the hotel at sunset

One thing Spain is famous for: The ham! Stores can be found across the whole city, supermarkets are selling and almost every restaurant is offering the air dryed delicatesse. So I bought one of those 5 kg ham things and brought it home to have something for dinner.

Heaps of stores selling ham, so called "Jamon", in the city

I got some visitors, too. Jouni, from Finland, spent a weekend with me there. So did Antje during the last days and we strolled around, joining the Sandeman guided tours which took us through the cities' history.
In Madrid's north, you can find the hiking paradise "La Pedriza". Manzanares el Real is a good starting point to hit one of the numerous hiking trails, or to have a coffee.

Manzanares el Real and La Pedriza in the background

Spaghetti Napoli along the Amalfi Coast

One week holidays, with lots of thoughs where to go, but no final decision. A long time I was not sure to travel at all. Home sweet home, why not?!?! Heaps of things that could have been done there as well. But yeah, not acceptable after all. Thus, I booked a flight to Naples, less than 24 hours before departure. I've found a bike store, too, offering racing bikes for rent. So it happened I got this Bianchi machine! Cool man. After 5 kilometres, I've just been outside the cities centre, I've got a flat tire. Damn! What a start - perfect! Thanks god they gave me the puncture and toolkit. From then on, no more challenges, except the mountain itself. I made it, found my way through hundreds of tourist, and foot climbed the last metres to the summit. Time to relax and chill out, before going down to Sorrento.

The next day, I had the highlight ahead - the coastal scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast with its rugged coastline and small villages built up in the mountains. A scenic look of exceptional rarity. Thousands of Chinese tourist must have think the same. I've found a place to stay in Maiori and had the so far best clambs ever. Thumbs up! On the last day, I had more than enough time to ride back to Naples and exploring the city with its chaotic, hectic rubbish-strewn life. But still, it had a certain flair which said: "Look here, I'm interesting on my own way!"