I am sitting on a bus, the computer on the tray table which is making a permanent indentation on my stomach, blogging on a bus is as difficult as translating the words “personal hygiene”…into French.
It’s 9 am and for the last hour and a half we have been on and off the bus at all of Helsinki’s top sites. These include the gorgeous Cathedral in Senate Square, the Houses of Parliament and the stunning Rock Church which has been carved out of granite rock…………….the clue was in its name. We also have just visited a monument to Sibelius the great Finnish composer and now we are on our way somewhere else…………..I have no idea where but I will let you know when we get there.
Unfortunately the weather is awful and it has been raining since we awoke at 6 am and every time I film a segment for the travel video I remind people that they will be here in the summer and hopefully the weather will be sunny. It really is a cold, damp, grey day and as we drive now the streets are quiet and there are few cars on the road. This may be that Finland only has a population of 5 million and they are spread out all over the country with just 550,000 here in the capital.
Out of the 550,000 people I have seen only 11 today……………maybe everyone woke up, saw the weather and thought sod this, I am going back to work………………..maybe they are all having a sauna.
It is so interesting to see what people from different lands eat for breakfast. This morning the Finnish people seemed to be munching on a salad …………..this included peppers, onions, lettuce and cheese with bread that looked like it still had big lumps of chocolate in it. I am sure it wasn’t chocolate and was probably some healthy seed thingy but it looked like bread with lumps of Godiva in it.
I didn’t fancy a lettuce and chocolate sandwich at 7 am so I asked the waitress for a fried egg…………..she gave me a look as though I had just asked for Fried Hippopotamus in a sauce made of baboon urine ………..I smiled and thought maybe she didn’t speak English and turning into a tourist I asked again only this time louder and slower……………can………..I …………..have………….a……………..fried egg …………. please.
Turns out that Helga did indeed speak perfect English as she said……….no…………..sorry…………….no eggs.
So, that was me nibbling on lettuce and onions while Heidi enjoyed yogurt and some cereal thing ………. bugger.
Here is the news.
I have been invited to drive to Southampton to visit the Queen Mary 2 on April 22. Also there will be the Queen Victoria and the Queen Elizabeth 2 ……………. Southampton hasn’t seen this many Queens since Cher held a concert in the city.
Seriously, it is an honour to be invited for the day and I will be sure to take you all along with me for the ride. I also hope to take Alan with me. He may never get to cruise again but if I can I would love to be able to let him see this mighty ship. Anyway, my thanks in advance to Cunard for allowing me this great privilege.
Oh, turns out that Carnival thought my humble musings here on the blog worthy of another press release………..what an honor.
BLOG OF CARNIVAL’S SENIOR CRUISE DIRECTOR JOHN HEALD APPROACHING TWO MILLION VISITOR MARK
Daily Traffic to Site Has Increased 55 Percent Over Past Month
MIAMI (April 8, 2008) – The blog of Carnival Cruise Lines’ Senior Cruise Director John Heald continues to set new milestones, with the number of total hits approaching two million and daily visitors increasing 55 percent over the past month. Heald’s blog can be accessed via www.carnival.com or www.johnhealdsblog.com.
The dramatic increase in traffic can be attributed to interesting and entertaining new postings focusing on Carnival’s upcoming European and Alaska cruise seasons, as well as additional exposure through various cross-promotional opportunities.
The new content includes Heald’s humorous account of his recent trips to Denmark and Finland to research shore excursion choices for the new Carnival Splendor’s inaugural Northern Europe cruises this summer, and a daily journal from Chris Roberts, cruise director aboard the Carnival Spirit, who offers his own unique perspective in preparing for the vessel’s Alaska program that kicks off in May.
Through their on-line postings, Heald and Roberts not only provide readers with valuable information on two highly attractive and popular “Fun Ship” cruise destinations but also keen insight into the countless hours of work that takes place behind the scenes in creating fun and exciting landside experiences for Carnival guests.
“Over the past few months I have tried to include new features such as Chris Roberts’ unique and colorful insights into Alaska, which has been very well received by readers. I am flabbergasted by the continued popularity of the blog and plan on writing for a long time to come. Thanks to everyone who takes their valuable time to have a look at my thingy every day,” Heald said.
Originally launched as part of the Carnival Freedom’s inaugural European cruise season, Heald’s engaging personality and candid commentary proved so popular that he continued writing the blog, which celebrated its one-year anniversary last month.
Heald has posted near-daily reports while traveling through Europe in preparation of the arrival of the Carnival Splendor. He will serve as that ship’s senior cruise director throughout its Northern Europe, Mediterranean and Caribbean programs.
Within the blog, Heald regales readers with entertaining and often poignant stories about the people and places he comes in contact with on a daily basis, all with his offbeat wit and deadpan humor.
The popularity of the blog has led to the second annual “John Heald’s Bloggers Cruise” aboard the Carnival Fantasy from New Orleans Feb. 7-12, 2009, which looks to match the success of the first Bloggers Cruise earlier this year that attracted more than 800 of Heald’s most ardent fans.
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Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is a proud member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.
This is a very modern coach that I am sitting in and like George Hamilton’s Bentley it has heated seats. You press a button on the arm rest and your seat heats up………….Heidi thought it would be hilarious to switch mine on and for the last 5 minutes I have had a very uncomfortable feeling and eventually Heidi’s giggling gave the game away………thanks to her I know have steamed hemorrhoids.
I have to say that the Finnish countryside is, even in the rain………….simply splendid and now we are pulling up at another manor house that has the unfortunate name of Krapi Manor ……………. good…………because after the heated seat that’s exactly what I need.
BACK SOON.
In the meantime here is the latest from our friend Bubba.
Alaska Fam 2008 – The Halfway Point
Well up early yet again to sounds of the Clash playing out of my cell phone…Should I stay or should I go now? Packed up and checked out of another hotel. There are few hotels in Skagway. This one reminded me of an old truckers roadside lodge. The outside did not look too impressive but the inside was very nice. I had a pretty good night’s sleep but woke up at 6am. Sun comes up early here, but stayed in the bed till the cell phone told me it was time to get up.
We were off to Broadway….yes Broadway, but not the Great White Way. It is the main street in Skagway. The strip, the miracle mile….well not quite a mile. Walking down the roads the sidewalks are made from wood, so as you walk you feel like you have been flashed back in time to the days of the gold rush. We stopped for breakfast in a place called the Sweet Tooth Café. A mom and pop type restaurant where I got a huge helping of biscuits and gravy and a side of hash browns. The place was jumping with lots of activity. Guess all the locals in having breakfast before they head to work.
This morning we were on the Ghosts & Goodtime Girls tour. Where we learn the history of Skagway through the help of one of the ladies of the night. Our guide was Madam Ivanna Mountie….she’s Canadian. In this walking tour you learn the highlights of the history of Skagway about some of the known haunted areas and see where the red light districts were. The tour is filled with funny innuendo and is very interactive with your guide. Most people start out a bit shy around the Madam, but using her super powers; she draws you into the story and will have you in stitches. The tour ends up in the Red Onion Saloon which was an actual brothel during the gold rush days. You will walk through each of the rooms which are filled with items that were found in the Red Onion many years ago. Here’s some pics from today’s walk….
This is our stop down one of the alleys in town. The building behind is to be a brothel during the gold rush days. Here your Madam will tell you how the origin of the Red Light District came to be in Skagway and how this particular brothel worked. The house is now a residence so don’t expect anyone to be hanging a red light in their window.
A close up of our Madam. She was giving me the eye during the whole trip. You’ll see on her arm she has garters. Everyone on the walking tour will get one of these.
This building was a one room “crib” or “house of negotiable affection.” Much like in Amsterdam the large window would be where the lady would stand to try and attract business. Of course now it has become something else…a rental car company…where you can still get a ride for a few bucks.
You’ll also see some interesting sight along the way…the log cabin above was the first building in Skagway, the home of William Moore who discovered the area, and below that is the Saloon once owned by the famous outlaw Soapy Smith.
Inside the Red Onion your Madam will take you upstairs and show you a good time, plus there is plenty of good photo ops along the way.
Of course they don’t only glamorize the time of the brothel and the gold rush. They will also tell you about some of the hard times that people would put themselves through. Plus some great stories about some of the Famous Ladies of the Gold Rush Days.
There is an age restriction on this tour because of the content. But if you want a nice walk around town filled with some colorful history….Ghost & Goodtime Girls is the way to go.
After we parted from the Red Onion we headed down to the docks as we must say good bye to Skagway. I am sad to go because I have really found a liking for this town and the people who keep the history alive here. We said our goodbyes to our hosts and boarded the ferry for the Alaska Marine Highway. We are on the “fast ferry” which is going to get us to Juneau in about 4 hours. I’d hate to see what the “slow ferry” does. But we’ll find some quiet time to reflect on the last few days and prepare for another day in Juneau before heading to Sitka.
James and I are planning to spend some of the time to go over the travel talk to make sure I am remembering all of the details that I have seen along our travels. I am really looking forward to doing the talk when we get to the Alaska season so I can relay some of my passion for this itinerary. We’ll see you tomorrow!
Ciao for now, Chris
What a wonderful lunch at the Krapi Manor we had. The Finnish certainly know how to eat and today’s lunch which is the same menu we feature on one of our tours consisted of elk, which tastes like ……….. well, elk and lots of fresh fish. The Finns also love potatoes and prepare them in many different and tasty ways.
After lunch we spent the afternoon in pouring rain exploring the birthplace and country home of Finland’s most famous composer, Sibelius, and then it was off to an open-air museum where the guests can see Finland of the past and how they used to live. These sights are all part of our Architecture, Music and the Arts tours and if those three things are subjects you enjoy then these are tours you really must take. We also saw a powerboat thrill ride to a private island as well as the rest of what exciting Helsinki has to offer.
As I mentioned, it has been raining very hard and I have been soaked to the skin but happy. Finland is a beautiful country and it is a shame that I do not have a head that can rotate 360 degrees as there is so much to see. The countryside is especially gorgeous and any tour that includes a trip outside of Helsinki as well as the countryside would be the tours for me. .
I have been learning today about the rivalry between Finland and Sweden. Every country has another country that they make fun of. In England it’s the Irish and in Holland it’s the Belgians.
There is the same sense of fun between the Finns and the Swedes. Example: how do you sink a Swedish submarine? Answer…………………knock on the hatch………….thanks to our guide and tour company owner for that joke and for the brilliant time we have all had.
Finland is a beautiful country and it’s hard to say what I would recommend. Certainly Helsinki is a great town but for me……….the Finnish countryside stole the show. The tours we have are varied and my advice is to pack as much into your day as you can…………..this is one port you will not want to miss a moment of.
Tomorrow we have a 5 am wake up call for an 8 am flight to Tallinn Estonia………why not come along for the ride?
Here are today’s photos:
One last thing…………the last few days I have eaten Herring, Elk, Herring, Reindeer, Herring and tonight I was asked to try bear ………………….. yep ……………….. bear……………..I refused as Heidi would have placed me in the doghouse forever. I have loved Finland and Denmark but at this point I am desperate for some normal food.
If I was offered a choice between spending a week in Tahiti with Jessica Simpson or Cheeseburger and Fries, Jessica would be traveling alone.
Goodnight
your friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Uma Thurman | Tagged: Splendor Godmother
Hi, John & Heidi, nice seeing you on Queen Victoria!
Have to say that now that you’re in Finland, you’re in “our” turf; my husband, who was alas with me, somewhere, on Queen Vic (but who you didn’t get to meet) is the penultimate Finn. He’s a native and we have a home there, just outside Helsinki. It’s been a challenging and oft-rewarding (oft meaning not always) experience to adapt.
Let’s just address the food issue. I actually enjoy reindeer (as long as I dispatch images of Rudy). It’s savory, like venison, and especially good with mashed potatoes.
Potatoes, as my husband attests, is/are the Finnish natural er, vegetable. He likes them in any form (aside from the boiled variety, hates that, reminds him of school). He weighs about 110 pounds and can eat constantly and never gains weight and well, all is not fair in the world. But potatoes do reign. His mother makes the world’s best scalloped potatoes. The best. Ever.
If I could just say that Helsinki itself is rather captivating. I love the Esplanade. There’s a far more complicated name for it (Poijesplandi, I think). It’s a huge grassy expanse that divides two boulevards with all the greatest shops (and cafes) of the city. No chain-like Euro stores but Finnish boutiques. Entertainment in summer. Grassy lawns for lounging. That should be your center for exploring if you’re just — my favorite expression — poking around.
Beyond that, two favorites:
*there’s a market, both indoor and outdoor, on the waterfront. You can buy souvenirs and lunch (and last time I was there I actually bought fresh foodstuffs to take back to our home to make for dinner — that was cool).
*or go for lunch at Sasso. It’s right there in the heart of everything. No Michelin stars the last time I checked but I’ve been there a dozen times and it’s just the right kind of restaurant if you want an excellent meal with local influences (I’ve never been served touristic stuff like reindeer) and a great wine line (well, great for Finland but that’s another topic for another day).
On our site we’ve got some ideas for what to do in port so please feel free to check it out (cruisecritic.com) but the experiences of visiting peoples’ homes in Finland, which you really can only do through your cruise line, are incredibly special, too.
Hi John,
I had a lot of reading to catch up on as we were on the Glory last week. I enjoyed reading every blog-thanks so much. It is fun to see the world through other’s eyes and dream of places we hope to visit one day.
Just want to add that the Glory was fabulous. We had a fantastic time. The staff was outstanding and we gave huge kudos to so many who made our vacation truly special. Carnival is the best!
Hi John and Heidi
Happy Birthday to Elaine. Hope it was a great day. Hearing about all these great places, makes me realize all of the things in this life that there is to see and do. Can’t wait for the day when Teddy and I have the time and the $$ to see some of these wonderful places, on a Carnival Cruise of course!!! Thanks John for your elegant, and humourous descriptions. I may not get to all of these places, but thanks to you, I really feel like I ‘ve been there.
We love ya John and Heidi. You’s is good people, fugedaboutit…Said in my best NY accent!
Sue
John,
Gee, I think Bubba had a much better breakfast than you did! I’m not sure, but it sounds like you might me a little wet and cold…so Hedi was just trying to warm you up with the seat warmer.
I enjoyed the pictures!
Princess Susan
Again, great pictures. What is the building that you are standing in front of? It is beautiful. Is that the Rock Church?
Something you wrote (I also hope to take Alan with me. He may never get to cruise again but if I can I would love to be able to let him see this mighty ship.) has concerned me, is Alan really ok?
Wow, heated seats on a bus. Good one Heidi!
Take care and please, let us know about Alan.
1.8 Million Visitors– WAY TO GO!
Really enjoyed the piece by Chris today (along with yours as always) the pictures are so appreciated. I loved the one where you & Heidi are making a face for the camera. So thrilled for you that Carnival is honoring you for a well deserved pat on the back. Not expected, but nice ! Looking forward to tomorrow’s blog. Thank you ,thank you, thank you!!
Jan
Hello , John
Today in GEOGRAPHY class we wher stuying ENGLAND and we learned the british expressions such as ………………..
MUM
LOO (my personal favorite)
BOBY
I said “ANYONE NO JOHNHEALD”
John, sounds like you could use some
spotted dick.
tom & jane
Guess by now you have discovered that Bubba’s Waffle House isn’t such a bad thing. I wonder what they eat in Estonia. Guess we will find out tomorrow.
Good of you and Heidi to spend all day tramping around in the cold rain. Carnival has a jem in you. Try to stay warm, dry and well fed.
Until tomorrow…..
Hi John and Heidi,
Your excursions over these past few weeks have taken me to places I will only ever dream of seeing. Thank you both so much for sharing with us all.
As Kuki mentioned above, I turned a year older today. Normally this would be just another day of the year. But thanx to all my family with Big Ed’s crew, and my friends from Cruisemates.com, my day was anything but boring! It was probably the most special birthday I’ve ever had! And I owe it all to your “thingy”. Thank you so much for sharing your “thingy” with us all.
Princess Elaine, the quiet and single
Hey Gang! Kathy Kaperino-glad you got to see Nanni at the airport. I can’t wait to meet her in November in P.R. along with Bee & Charlie and of cause the beautiful Heidi and the ever so funny & handsome John – King of blogger land. Listen to Big Ed John, keep those swimmers cool, and Heidi no more heat! HA! Till your next chapter in the flight of the fancy – the world of John and Heidi in Tallin-Estonia! Your friends, Mike & Linda
John,
We are a group of 40 on cruisecritic
for Carnival Freedom 6/15.
We would like a meet and greet on
Sunday June 15 at 4:30.
Is that possible?
We posted Scott’s Piano bar
to meet on our own so far.
Thanks, \
Barbara
John: You are a very brave soul….herring is great, once, then it just becomes one of those foods you tell people you’ve eaten but hope never to eat again. I do hope Alan is able to join you when you visit the queens. I also pray that he has more good days than bad ones. Of course, time spent with a best friend always makes for a good day.
Happy travels to you and Heidi.
Your dining options over the last few days would have me yearning for something a bit more palatable…I would be sprinting back to the ship for……
Cheeseburger in paradise Heaven on earth with an onion slice….I like mine with lettuce and tomato…Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer….thank you Mr. Buffett
Heidi must love putting you in the hot seat….I’ll have to remember that using such devices may intensify the need to find a Krapi Manor
Since Carnival lauds your musings ala your blog thingy ………..where oh where is that Aston Martin????? Come on Mickey….pony up
Mark
The Flying Dutchman
John and Heidi.. glad to see you are “finnished” with this part of your tour.
I’m getting bloated and sickly just reading about all the herring that’s crossed your paths. Not for my taste buds, that’s for sure.
Going to be very interested to see your take on Estonia. I think it’s the hidden gem of that itinerary. Not at all what one expects. The Estonians are amongst the least confident people you’re going to meet because their country has been conquered by everyone who ever bothered to come by to invade. Old town though is really “cool town”. At the market there you can get yourself the nicest, softest, knit underwear, and a great knit scarf for Heidi
Very cool about your invite to see the 3 Queens! Trumps my invite to go watch the French drop a piece of medal into the water to start a ship. And it would certainly be wonderful if Alan is well enough and able to accompany you!
Heard it was Princess Elaine’s birthday today… so wanted to get all the Bloggers to sing along, just like the crew would on a ship…..
Hoppy Brisday Two Shoes, Hoppy Brisday Two Shoes!
Regards,
Kuki
CruiseMates.com
John, as to the heated seats DON’T. You DON’T want to cook those swimmy things that’s why Heidi put you in boxers and not briefs. To keep them cool. Heidi you should know better plus you don’t want to fry your eggs.
DR. BIG ED
Had to visit you again. Congrats on your press release! Met Nanni in the airport today. We are sending you and Heidi a hug. sounds like your food choice are “Finished’…………and yuk. Hope Alan gets to join you on a wonderful historic day. It will be as nice as the one I spent today. Just “brilliant!”
Yours,
Kap (Kathie)
Dear John & Heidi,
Reading your thingy is often the highlight of my day. I’ve never had reindeer, but it sounds as nasty as bear meat, which I have had. My dad and mom thought it was the best thing ever, and I thought it tasted sweet and peppery at the same time. Never again!
The pictures and stories are terrific. Especially the one of your glass-blowing efforts. Priceless! I’ve been wanting to go on a Baltic cruise for years. Looks like I’ll have to plan one now. Funny thing about the Finns and the Swedes teasing each other. The Norwegians and the Swedes tease each other, too.
It’s a good thing they feed you on the ship when you sail. I don’t fancy herring, reindeer, or some of those other things either.
I’m also enjoying Chris’ Alaska stories. We’ve been three times, and I think my husband would go back tomorrow if I said I wanted to. Alaska is his favorite. I love them all, but I think Skagway is my favorite stop on the itinerary.
I’m happy to see that good writing runs in your family. Your sister’s comments are a riot.
I can’t wait to read the next installment.
John,
Well done for not eating bear – Im still in the badbooks for putting Bambi Burgers, Grilled Nemo Steak and Spotted Dick on one of my specials boards.
Unfortunatley my Cousins hated the first two and my Aunt (a septic) thought I was damn crude with the dessert choice!!
Glad your having a good time. You’ve converted Em and I wer’re sailing with Carnival late part of 09 instead of P & O!
Fun Travels,
Gav and Em
John when you get done with this road tour your going to be ready for a lovely breakfast served by a lovely Lady, say Hi to your Mum for me.
We can no longer make fun of the picture of you blowing a glass thingy. Since it has been pointed out to contain the image of the patron Saint of bloggers, “Our Lady Of the Blog Thingy”. It is not the glass that has the image but the picture. The colours are from your jacket so it’s the picture you have to save.
BIG ED
Hi Heidi and John, You guys are having fun, I can tell, especially you Heidi, (putting on the heat for John’s Hemorroids)! HA! I have heated seats in my Hyundai Santa Fe SUV and I live in Florida, and believe it or not I have used them this winter! I will be thinking of you on 4/22 on the Queen Mary 2 while we are on the Liberty 4/20-4/26. Can’t wait for the next installment, I check out the blog everyday almost every hour or so, to see if you posted a new blog for the day, and then after you do, I keep checking out everyone’s comments. I think mine might be the first today because it says ZERO comments as I write this. Happy Days are ahead for you guys, enjoy! Linda & Mike P.S. Hope to see you in November on the Splendor! Also, Empress Bee and Prince Charlie too! And can’t wait to see Nanni in P.R.
Krapi Manor?? It didn’t seem to live up to it’s name. What little I saw didn’t look Krapi in the least!
You surely are getting in quite a bit of wandering around! It sounds like the passengers of the Splendor will be in for some wonderful excursions.
Bravo! What an excellent piece about this blog thingy!! Good for you and completely deserved!!!
More excellent pictures and it certainly does look cold and damp there!!! Brrrr…
How fantastic that you’ll be visiting the QM2 and bringing your mate, our friend, Alan along! I’m positive that he will be thrilled. Isn’t it a shame that we will be losing the QE2? She is an iconic vessel if ever there was one.
Can you offer us more pictures of the Splendor?? Inquiring minds and all that…
Thanks so much for all you do!!!
Cheers!!
GregB
want a peanut butter and jelly sandwich dude?
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
ps: we are having thanksgiving dinner with you two! woo hoo…. (at least on the same vessel!)
By the order of BigMike, Chief of Blog Security, John Heald shall consume one (1) Cheeseburger and a plate containing not exceed two (2) servings of French (Freedom) Fries. This order shall have been completed within a period not exceeding twenty-four (24) Hours.
Signed: BigMike, Chief of Blog Security
Witness:BigNigel, British BigMike