Episode 1: The sauna retreat at Helsinki airport. 

Woke up early full of plans and illusions about how the day was supposed to go. Packed my bag, breezed through security with my colleagues like model passengers ready for takeoff. I boarded the big A350 for a short flight, the plane felt like a classy lady, despite the zorro windshield. But a lady with technical problems – a broken actuator I would later find out when my compensation claim was gracefully rejected. Extraordinary circumstance, sorry for your dreams of booking a trip to Chicago with that €400 voucher.

Half way through the flight just when I was ready to nap, the captain announces a technical problem and a “quick” return to Helsinki. Sprinkle a bit of turbulence, just enough to make me question my life choices, and back we went. 

So there I was again, 3h later back in Helsinki airport with another 8h to go until my rebooked flight. Lucky me, my Oneworld loyal colleagues smuggled me into the fancier areas where free food, peace and sofas exist. Their loyalty was rewarded with earlier flights and upgrades, i was not that lucky and had to spend some extra time waiting, snacking, people-watching, until i discovered THE SAUNA. 

Hidden in plain sight with locker rooms, showers and that signature Finnish respect for heat and hygiene. Suddenly my delayed flight was a bliss. Toasting myself at 80deg, with slippers and fairy lights in the ceiling, i didn’t want my next flight anymore – I had found the ultimate airport peace, and possibly mild dehydration but that’s always the case at airports. 

For once, travel disruption was enjoyable, I could have stayed longer. I didn’t want my original plans and meetings anymore, I wanted steam, cucumber water and peacefulness.

The corporation disagreed though and off i went again on my next attempt at flying back. This time was successful, the nap was sublime as I was freshly-steamed, lavender-oiled and well hydrated. 

10/10 to the Finns! Would get stranded here again.