South Beach Florida is rock'n roll place to stay

We spent the last day in Miami Beach/South Beach by walking and enjoying the beautiful weather. I have to say that this was a perfect trip with good company and lot's of laugh. This morning we are flying from Miami to Dallas Fort Worth.

An evening of joy an relaxation in Miami South Beach

It was a busy evening on South Beach and we had a nice dinner on Lincoln Street and walked around and there were lot's of people enjoying a Saturday evening. I like Miami, there is now question about that. The only complaint is that hotels do not have parking place for motor cycles... That is the only problem and I hope that nobody touched our Harley's during the night.

Check out pictures at http://www.yourmctravel.com

I have posted a bunch of pictures to the MC travel site http://www.yourmctravel.com

Road back to Miami from Key West

We are on our way back to Miami after a beautiful day and night in Key West and a very busy evening in Sloppy Joe bar. The city has changed during the past 17 years and this time we had a chance to explore the city driving a Harley. We decided to stop at Bahia Honda State Park that was selected as number one beach back in 1992. We will be staying in Miami South Beach for a couple of nights and fly back to Dallas on Monday morning. The sun is shining and the temperature is 90 Fahrenheit.

Motorcycling in Florida

Yesterday, we flew to Miami and picked up a Harley-Davison Ultra Glide Classic with the aim to ride to Key West. Our first night was on a beautiful Marriott Resort in Key Largo to celebrate my best friend's wife that turned 50. Next morning we continued our trip to Key West with multiple stops along the way. We have now driven around 200 miles.. with beautiful scenes.

Miami and Harley-Davison, here we come!

Three hours of sleep, and I am sitting again in the plane.. Now on my way to Miami... with a plan to drive with Harley-Davison to Key West and other nice places along the way. Very excited about this and well deserved trip!

Thank you American Airlines AA-71 from Frankfurt to Dallas 6th of May, 2009

The crew in American Airlines AA-71 did my flight enjoyable. Smiles, helpful crew was awesome (I flew in business this time). I was able to sleep for 7 hours... and it will be a brutal wake-up 04.00 AM as our flight to Miami will depart 06.00 AM... Sweet

A week in Helsinki in awesome weather

I am again at the Helsinki-Vantaa airport and it is time ti fly back to Dallas... this time via Frankfurt. I had the opportunity to enjoy the best possible spring weather (even if I had lot's of work) and the 1st of May celebration. The only negative side of these 1 week trips is that you get used to the time difference in one week when it is time to return. I will not have much time to enjoy Dallas as I am flying to Miami the following morning... This time it will be a pleasure trip with some motorcycling.... with a Harley-Davison.

Gym's in Helsinki, Finland are in dire straits: I found one that I can recommend

I am one of those that travel all the time, so it is important for me to find a gym whereever I go. I am spending time in Helsinki quite a lot and living in my own apartment in downtown Helsinki, so my aim was to find a place that is affordable and where I can have a contract that is for occasional travellers such as me. I went to many places and they all gave me the same answer: we do not have anything resonable for people like me... I have to pay 9 Euros for onetime use.. That is not going to fly with me... that is almost 12 dollars which I found too much especially as I am paying a monthly fee for 24-hours fitness in the US. The place to go to is City Gym that is located with Radisson SAS Hotel in Kamppi. They were willing to work out a plan with me and I went there today. I have used this place for years, but with the new ownership there are new rules. Shame on the others, good for City Gym.

Helsinki main marketplace rocks

I am sitting and enjoying my traditional cup of coffee at Helsinki main marketplace. The temperature is almost 20 centigrades and sun is shining from a completely blue sky. Life is good..

Not a bad flight experience with American Airlines from Dallas to Frankfurt

The flight was pretty smooth, even in economy class this time. The only negative side was that I did not have leg room at all as there was a wall between my seat and business class. Frankfurt airport is as always.... I am waiting on my flight to Helsinki... I hope the rainy weather does not create any delays.

On my way to Helsinki, Finland

I am on my way to Finland again, I applode American Airlines representative to take an extra mile to get a seat to me and my business partner to sit side-by-side in economy. The seat is ok, first row after the business. I got a seat in business on my way back 6th of May. According to the news, weather in Finland has been very nice and warm.

Texas Hill Country motorcycle trip is behind

I have to say that our annual spring Hill Country, Texas trip was very relaxing and enjoyble. First night in Fredricksburg, then Bandera and finally Austin, Texas was a perfect combination with 1020 miles of perfect motorcycle riding. More to follow with pictures and details.

Time to leave Seattle again... Dallas in my mind

Three days in Seattle... and time to return to Dallas. I have been here quite a few times and I have to say that the Seattle-Tacoma airport works well, I have not run into any snags at all and the traffc from Redmond and Bellevue has cooperated well. I have to say that Bellevue Hyatt Regent personnel do a tremendous job and are exceptionally friendly and helpful. If you want tro enjoy your stay in Bellevue, Hyatt is a safe bet.

A good day today at Microsoft Executive Briefing Center

It was a beautiful day today with a sunny morning start and a cab drive from Bellevue Hyatt Regency hotel to Microsoft Executive Briefing Center in Redmond Microsoft Campus. These cities are really moving fast towards the spring and the day was beautiful with clear and blue sky. After the long day and before dinner, I used the Hyatty Regency gym again.. I have traveled soon 3 million miles with American Airlines, stayed in hundreds of hotels and this hotel has a gym that you do not see many times.. Last time I saw a comparable one was in Mumbai, India during my fall 2008 trip. This is the hotel to stay if you visit this city. Also, based on the information, this is going to be the largest conference hotel in town very soon...

Bellevue, WA Hyatt Regency is a treat

This is my second time I stay in this hotel and I love it. They have a large fully equipped gym and close to restaurants and shops. And most importantly, it is only 5.5 miles from Microsoft Campus where I will be spending the next couple of days.

Flying to Seattle

My traveling spree is starting again. It is early morning and I will be flying to Seattle for three nights and will be back on Wednesday. It is a beautiful morning, everything is green and I am sipping my triple grande soy latte... Life is good... I was upgraded to business class as well... sweet...

Two weeks of travel behind: returning back to Dallas from Finland

I am returning back home to Dallas, Texas after a very busy two weeks of travel and work with clients. The weather was very nice in all places during the travel and Helsinki showed a nice sunny side multiple days even if it is still below zero centigrades. I will have to return to Finland in April again, but I will worry about that later on. Now I am focused on getting home.

Bratislava - A city I like and a warning when reserving room from Orbitz or Expedia

I am waiting on my flight from Bratislava to Prague with a continued service to Helsinki on Czech Airlines. Two nights in Bratislava was very nice and I had a chance to meet with lots of interesting people at local Microsoft office and during some evening gettogether at a bowling alley. I will still be staying in Europe until next thursday, enough for me to be adjusted to the time zone and then get issues again when going back.

A word of warning... Every time I buy my hotel room from Expedia or Orbitz, hotels put me in a sub-standard room (or smoking one like this time) and they di not know hiw to handle the pre-payment. I am now convinced that I should not use these two to buy hotel rooms.

Bumpy ride from Prague to Bratislava, Slovakia

The plane ride was a bumpy one... snow storm and wind and a small propeller plane... Not one of the most pleseant experiences... However, I am in one piece and ready for bed in the hotel.

Helsinki-Prague-Bratislava

I have been here in Helsinki a few days... The weather has been murky and something I really do not miss. I am flying now via Prague to Bratislava for a couple of nights and then back to Helsinki. I really like Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. I am flying Czech Airlines today.... Done that before as well and they are very nice!

Back to Europe and it is raining again....

One night at home and now I am on my way to Europe (Finland via Frankfurt, Germany) and it is cold and wet in DFW in Dallas. I hope the weather in Finland is better as I will be spending two weeks in Europe with a visit to Bratislava, Slovakia to do a speech. The trees and nature in DFW is getting very spring-like so when I get back I am sure everything is blooming. Fortunately I was upgraded to business-class on the Boeing 777 flight.

Beautiful Seattle: time to leave again

Three days in Seattle area/Bellavue is over and I am very happy about the trip. Thew weather was around 32 to 45 Fahrenheit and like today, sun is shining. My flight back to Dallas is 4 hours and on Friday, I am going to fly to Europe for almost 2 weeks. The time differences are pretty hard on the body I have to say!

Seattle for a few days

This time I am leaving DFW very early in Sunday morning and this time it is going to be Seattle. I will be staying in Seattle (Redmond) until Wednesday and then fly back to Dallas for only one day as I have to fly to Europe (Finland) to work with clients over there. I checked the weather in Seattle and it is around 32 Fahrenheit, so pretty winterish weather. I guess similar to the weather in Finland. I was upgraded to business so I should have a good flight.

Back to Dallas from Atlanta in a full flight

It is time to get back home to Dallas. I did a speech at local Microsoft office for a good group of Microsoft partners and I enjoyed a lot talking to them. My stay in Dallas will not be long as I have to fly to Seattle on Sunday for three days and then only one day in Dallas as I have to fly to Europe for a couple of weeks. American Airlines is getting familiar to me and my 3 million miles is getting closer. The day in Atlanta has been awesome today... sunshine and warm...

Atlanta trip with interesting 2 days

I am on my way to Atlanta today, flying American Airlines from Dallas to Atlanta. I was upgraded from coach to business and have not yet received an annoyed remark from a frustrated flight attendant that seems to be a norm at American nowadays. Each flight, and believe me there are lots of them, somebody has shown their attitufe in one form or the other and showed that they hate their job. Sometimes I wonder this but I guess it comes with life. So far so good, nice sunrise and this weekend we will loose another hour due to change to summer time.

My feel of New Orleans post Katarina

I have now seen New Orleans in action and they are ready for the conventions, tourists and any other that want to enjoy New Orleans. I spent three nights in New Orleans with lots of activities and enjoyed the start of Mardi Gra and it was fabolous. I have to say that the hospitality and friendliness of New Orleans people is overwhelming. I am coming back here very soon!

Missisippi River from the air

I was lucky today. I had a window seat during my flight from Dallas to New Orleans and the sky was blue with good visibility. We flew quite a bit along the great Missisippi River and the view was awesome. Life by the river, huge boats going up and down the river created a spectacular view of the state. I wish I could monitor the life and pace in these neighbourhoods....

Finally in New Orleans and very happy about it.

First visit to New Orleans since the hurricane

I enjoyed a few days in Dallas and now it is time to move on again. This time I am on my way to New Orleans as Microsoft will have its worldwide conference there in July so we will be checking out the places. I am very excited to get to see the beautiful city and also very happy that vendors such as Microsoft has stepped to the plate and given their business to the still ailing city. I will be in New Orleans until Sunday. I have to say that this is one of the best times in Dallas... Not too hot, not too cold and soon things will be green.

Should American Airlines fail?

Today, I stepped into American Airlines flight 79 from London to Dallas Fort Worth. When entering to the cabin my seat 2H was occupied by newspapers. When I asked politely twhther they would be removed the stuwardess said with a very unpleasant voice "we did not expect anybody here today" and looked at me like I was an unwanted guest. I guess it is a thank you for flying almost 3 million miles on American. I am getting convinced more every day that it is time for a complete renewal of personnel that really want to work and not show an unpleasant face. This is not the first time nor the last and I will not have any symphaty if these guys go on labor dispute. They have destroyed my feel too many times. Flight AA79 did not start nicely.

Helsinki Finland and beautiful winter weather

This week in Helsinki has been very nice with a temperature between -2 to -25 Celsius and I ave to say that I enjoyed it besides my 4 day flu with high fever. I am now on my way to Dallas via Heathrow, London and this week UK has got huge amount of snow and the traffic and life in the UK has been a challenge. I hope my flight is not delayed in London so I get home today on Saturday.

On the road again

Last year (2008) I spent close to 200 days on the road so I am vey happy that I have been able to stay in Dallas for a month and a half without travel....(besides one Chicago gig). I am headed to Helsinki via Frankfurt and I was worried as we have had an artic blast in Dallas for 2 days now... I did get to the airport and it seems I am on my way to Frankfurt soon... Kicking off a project in Helsinki and will fly there evry month now which keeps my milage account up to date. I am flying back via London when I return and the after a few days in Dallas I am headed to New Orleans.

Time to fly to Dallas, Texas from Manchester (via London)

I am on my way again, just arrived to Manchester airport. I was surprised of the double booking procedures at the airport. The clients are forced to use the automated systems by showing the passpoer, putting in the information, changing seats, and once this is done, it will spit out boarding cards. I am ok with this, but what puzzels me is that you have to do the same thing with the agent once more. When I asked about this, I got this very annoyed look from British Airways agent and she was not something I call for "client friendly" environment. Oh well, I guess this is the first step to eliminate the agents that do not want to work anymore and teach the clients to use the systems.

Manchester airport is very nice, lots of shops and pleasant environment. I am flying from here to Heathrow London and then with a direct flight to Dallas.

Feelings from Manchester UK in pre-Christmas season

This is the first time that I had the opportunity to spend the weekend in downtown Manchester in the nice Hilton Manchester Deansgate hotel which is the tallest building in town.

Manchester had just opened its Christmas marketplace and the center of downtown Manchester was completely packed with people and it was very hard to get by from one place to the other. I can not remember another place that would have been so packed as downtown Manchester. Nowhere could one see a recession or anything like it.

I highly recommend the Hilton as hotel as you can get to any part of the downtown area as one wants.

Flybe.com flight from Paris to Manchester UK

I am flying with www.flybe.com from Paris to Manchester, UK and this flight is flown by British codeshare flight as well. I have never flown with this company so we will see how it goes.

Howto in Paris from CDG to Paris downtown

I hate to admit that during my years of business, I have completely ignored the public transportation in Paris. From here going forward, this is how I am going to do:
1) Buy a "get to know Paris" ticket at CDG (Charles de Gaulle) to the days that you are going to stay. I bought a 5 day ticket for 48 Euros that covered all zones. This ticket is valid for buses, trains and metro
2) Be aware that public transportation do not communicate to the public in any other language than French, so it is up to you to understand or ask what is going on.

Enjoy Paris, the metro network is awesome and you will save lots of money and headache if you can avoid the Parisian traffic.

Paris as a place to work with clients

I arrived to Paris on Tuesday morning and worked with clients and had other meetings during the week. My hotel was 3 metro stops from Gare du Nord, which is a major hub for both RER trains and metro lines. I have to say that the public transportation in Paris is the only way to go, there is no question about it. The weather was typical for this time of the year, some clouds, some sun and very cold with high winds yesterday. I also had a chance to do what I love which is to walk around the city during the evenings. Paris is impressive, even during the fall. Now I am on my way to Manchester UK until Tuesday morning when I fly back to Dallas, Texas to be able to be part of thanksgiving.

Flight from Dallas to France

I was upgraded to business class on my Boeing 767 flight and I have to say that the unhappiness within American Airlines crew is getting worse every day. As a customer, I should not have to deal with people that do not want to work and this will eventually turn very negative towards AA. I had an executive from Dallas sitting beside me and he was flabbergasted how he was treated during the flight. He said he wanted to test AA this time but based on what he saw, he will not return to AA. I have almost 3 million miles on American and I hate to see them going in down spiral in both service and convinience.

On my way to Paris, France

This time I am flying to Paris, France for a few days and continuing my trip to Manchester UK on Saturday. I am scheduled to return back to Dallas on February 25th so I will be able to spend time with my family for thanksgiving. I really like to see how the weather is going to be in Paris this time of the year and I hope that I do not run into rain as I has been doing in Finland according to my friends over there.

Wingate by Wyndham was good

Our stay at Wingate by Wyndham was nice and it is well located at a closeby mall. The address to this hotel is:

Wingate by Wyndham
9050 Mills Road
FM 1960 & Mills Road
Houston, TX 77070

From Dallas to Houston for an icehockey games with Dallas Stars Select

We left yesterday Dallas in the morning for an icehockey games. I-45 down from Dallas to Houston is boring I have to say but we finally made it wit a couple of stops. The first game was in the Memorial City Mall (Ice Skate USA) and the second game today will be at Willowbrook Aerodrome. The evening was beautiful and we had lots of fun with the team as well as a nice couple of Houston.

Time to return back to Dallas

Three days of intensive IAMCP Board meetings in Chicago is over and it is time to return home. The weather was very unseasonal for Chicago at this point in time, very warm and beautiful. I heard that there might be some snow flurries later this week which is kind of unreal when you think how warm it has been. I was upgraded toi first class... Th,k you American! It is nice to get back home!

I found a nice Thai restaurant in downtown Chicago

I had a meeting at N. Wacker and decided to walk to Magnificent Mile to have lunch before my next meeting. I found a nice place at Ohio Street and the name of this place is DAO Thai Restaurant and Noodle Place. The address is

230 E. Ohio Street
Chicago, IL 60611

Check it out!

Chicago again after a whilean this time it is IAMCP business

I have not been in Chicago for a while, so it will be nice to visit the windy city again. This time I have meetings the whole weekend and will return on Monday evening. It is time for IAMCP global business and I am looking forward to meet my IAMCP collagues from all over the world.

Back to Dallas from beautiful Atlanta

We had three days of good meetings in Atlanta and the weather was beautiful. I wish I would not have been hit by a flu, which I did. Atlanta is truly a very nice city and very cosmopolitan as well. My next trip will be to Chicago within a week.

Travel season begins: Atlanta here I come

I have a very late flight to Atlanta tonight, the touchdown is 00.35 AM so it will take me at least to 02.00 AM when I am in bed. I will be workin in TELLUS Atlanta office until Wednesday this week.

Interstate 30 from Little Rock to Dallas, Texas

Needless to say, but the it was a boring ride today. We got up 6.00 AM in the morning in Little Rock, Arkansas and arrived to Dallas 02.00 PM. The ride was 365 miles and we drove 100 miles at a time to avoid tireness.

However, the overall motorcycle trip was more than 1000 miles and included multiple unbelievable sites that we visited. I have to say that Arkansas is very beautiful state, very clean forest and mountains and I hihly recommend anybody to visit this state. The night life in the state capital Little Rock was also nice, lots of live bands in bars and everybody was very friendly.

A visit to President Clinton Library

We had a chance to visit President Clintons Library that resides by the beautiful Arkansas River. The design is very European, very nice interior and I also learned that there no books there. It is a monument displaying President Clinton's life and work. I was very impressed. They also happened to have a show with famous choppers in the second and third floor. Unbelievable bikes.

From Eureka Springs to Little Rock, Arkansas

We got up early in the morning, even if we had a blast on the main street in Eureka Springs. We fell in love with an old hotel Basin Park Hotel (founded 1905). They have a wonderful terass on the second level and the service is awesome. Nothing was impossible... Not even an ice cream creation that did not exist. We also visited the official ghost hotel Cresent hotel on the hill... Awesome.

This morning we decided to drive to Little Rock using mountain roads. We found nirvana again. I do not wonder anymore why this state is called th "natural state". The beauty is unbelievable.

We stopped in multiple places during the road and overall we got 230 miles on our Honda Goldwings.

This evening we are going to enjoy the nightlife of Little Rock Arkansas.

Beautiful Eureka Springs

We got up around 6.45 AM this morning and the temperature was 54 Fahrenheit... Pretty chilly.... We headed towards Fort Smith which meant that we crossed the Arkansas border from Oklahoma. I have to say that we reached nirvana today. 68 Fahrenheit today, clean blue sky and beautiful Arkansas mountains. There is nothing that replaces the feeling of freedom. We are staying at Quality Inn in Eureka Springs and unbelievably run into a Honda Goldwing rally with 81 participants. That was a lot of Goldwings. Now we are headed towards the mainstreet in a limo to see how the Eureka Springs rock!

Fall motorcycle trip to Arkansas mountains

We started out trip this afternoon. It is our traditional trip to see the beautiful colors of Arkansas mountains. Our first afternoon took us via 121 to 75 across Texas-Oklahoma border and then I-40 East almost to the Arkansas border. We are staying in Sallisaw, Oklahoma little town. We found a nice little inn called "Blue Ribbon Inn". We got almost 280 miles on our motorcycles today.

Back in Dallas after a 30 hour plus travel schedule

I am back in Dallas safe and sound. The trip from Delhi to Chicago was the longest ever to me. It took 15 hours and the flight route was also new to me. The Boeing 777 took off in Delhi, and flew west of Himalayas north, through Russia and east of Finnish border, crossed Greenland at the most northern point I have never experienced. The flight was slightly delayed due to late incoming aircraft in Delhi, so I missed my flight in Chicago. This was unfortunate as I had been upgraded to business class. Oh well, I the flight was only 2 hours long, so considering the fact that I had already been traveling for more than 30 hours, did not make a big difference...

The overall travel time was like this: I started my journed from Mumbai, India on sunday 02.00 PM local Mumbai time. My flight left Delhi around 01.00 AM local Delhi time and then with the 15 hour flight, plus 4 hours until I came home, it is easy to calculate that my trip was more than 30 hours (32 hours).

Overall, the trip was awesome, I now have lots of new friends from different parts of India and I learnt alot from experienced Indians how the market in India is specifically in IT.

Delhi airport transfer hassle

My previous blog 2 hours ago was from the domestic terminal in Indira Gandhi airport in Delhi. We had to pick our bags, transfer people and bags were put in a bus with 2 soldiers with us. The travel between the two terminals with everything said and done was 1 hour but it is obvious that these guys know how to move people. They have the experience of 1.3 billion people.

Once we got to the terminal, the next challenge was to get to the ticket counter with the bag. Before entering the terminal, passport and ticket information was requested.

Once the security did their drill at the ticket counter, it was time to fill the immigration papers and go to the immigration que. After this, there was yet again security check of bags in xray and passport, and boarding card. I thought that this was it.

All of the international flights leave from the same facility and there are not seats for everybody and each gate does not have a ticket counter. So, if you did not do your thing initially or request, nothing would be available after this.

The biggest surprise was that business class, executive platinum are let in last and I eventually got to know why. It was because everybody was body and bag checked once more. Then we had to wait for another 30 minutes before we got on the plane.

I was a lucky camper as I was upgraded to business class and as this flight is 15 hours, I can sleep all the way. That is way cool.

As before, the system works even with all checks and I was happy with the fact that these guys really take security seriously specifically as tens of people died yesterday in bomb blasts in this city. I am sure that the security measures where even more strickt today.

All good, in a couple of hours I will sleep like a baby with a seat that goes down completely.

Mumbai-Delhi-Chicago-Dallas: two times hassle with bags

This is the scoop. If you fly domestic from Mumbai to Delhi, you need to pick your bag when arriving to Delhi, but the good news is that you will get friendly help. I have a personal carry person that transfers me to the bus. So I am all good. The domestic Indira Gandhi terminal seems nice, the temperature now when it is close to midnight is 30 centigrades... Because of the bomb blasts yesterday in Delhi, the security is tight and this is what I was told already at the Mumbai hotel.

Food on the flight from Mumbai to Delhi was nice and plenty. I sat in economy.

Flying back to Dallas, Texas: a piece of advice from a traveller

I am on my way back to Dallas. My flight today is Jet Airways from Mumbai to New Delhi and from New Delhi to Chicago. The final leg is from Chicago to Dallas.

The very exclusive hotel Renaissance arranged a driver to take me to the airport and the first question that the driver asked was: domestic or international? I said international of course. The driver said that he doesn' think so. I said that I arrived to Mumbai with codeshare flight with American, operated by Jet Airways and I will assume that I will be flying the from the same airport. The driver insisted that it must be domestic.. So, I decided to call my Executive Platinum desk in US and they were clueless.... So what I did was that I asked the desk what the Jet Airway flight number is and used this to ask the driver to call the hotel which airport.

I was chocked when the driver was right. I am flying from the domestic terminal (very new terminal) which is far from the international and as today Hindus have a huge celebration here in Mumbai, I might have missed my flight without the great service from Joseph, my driver and Renessaince, Mumbai which was my hotel.

So, do not assume anbything, do not rely that your airline knows where you should be (in this case American Airlines) and do let the locals help you when needed.

Thank you Joseph!

Mumbai, India crash course during one day with a car and driver

Saturday morning was very rainy in Mumbai, India 5ue to monsuun rains. I had planned a few hour trip to visit the most famous locations in Mumbai such as "Gateway to India" where the Brits came in and left the country. Also, I had a chance to have english tea in a five star hotel Taj with lovely tomato soup and bread. I could feel and smell the 1800 century when people were having coffee.

I also had a chance to visit Mahatma Ganghdi house were he stayed and worked while visiting India. Other places such as parks, famous railway station in Mumbai, rivers and such was on my visit route.

Fortunately, a good friend Suresh of mine had created a list of places to see (local Mumbai resident) as my driver did not talk english very well. He was very polite, and took me to wherever I wanted to go.

I have to say that I got a good feel of Mumbai, India and the place is large and has lots of people. Mumbai is the fiancial center of India and that can be seen of all the banks that they have.

Mumbai, India in a September 2008 morning

Mumbai, India in a September 2008 morning
Originally uploaded by petriisalonen

This is the view from my hotel Renaissance Mumbai Hotel & Convention center. This is the rain season in India, but the weather today has been nice. This hotel is around 20 minutes from Mumbai International airport.

Verdict from a very travelled person: American Airlines vs. Jet Airways

I have now flown Boeing 777 with American Airlines and 777 with Indian Jet Airways. Both flights in coach. There is nothing to compare. The food and service in Jet Airways coach is like food in American Airlines business class. There is something fundamental wrong here. The service in Jet Airways was so good I felt that I really was a customer and during my flight from Chicago to Brussels yet again a few flight attendants demonstrated that they passionately hate their job. It is sad to me as I have clocked close to 3 million miles on American and the service get poorer every year. I am now convinced that airlines such as Jet Airways or similar will take over the fat and non-service oriented US airlines. This is not to my interest as I support my local company, but they are now causing this on themselves.

I salute your service Jet Airways!

I am impressed with Indian Jet Airways 777 - 300 ER

I have to say that American Airlines need to come and check the seats of Jet Airways. I am sitting here in Brussels waiting on the departure to Mumbai and the seats are awesome and the service unreal. It is nothing to compare with typical American airlines where the misery shows in the way people are treated in the cabin. Luckily this is a AA codeshare flight so I get the benefit of flying a better American Airlines..... which is called Jet Airways from India.

Chicago-Bryssels an uneventful flight

My flight was ok, even if it was in coach class. The only thing that one can do is to read or sleep as the use of laptop computer (regardless of size) is almost impossible in coach. The seats are so close to each other that I can smell the person in front and the one back.

Brussels airport is big, but somehow lacks the character that one can find in other airports. Maybe it is only me being tired, but that is what comes to my mind.

Airlines should make money the way they are booked

I have to say that if airlines do not make money they have a broken model that can not be fixed. I am flying on American on regular basis and the flight are so booked that I feel like a sardin. Today the flight to Brussels from Chicago is so full that American has to give 800 dollars for somebody to get off the plane. Same thing with my flight from Dallas to Chicago. Completely booked.....

So my point is that it is not only the gas that is the reason these companies are loosing money. It is also something in their operational model....

Mumbai India, here I come

Once again, I am on for a trip. This time it is Mumbai, India via Chicago and Brussels. The flight or travel time is almost 24 hours and I am doing this in coach class. I hope I survive. It was raining heavily in Dallas today and based on the forecast in Mumbai this week, it is going to rain every day.

Fredrikshamn, Finland: memories from the past

Fredrikshamn, Finland
Originally uploaded by petriisalonen

This is a view that I was used to almost 20 years ago when I did my military officers training with class RUK 177 (Ukkopekka). It was during a very cold winter, and I will never forget this time

Flight back to Dallas from Tampa

The final leg by American Airlines from Tampa to Dallas was uneventful. We got good service from American Airlines and we were even upgraded so it was a smooth ride in first class. After this type of a vacation, I just have to say that "it was worth it".

Back in Tampa after a very nice cruise

I have to say, this cruise was perfect and the water in the very eastern part of Caribbean was so clear that it is very hard to even explain. We had decided to stay one night in the hotel in Tampa, in the very downtown area. The weather was not cooperating the day we arrived, there were multiple showers, but that did not matter as our Hilton hotel was a perfect place to stay and relax. There is a movie theater by the cruise terminal in Tampa so we had a chance to check out the latest Batman movie. Not bad, I would say... This cruise was better than the Royal Caribbean last summer, so I have to say that Carnival Cruise can also surprise you nicely!

Not having to give up gym during a cruise

One of the things that makes cruises nice is that one does not have to give up regular lifestyle such as working out in a gym. Carnival Legend has a full-blown gym that is in the 10th floor (you can not get higher) with an overview of the ocean. Very cool and nice to work out.

Roatan Island, Honduras: close to be a paradise

Today we arrived to the beautiful island of Roatan tha resides north of mainland Honduras. This island is the most island that I have ever seen in my life and we visited bothanical gardens, butterfly and bird sanctuary and finally the beautiful Westend of the island which is a small village maybe 20 minutes from the port we had docked at.

This is an island where we need to return one of these days. Honduras is bordered with Mexico and Guatemala.

Unbelievable excursion in Belize

This morning we got up very early (06.00 AM) to participate in a jugle/safari ride with Landrovers. A cruiseline can not get to the port in Belize due to huge coral reefs that prevents a large vessel to enter the port. Instead, the cruiseline has a continous feed of small boats going between the ship and the mainland.

Our trip took us with a speedboat to the coast and long into the jungle in a beautiful river. After one hour ride we arrived to a place in the jungle with 7 Landrovers and I could not believe it but I got to be the driver in my Landrover. The roads were rough and we drove several miles in a mudroad in the middle of the jungle and I have to admit that there were places where even I was a little scared. People in my Landrover had full trust in my driving skills.... Good for them....

After an hour and half we arrived to a camp with people working on our lunch, and that is when we got to take a long hike to very deep caves where Mayas had also used as shelter for hurricanes as well as moving between to sides of a mountain. We run into bats, more bats, very low celings and it was hot but at the very same time amazing.

After the caves we had lunch (chicken stu) with rice and salad... Very good and very nice. The lunc ended up with some punsch and a ride to Belize City in a jungle bus. That trip took around one hour and we got to shop at the pier.

Belize is part of British Commonwealth and have been independent country for quite a while. It is a pretty poor country, but with lots of opportunities. I was impressed with the people and their hospitality.

Interesting day in Cozumel, Mexico

We took an excursion of Cozumel today. We left around 10.00 AM with a group of people and there were three main stops during the way. First of all, we learnt lots of the history of Cozumel.... we got to visit the small city where everything was spun off and we got to see the nesting place for giant turtles and this area is regarded as a sanctuary and does not therefore have any electricity or other similar things.... Beautiful area and the color of the sea is amazing. I do not think the sea looks the same around the islands such as St Thomas, Curacao or Puerto Rico.

Tonight we are sailing towards Belize where we will have a trip to the rain forests and some old Maya ruins.

We are sailing towards Cozumel, Mexico

We just departed Cayman Islands (south of Cuba) and are on our way to the island of Cozumel in Mexico. I have not been there before, so it is exciting to get to see what it has to offer. The ship will be in Cozumel in the early morning.

First stop Georgetown, Grand Cayman- swimming with stingrays

Our ship arrived early in the morning to Grand Cayman and due to coral reefs, the cruiseliner could not approch the harbour so we had to be taken to the port with smaller boats.

We visited giant turtle park, a place called Hell (seriously) and finally we got to swim with stingrays. Awesome experience, nothing I had done before. The cruiseline "Carnival Legend" is fabolous and in fact built in Helsinki, Finland. Very, very good experience, with large balconies and this makes the trip awesome.

From Tampa to Grand Cayman Islands

The flight from Dallas Fort Worth was uneventful. Business class on American Airlines works like a cjarm and the international airport in Tampa works well, has lots of services and is clean and tidy. The cab drive from airport to Port 2 was 20 minutes and cost us 35 bucks. The cruise line did a good job of getting us on board and so far I am very happy camper. The cruise will take us to the first island with a full day at the sea first. I can relax at the two-level gym tomorrow!

Tampa, Florida in our site

Morning wake-ups are brutal. 3.50 AM so we can make our plane to Tampa. There is a weather advisry today in Dallas, the heat index is 107 Fahrenheit which is brutal. It is going to be interseting to see how Tampa is today.

IAMCP Golf Tournament in Houston, Texas

I had the pleasure to participate in a golf tournament at Wildcat Golf Club, Houston. The course was interesting, not specifically demanding and we had fun. The golf course has spectacular views over Houston surroundings. I do recommend to visit this golf course.

Driving to Houston on I-45 can be boring

I decided to drive down to Houston for Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2008 (WPC 2008) and it is around 300 miles from my house. The route is simple. First 114 to west from Trophy Club, then down to Houston on I-45 that is extremly boring and takes around 5 hours with a couple of stops. Just before Houston, I decided to have lunch at an IHOP (International House of Pancakes) and they have one of the best omelettes one can get (Big Steak Omelette)

Flight from New York to Dallas

Upgrade to first class after 12 hours of travel is a blessing. I have to say that it really makes a difference to be Executive Platinum with American Airlines. The upgrade path is a given and today it feels like a blessing as last nights sleep was only a few hours. Here I come Dallas, Texas!

A week of Finnish summer is behind

I have to say that Finland is beautiful during the summer. The sun shines very late in the evening and there is hardly any real darkness during the night. The latter part of the week included fresh showers and the temparature was below 20 centigrades for the most part. However, Finland needs some rain as it has been very dry for multiple weeks. I am sure there will be morew coming in once the summer goes on.... I will be returning to Finland for a trip in August so we will see what happens.

Historical Hamina, Fredrikshamn visit

I had a chance to visit the historical military and harbour town of Finland called Hamina (in Finnish) Fredrikshamn (in Swedish). This town used to the town where I got my Finnish Army officer training, so there are lots of nice memories that will never go away. I had a chance to listen to a historical speech by Martti Korhonen, who is the number one historian of what we call for Kymenlaakso (he has written several books about it). Three musicians performed between the sessions and the place of our enjoyment was what we call "raatihuone" (in Finnish") "radhuset" (in Swedish").

After the speeches, we had lunch in the garnison officers club (the one I had my military training).

Beautiful day with lots of things going in my mind.

Time in Kalaksue was well spent

I have to say that my two nights in Kalaksuen kyla (close to Lahti, Vierumaki and Jaala) was one of the highlights of this month. I was able to participate in celebration that took place in a very old traditonal mansion with 100 guests. The sun was shining, we had traditional Finnish food and drinks with coffee and cake.

I had almost forgot the fact that it does not get dark at all in the night. The sun was still very high at 09.00 PM, which to me is strange especially as we do not have such thing in Dalla, Texas.

Charles de Gaulle, Paris and luggage is a bad combination

I have to say that I should have known it. My flight from Dallas, Texas to Finland via Paris is a bad combination. I arrived to Helsinki but my luggage did not. So I will not have my brand new clothing for a summer party that takes place tomorrow. I should have known it. If you have an important meeting in Finland and need to have your luggage, avoid this connection. It happens everytime I use it.

On my way to Finland via Paris, France

Here we are again, on my way to Finland via Paris. This time I am flying economy and it is very cramped..... W
10 hours in a small seat... It is going to be interesting.

Time to fly back home to Dallas from Seattle

I am on my way from Seattle/Redmond afteer a very intensive weekend of work. The flight is a direct flight and I was just upgraded to first class, which is awesome. Thank you American Airlines. I get to be in Dallas for only a few days as I will fly to Europe on Thursday for a week.

Beautiful morning in Redmond, WA

This was one of these mornings when one says "Life is good". Sun is shining, the international team I am working with (LATAM, EMEA, US, Canada) is very nice. This day is a full day od important decisions that this group has to take.

Atlanta for 3 days was a success

I really like Atlanta, Georgia and very happy that my company has operations there. I met with prospects, spent time with our partner and now I am on my way to Redmond, Microsofts's HQ campus for the rest of the weekend. The weather in Atlanta was nice, some showers but not bad at all. I am flying via St Louis with a change and then to Seatlle, WA. I am flying back home to Dallas on Sunday evening.

Time to get on the road (Atlanta and Seattle)

I can not remember the last time I had the opportunity to stay in my home town for 2 weeks. I am now flying to Atlanta for 3 nights and the continuing my travel to Seattle (staying in Redmond) for two nights and will get back on Sunday night. The weather in Dallas has been very hot (95 Fahrenheit or so), but I have been able to play 2 rounds of golf during the last two weeks.

JFK American Airlines terminal is very nice

Gone are the days with a crappy JFK terminal where nothing worked. Today, the terminal is modern and with lot's of shops and such. I just arrived from Sao Paulo, Brazil and sitting on the plane on my way home to Dallas, Texas.

Sao Paulo Guarulh International airport experience

The Sao Paulo international airport is works very well. I was very impressed how quickly and efficiently I was checked in and everything from security to shopping is very good. The American Airlines Admirals club is under renovation and is currently very modest when compared with many other clubs around the world.

I am flying via JFK International Airport to DFW international airport in Texas.

Galeao Rio de Janeiro International airport

I had a very nice experience at the Galeao Rio de Janeiro International airport. Lot's of shops, food and amendenities. Highly recommended.

Rio de Janeiro during a Monday morning

I had a chance to stroll on Copacobana in Rio de Janeiro this beautiful morning and it became obvious to me that this place is really going to dormant winter time with elder people enjoying a more quiet Rio. It is now mid May and the weather has been around 22 centigrades and based on my prevous trip here a year ago I would say that the perfect timing would be early April or late March.

The Christ statue in Rio de Janeiro makes you quiet

I have seen lots of things around the world and I have to say that the famous statue of Christ in Rio de Janeiro is the most beautiful and pieceful environment that I have experienced in my travel. The weather was perfect for the viewing with clowds hanging around one and this almost gave you the impression that one is in heaven. Very powerful experience and highly recommended.

Day at the Sugarloaf and Baha, Brazil

Yesterday, I was lucky. The weather in Rio de Janeiro was pretty sunny and the view over Rio de Janeiro was unreal. Nokia had reserved the Sugarloaf hilltop for their "realtime" videoshot of famous artists around the world (such as Los Angeles, Rio etc.) and this event seemed to be very exclusive with VIP passes and such.

The afternoon I spent time with a driver taking me to Baha and other more remote sites with a late lunch at an exclusive restaurant by the ocean. Life is good...

Rio de Janeiro International Airport - distance to Copacobana and Ipanemana

The distance from the international airport of Rio de Janeiro is around 20 minutes from the downtown (Copacobana and Ipanemana) and you can buy cab tickets at the baggage claim area (recommended). The system works very well and impressed me how welcome they made me feel. I did not fly to the regional airport as I need to return to Sao Paulo International airport tomorrow on Monday. My flight is taking me to JFK (New York) and then to Dallas, Texas.

Rio de Janeiro - Copacobana and Ipanema

This evening I walked around 6 kilometers on the famous Copacobana oceanfront. There are lots of local salespeople selling turist stuff and some of these people really need the money, no question about that. I am staying in Sofitel Rio de Janeiro which is in between Copacobana and Ipanema.

Flying to Rio de Janeiro via Congonhas airport

I am flying to Rio de Janeiro using the local regional Sao Paulo Congonhas airport. This airport is conviently located close to important business districts and this local airport takes you to one of the most beautiful landings in the center of Rio de Janeiro local/regional airport that is called Galeao. I have flown this once before, so I know what it feels to land in this beautiful location. You can see the sugartops from the airplane window. This flight is one hour 10 minutes.

Sao Paulo in May - Vibrant business city

This is my third day in Sao Paulo, Brazil and I have to say that this city impresses me due to its vibrant business environment. I participated in a trade mission organized by International Assiciation of Microsoft Certified Partners (IAMCP) with participants from all over the world. I have had the chance to meet companies from almost every Latin American country such as Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru and many others. I am sure I will be coming back soon. Today, I am headed to Rio de Janeiro for the weekend.

Ocean Drive, Miami during the evening

One of the "have to go places" in Miami is Ocean Drive that has lots of restaurants by the Ocean, anything one can think of. Another street, very close to Ocean Drive is Espanola Way that has lots of nice restaurants as well.

Want Chinese food in Miami - try Miss Yip at Meridian Avenue

I had dinner at Miss Yip and I have to admit that they had the best hot and sour soup that I have had in my life. Overall the food was very good and highly recommended. The bad news is that the service was the worst that I have had ever in Miami. Our waiter looked like she could not care less what we were having or what our needs were. I am wondering how they can have people such that in the restaurant? Are they making too much money?

Miami on my mind

I have to say that Miami is one of my favorite places. Today we landed around 10.00 AM at Miami International airport, I did a conference call from American Airlines Admirals Club and then we headed to Bayside Marketplace that I experience 20 years ago the first time. Two hours of checking the place we jumped in a cab and drove to the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Collins Avenue. This place has hundreds of stores and a few weirdos that I seem to run into each time I visit this place. With dinner in the belly, it is time to head back to the airport to catch the plane to Sao Paulo, Brazil.

American Airlines Boeing 757 should retire

I can not believe how old this Boeing 757 feels that American Airlines is still flying. It looks like from the 50s and the first class seats seem from 50s as well. Oh well, I am sure it gets us where it needs to.

Miami for birthday dinner

I am on my way to Sao Paulo, Brazil for a trade mission arranged by IAMCP LATAM. More than 30 companies across the world will meet and network to create business opportunities. A full day in Miami will be fun as the flight to Sao Paulo leaves around 11.00 PM.