Hand luggage! Really?

Super early start, more down to neuroses - a 5.45 alarm meant clock watching from 4. First leg was the metro to Belorusksya Station, ideally making the 7am train to the airport. Wanted to leave a bit of leeway due to Russian quirkiness & general obscure procedures. First of many metal detectors at the station - they're everywhere here. Panicked a bit with everyone hurrying but made it with plenty to spare. The 'Aeroexpress' didn't do too much expressing. Then onto the onslaught of hoop jumping. Another metal baggage scan to get into the airport. Not happy there was an aerosol in my main backpack - can't take that in the cabin - does it really look like hand baggage? Had to unlock phone as well - God knows what that shows. Managed to jump the queue a little at the bagagge drop that was suspiciously the same as checking-in - printed out boarding passes even though she'd been given ours. Passport control & a stroppy cow hedging her bets as to which queue to choose. Wasn't happy when we forced her to make a choice when she wasn't able to block everyone any longer. Bizarrely gate 31 had a skygate numbered 32. Equally bizarre the seats were numbered with seats A & C, D & F. All very weird. Got into Helsinki to find the Manchester leg was delayed by 40 mins. That bit longer to get into town & wake myself up. Had some great Salmon soup / a salmon plate at the market cafes that we'd meant to give a go when in town. On the way back to the station picked up some of the best strawbs ever (honest) & relaxed in the Esplanadi Park. Leisurely walk back to the station. Managed to avoid queuing to board while bagging some comfortable lounge seats. Nice relaxing end though Manchester may have something to say about that.Read more