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.

I am not sure I like Frankfurt airport anymore

The airport has been very good so far, but during the last year or so, the process of changing plane is a painful experience and the last change they have made is that you are requested to show papers 5 times before you board. This is completely ok if the process would be smooth, but the inspection points are undermanned and the attitude of the workers are accordoing to that. For people like me that travel almost every week, this has become a major pain. No wonder the rich people have their own planes and methods of moving around....

Prague before the sunrise

My hotel, Prague Holiday Inn Congress Centre was a very good experience and they even have the service to take one from airport and to airport (with a fee), so for mee to get up 04.00 AM it was easier to just jump in the car.... My brain is not at its best at 04.00. I am flying via Frankfurt (Czech Airlines) and then with American Airlines (Boeing 777).. Interesting week with multiple countries behind me.

Prague, Czech Republic during Friday late afternoon and evening

I had the chance to walk for 3 hours tonight in the centrum of Prague and I have to say that the city is unbeliavably beautiful and specifically now when it is spring. As a guest, I was also invited to an area that is not known or used by turists so I had a chance to experince a Czech evening..... Needless to say, it was nice.

First time in the brand new Heathrow Terminal 5

I had the chance to see the already much talked about new Heathrow Terminal 5 that has had lots of issues propably due to software and other issues (still remember Denver airport fiasko?)

I flew from Paris with British Airlines (they only accepted one piece of luggage by the way so I will try to avoid BA in the future)

The terminal is huge and seems to work well and is also very modern and to me almost beautiful. Charles de Gaulle compared with this.... Oh well, you got the point....

For Americans, they even have Starbucks here, so you do not have to shake of coffeine shortage if you happen to arrive from US.

I have to admit.. This building is impressive and it looks like the Finnish Kone has got a lucrative deal in the lifts here at Terminal 5.

No seating in Paris Charles de Gaulle

I am wondering why Charles de Gaulle is built the way it is. To be able to check-in, you have to go to beyound the passport control. Once you have checked in, you are in this "zone" of nothing, no seats, nowhere to spend time besides the airport lounges that only a few have access to. The port is again behind security control and as each gate area has its own security, one can not go in until the gate is announced.... So, here I am, between the gate and the passport and will have to stand for another hour. Not one of my favorite airports for sure....

Morning in the beautiful Paris

It is time to get to the Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. I will be flying to Prague, Czech Republic via London. The weather in beautiful Paris is sunny but little chilly. Getting a realible cab in Paris can be a challenge.

Paris, France in April

I have to say that Paris, France is beautiful in the spring sunny weather as today here in Paris, France. Unfortunately, I not stay here for another night as I will fly to Prague, Czech Republic tomorrow.

Do not trust the "taxi sir" people at Charles de Gaulle airport

Do not take the unofficial cabs at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport as it could potentially double your fare. Thet will ask you 75 Euros and the real one is 35 to 40 Euros and these cabs you can get from door 14m

Helsinki - Paris with Fly Excellent

I did not know that there is a new Swedish company that rents it flight service to SAS/Blue1. I interviewed the stewardess and she said it is pretty new. The new thing is that you have to pay for everything on the plane, even beverages like coffee and tea. I am not sure this is going to work with me. Other than that, the flight was smooth.

Paris, France - Helsinki Finland leg

It is obvious to me how Finnair (state owned Finnish airliner) makes its money today. It is acting as the bridge between Europe and Asia. Today, when I flew from Paris to Helsinki, I realized that this has been the case the past couple of years and I assume it will continue going forward. I am not sure but soon there is going to be competition from other European airliners due to Open Skies pact or treaty. The last ten years that I have lived in Dallas, the shift of mix of nationalities is considerable specifically when flying to Finland.

European Tour - Czech Republic, France, Finland

Here I am again, now on my way to Europe to visit Finland, France and Czech Republic. This time it is going to be one week.... enought to feel jetlag both ways. I hope Europe will show at least some of the sun that we have been seeing here in Texas the last few days.

Business class is where you meet people

I can not emphasize enough how important it can be to sit in business class on flights. I have during the years donme lots of business on flights and today I met a guy that I will definetely connect with again.

Time to fly back to Dallas from Chicago

It was a beautiful day today in Chicago and I think the first signs of spring are definetely there. We will be in Dallas almost as late as midnight so the sleep next night is going to be very short. I was upgraded to business class which makes my travel slightly easier this time around.

Gate agent did not have a good morning

Flight 2324 this morning to Chicago was interesting. The main gate agent should not have been working today. American Airlines got tens of very angry clients this morning. I do not think American Airlines can afford it specifically with the new Open Skies agreement. The morning weather is beautiful but to get up 4.30 AM is brutal.

Useless standby with equipment failure (Chicago by night)

This morning while in Chicago, I saw from US Today that American Airlines has stranded 37 flights in Chicago due to FAA regulations of some sort of cabeling checkout specifically on MD-80 planes. Guess what.... that is the main plane type that flies between Dallas and Chicago. I was trying to standby for an earlier flight.... no luck even with my Executive Platinum status. Oh well, I get to be in Dallas around midnight.

Chicago again in beautiful Dallas sunny weather

I am on my way to Chicago in a sunny Dallas weather. I overheard somebody saying that it has been snowing in Chicago this Easter weekend. We will see once we land.

To Dallas via Kansas City from Chicago

I could not get a resonable ticket from Chicago to Dallas this week due to the Irish St Patricks day and spring breaks. I am flying via Kansas City to Dallas. The weather in Chicago is just unreal (beautiful) and my stay at Hilton O'hare was perfect.

Chicago late night flight

The temperature in Dallas is 85 Fahrenheit and the temperature in Chicago is 33 Fahrenheit. Trees in Dallas are blooming and Chicago might get snow. This time of the year is showing how south and north are different. I am staying at Hilton O'Hare airport.

Sweet, first class from Chicago to Dallas

I landed today in Chicago (from London and Helsinki) and the weather here is beautiful. They upgraded me to first class (better than business class on Boeing 777) and these seates as unbelievable. Soon, I will be home in Dallas, but tomorrow I have to fly to Chicago again.

Direction Dallas

I am on my way to Dallas via London Heathrow and Chicago. The flight is a British Airways flight and I do not recall when I flew the last time with BA. Must have been to Chennai, India via Heathrow. My stay in Dallas is shortlived, I have to fly to Chicago on Monday evening.

Kotka with Samba rythms

I had the chance to visit my former home town Kotka (120 kilometers east of Helsinki) for one night and day. Today, the local centre of Kotka had a local Samba school perform and there was lots of interest to this music and dance. Last night we got snow and the nature is beautiful with white trees. Tomorrow I am on my way home to Dallas, Texas via London and Chicago. The weather in Dallas is nice, more than 80 Fahrenheit and the sun is shining.

Madrid, Spain was a pleasant experience

My trip to Madrid Spain went very well. The international airport is huge, but well organized and good quality. The weather was not very warm (around 10 Celsius) but manageble and pleasant. I look forward to a new visit to this city. I am flying back to Helsinki via Prague, Czech Republic

Time to move on, from Helsinki via Prague to Madrid Spain

I just had one night in Helsinki Finland and now I am on my way to Madrid Spain via Czech Republic Prague. The weather in Helsinki has been aweful yesterday and today so I hope Madrid is going to be different. I am flying back to Helsinki on Tuesday so it is a very short visit.

Europe, here I come

Time for my European trip. This time from Dallas to Frankfurt and then to Helsinki. On Sunday I will do a trip to Madrid Spain for a couple of days. The snowstorm in Dallas turned to a beautiful sunny day. Some areas in Dallas had got 9,5 inches of snow.

Chicago- Dallas leg in beautiful night weather

I am back on my way to Dallas from Chicago O'Hare to Dallas DFW. However, my stay is shortlived, as I will be leaving to Europe on Friday to visit both Finland and Spain.

Huge thunderstorm in Dallas Fort Worth last night - I will still make Chicago today!

I am surprised that my flight to Chicgo today is not delayed as much as I thought it would be based on the weather we had the whole night and this morning. I am very surprised but happy that I get to my client in Chicago today.

Seattle-Tacoma airport. - pleasant experience

I am waiting on my direct flight from Seattle-Tacoma airport to Dallas Fort Worth after a very heavy week of work. The flight is around 4 hours, but flying in business is going to be easier. Unfortunately, I have to fly to Chicago again on Monday morning.

North American continent is huge

Just to get some perspective on the size of the North American continent. My flight from Dallas to Chicago was 2 hrs 20 min, the flight from Chicago to Seattle was 4 hrs 5 min. With layover of 3 hrs, my trip took me 10 hrs with the cab in the end. This trip was longer than flying from Helsinki Finland to Peking, China. This entry is for my friends in Europe.

Flying via Chicago during winter is gambling

This morning when I woke up I checked the weather in Chicago.... bad news.... high winds with snow. I would fly via Chicago to Seattle and if the weather gets worse, I would be stuck in Chicago over the night. Luckily, my plane arrived to Chicago without problems but my flight to Seattle is delayed for 1 hour 30 minutes.... so I will be in Seattle after midnight, but at least I get there.

Thank you American Airlines for taking me home

I did not expect to get a seat on an earlier flight today. The flight was overbooked, oversold and I still got to fly home earlier to Dallas from Chicago. Go American Airlines!

Arising spring in Dallas, on my way to Chicago

It is one of those 4.20 AM mornings where I am headed to Chicago. This time it is going to be two nights in the Hilton Suites at East Delaware, by the beautiful Michiagan Avenue.

No delays in Chicago this time

It is cold in Chicago... reminds me of Finland at its best. My destination is Dallas this time so I get to go home. However, my travel weeks will continue so there is going to be lots of landings and takeoffs.

On my way to Chicago again

Nothing is new. I am on my way to Chicago again for a couple of nights. Based on the weather news, Chicago is cold today, -2 Fahrenheit. I hope I am not going to get hit with snowstorm when coming back.

Chicago with snow storm is not good news

I had to overnight one additional night at the Chicago O'hare international airport and this hotel has everything you need.... Full-scale gym and everything else one needs. I was lucky to get a direct flight to Dallas and not have to fly via Memphis as my partner had to do. I guess this is one of the perks that an Executive Platinum member has.

To Chicago on United Airlines

Here we are again.... I am flying to Chicago on United Airlines which I do not think I have ever done as I fly American Airlines whenever I can. The weather in Dallas has been exceptionally warm, we had more than 70 Fahrenheit yesterday. The spring is very soon in Texas.

Mexico City from air - pollution is pretty obvious

Mexico City is large, very large and I had the opportunity to see Mexico City from the air before the sunset and the smog was visible and one could see how it was layered over the larger 45 million city area. I have to say the view as amazing.

Mexico City did not let me down this time either

It is time to fly back to Dallas again.... only for one day as I have to be in Chicago on Monday again. The stay in Mexico City was not only productive but enjoyable and I cannot wait to get back again. The weather was exceptionally nice and the winds took care of some of the pollution that is existent in Mexico City.

Mexico City here I come

Beautiful weather in Dallas, so I had no problems of getting on the Mexico City flight. Admirals Club kept me effective as I had to work with my presentations. It is going to be nice to visit Mexico City again.

From snowstorm to sunshine in Chicago

The weather patterns in Chicago are amazing.... The weather changed yesterday from 40 plus to less than 25 and this caused massive delays for airlines and 300 flight cancellations in Chicago. This morning, it is a very nice and sunny day and I am on my way to Dallas (with 3 hours layover to continue to Mexico City). It is going to be odd to stay at the airport and not be able to visit my home. Hopefully the weather in Mexico City is going to be nice.

Back in action - Chicago until Wednesday

Here I am again sitting in American Airlines Admirals club waiting on my flight to Chicago. I can see the signs of spring as the temperature in Dallas is going to be close to 70 Fahrenheit this week and it is pretty humid as the front from Mexican coast is headed our way. On Wednesday, Mexico City.

Boston showed its good face this week

My stay in Boston was very nice and the weather was very nice and mostly sunny. The city gives a nice European flavor to its visitors with lots to see and lots of opportunities to walk around. Next week I am headed to Chicago as well as Mexico City.

Boston trip is about to start - drizzling rain in Dallas, Texas

A few hours of sleep and I am on my way again, this time to Boston, MA. I checked the weather forecast and it is going to somewhat warmer than Chicago this weekend with some rain and snow.... Boston is one of my favorite places so it is going to be nice I am sure.

Back to Dallas with some luck with flights

Living in either Dallas or Chicago can be challenging if the flights are hit with bad weather or mechanical issues. Today, we were supposed to have been on a 7.20 PM flight but managed to get a flight in the 3.40 PM, but as all flights are currently delayed or even cancelled, our confirmed seats in the final row is almost like a lottery win. I really have to get back to Dallas today as I have to fly to Boston 6.25 AM for the rest of the week. Today, we had light snow in the morning, then the weather cleared so we are now on our way to Dallas.

Sidetrip to Chicago downtown

We had the chance to do a little sidetrip to downtown Chicago as there was not another game today. The weather could not be better for a little roadtrip and the sun is shining. We spent some time driving around downtown Chicago.

Chicago, Schaumburg - Day 1

We are staying in a nice Comfort Suites in Schaumburg and the new icering Leafs Centre is so new that the GPS does not even recognise it. We had issues finding the rink which is in West Dundee. The weather could not be better.... It is cold like a winter should be, but the sun is shining. We also visited the nice Springhills Mall that is close to the intersection of highway 72 and 31.

Sweet, Boeing 777 Business Class to Chicago

Nice, American Airlines placed my whole family in business class as we are on our way to Chicago ice hockey tournament so we are sitting conviniently in business class. The weather in Chicago is supposed to be very cold this weekend.

Chicago is finally hit with winter

Finally, Chicago is hit with winter weather. Not much snow to talk about, but when I fly back here on Friday, the forecast is promising even colder weather. That remains to be seen. On Tuesday, I am headed to Boston and that is another story. Boston, I believe has been hit with very heavy winter weather.

Beautiful sunrise in Dallas, Texas: Chicago in my mind

It is a beautiful morning to be departing to Chicago and I am happy that I am not on my way to Boston today as a huge snowstorm has hit Northeast. Last week the temperature in Chicago was surprisingly mild and it will be interesting to see how it is this week.

Back to Dallas

Two nights in Chicago are behind and I am on my way to Dallas again. The weather in Chicago was unusual... warm an no sign of winter and snow... Next week will be interesting.. Maybe some snow then....

My weekly Chicago trip - tired people on the morning plane

Once again, an early Monday morning and I am on my way to Chicago for a couple of nights. I hope Chicago weather is OK as we had 79 Fahrenheit in Dallas yesterday and I was playing golf.

Beaitiful winterday in Montreal, Canada

The day after the snowstorm is more than beautiful and we are ready to get back to Dallas. The sun is shining, it is around -10 Centigrades and we are ready to exit the beautiful Marriott Chateau Champlain hotel.

The snowstorm hit us in a big way

The weather got worse during our car trip from Mont Tremblant to Montreal. Our rental car did not have very good tires so stopping at traffic lights and stop signs became difficult. We managed to get to the hotel, get our rooms and escape to the underground system of Montreal. The good old days of Finland came to my mind.... especially now as the weather in Finland has been very non-Christmas like based on my discussions with my friends in Finland.

New Years Eve in Mont Tremblant, Canada

We had a nice last day in Mont Tremblant and this day ended in New Years celebration. The mountain was crowded, restaurants were crowded so we decided to spend a pieceful evening and night in our condominium and watch TV to see how New York Time Square let the big celebration ball to come down 100th time in its history. Today, on Tuesday, we are on our way back to Montreal. It is going to be intereting to see if the snowstorm that is expected to hit Montreal with 15 centimeters is going to get in our way.