28.02.2007 - Helsinki - Miami

The day that we had long waited, was finally here!

After sleepless night, we woke up early on Wednesday morning, around 05:00am to be exact. We had  had our luggages checked in on Tuesday evening, so it was a bit easier to get going with only hand-luggages.

We had pre-ordered airport taxi to pickup us from a single location at 05:30am. Altrough, there was some hassle, and the taxi was a bit late... Ok, no problem since the flight leaves at 08:00am - And we had our luggage pre-checked in, so just the security check and board the plane !

The Taxi finally came around 5:50am, and we were at the Helsinki-Vantaa airport at 6:15am. Gladly, there was plenty of time for a cup of coffee and breakfast before our flight to Heathrow, London

Heathrow, London

Our flight to London took about 2 hours, 15 minutes. We arrived on time to Heathrow airport. After landing, we got a nice ride around Heathrow Airport while taxiing (Around 10 minutes!) to Terminal 1. After we finally got out of the plane, we had less than 2 hours time to make it to Terminal 3, from where our connecting flight to Miami International Airport was about to leave. We barely made it.

Our flight to Miami International Airport took around 10 hours. The flight itself was very pleasant, because Virgin Atlantic had Entertainment system integrated into each seat. You have a change to watch newest movies, TV Series, listen to music, play games (even with your fellow passengers) etc.. Only small minus was the leg space on economy class. The food was basic economy class food - Eatable. Cabin Crew was nice, but little shorthanded - When you got our food, your drinks came sometimes 10 minutes later. But in overall, the flight was OK.

Miami International Airport

Smooth landing, short taxiing and we even got our luggages in timely manner - Altrough we were sure that they wouldn't make it throught Heathrow in time (After all, we only had 2 hours 15minutes change time, and Heathrow is known to lose your luggage on short changes). But there they were, all four of our luggages in one piece! Only minus was the security check process when coming to US. It took around one hour overall. They took your photograph and fingerprints.

After all the security checks, and claiming luggages, it was time to go to Avis rent-a-car desk to claim our pre-rented car. It also went smoothly, there was basicly no queue to get to the rental desk. The only thing to be noted is that if you choose the additional own risk waiver, it will cost you quite a lot extra.

Best Western Atlantic Beach Resort, Miami Beach

It was a short drive from Miami International Airport to our hotel, B.W. Atlantic Beach Resort that was located on Miami Beach - and the beach was right on the backyard!

We took our luggage to our rooms (We got rooms with nice balconies with ocean view, which we didn't even request - It was a nice surprise!) and immediately we left to cruise around the Miami Beach with our rented Chrysler. We cruised around about one hour, checking out the cruise terminal. On the way back to our hotel, we came trought the famous South Beach.

After being awake about 24 hours, we finally went to sleep around 11pm local time.