Stacey had arranged a taxi pick up for me from Vila Paris Hotel at 5:15 am on Sat November 19th so I’d be in plenty of time for my 8 am flight. You can’t easily get from Bucharest to Helsinki in November, so my flight was to Heathrow, with a 7 hour layover, then on to Helsinki.
While I could have gone into the city for a few hours, I opted to stay at the airport, looking around at the shops, then finding a cozy wingback chair at a British restaurant where I read, ordering food from time to time so they wouldn’t kick me out. I had a chicken caesar salad, then later treated myself to tea and scones with clotted cream. Yum!
I got into Helsinki at 11pm and by the time I cleared customs, got a taxi and got to my hotel it was nearly midnight. One thing that I should point out is that in both Bucharest and Helsinki, when I told the customs officials the reason for my visit — that I was an author visiting schools — I got a big smile of approval and an enthusiastic “Welcome!”
Glo Hotel Art is an ultra modern hotel built inside a century old castle. When I arrived at midnight, I couldn’t see the exterior, but it really is spectacular. When I got to my room and opened the door, I couldn’t get the lights to work. My cell phone was at about 12% battery but I activated it and used it as a flashlight. I got to the TV, and turned it on, and that illuminated the room sufficiently for me to find the phone. I called down to the desk about the lights. “There’s a slot right at the door,” said the clerk. “Put your key into it and the lights will be activated.”
Easier said than done in the pitch dark. I made my way back to the door and opened it so some light from the hallway would flood in. Found the teeny tiny slot and had light.
A beautiful room with a super-comfy bed and great pillows and duvet. Awesome bathroom and shower as well.
Sunday was my one day to explore Helsinki in daylight so after breakfast I donned a sweater and raincoat and headed out.
