Finland Update..

Home sweet home. After 10 days in snowy Finland, I'm finally back in rainy Singapore. Has been raining practically every day since my return. Not a bad thing considering that I've been experiencing temperatures ranging from minus 10 to 5 degree celcius. I would be sweating like hell now should it be sunny and hot. I'm not looking forward to seeing sunlight. I love winters. Damn, I miss the snow and the cold weather.

The trip was fulfilling despite us having an irresponsible tour guide. Travelling gives you a chance to experience and see the different cultures, sceneries, architecture, sense of fashion, living styles etc. More importantly, it opens one mind. You realise how vast the world is and how tiny you are. The problems that we are facing are so insignificant compared to other less fortunate, it's as though we have been making a mountain out of a mole. Ok, I'm making it sound as though I've just came back from a third world country. Finland is certainly not. Must have been watching too many CNN and BBC reports on the tsunami and earthquake that struck the Indian Ocean.

Anyway, back to Finland. The Finnish are not exactly friendly people. Most are cold and aloof. Not sure if it can be attributed to the weather. The air stewardess don't bother helping you put your luggage on the overhead compartment. Ask them for plain water? They will point to the back of the plane and tell you to get it yourself even if it's at 4am. At the hotel, few hotel staff would greet you. Of course there are bound to be exceptions. There were instances when we were greeted by strangers on the street. A group of men who walked past us asked "Koreans?". I guess they seldom see yellow skin people around in their country. Generally, the country is just like any other developed country. I was there to experience a white Christmas and to see Santa Claus. Alright, I know I'm childish. Paid 15 euro just to have a picture with Santa Claus. Money suckers.

As I was saying, the tour guide sucks. Shan't go into details regarding his irresponsible acts and his lack of common sense at times. Shall instead give examples of his atrocious English.

1) He pronounced Tornio as Torino despite passing the road sign at least 20times. Torino is in Italy while Tornio is in Finland.

2) After staying 1 night in Rauma, he proudly declared to us that we were staying in Somalia.

3) "Boy, don't play in the bus. Wait you FRY out of the bus."

4) "We will reachES Helsinki soon."

5) "Ladies Gentlemen, so sorry. The family of 9 are still in the Chinese restaurant. They ordered their food but their food still not here yet. They can't cancel their order because they pay up already. They are SURRENDERED there now."

6) Helsinki Tour Guide asked " You come from Singapore?" His reply, "No, we come from Rovaneimi."

There are many more examples but I just can't remember all of them now. His terrible English became a source of entertainment for me as the days went by. Anyway, he will be losing his job as soon as I've drafted out the complain letter. I don't blame his lousy English. His work attitude really pisses me off. I've never seen such a lousy tour guide in my life. I think I'll make a better tour guide than that asshole.