Hello readers
I’m started to get excited. It’s only 3 months till we leave for London. Go Rob. We are seriously keeping our fingers xxxx for you . You have worked so hard and to make your second Olympic Games would be amazing . We know how hard it is………. But look forward to flying to London on July 27th. so bring it on.

On 12 th May I fly out for Beijing. Steve is leaving on the 7th. We’ll meet Jill and Chris at he hotel Rennaisance Capital . Looking forward to caching up with John Byrne at WAB and sharing some ideas. Also wanting to return to the Dali Courtyard restaurant. A great place for local hutong dinner.

Well today is the end and it SNOWED – well just a little. 


We caught a little ferry across to the fort and as we got off the boat – about 15mis from Helsinki it was sooooo cold and it started!
We went to the museum  walked around the island and then found a great brewery and had lunch and a beer.
It was a long day – late flights out are a bit of a pain . But we are now at Helsinki airport and enjoying a quiet glass of bubbles before boarding. Also using the internet.


Did I mention we went to see Circus Finlandia.  A good night out and amazing tricks if you are under 4. But we had a ball then went and had dinner.


We did a little summary of our trip and decided we did not want to come home. Apart from that we had a few really big  favourites. One being able to travel first with Pip  – she made a great travel buddy. Pip we loved having you with us. Must do it again. Also great having Phoebe with us in St Petersburg. We loved having you there Phoebe and feel very lucky to have two girls travel with us. We miss our boys and always love having them along – but its different with girls!


It seems ages since Italy but that was such a great start. Bertie was so lovely to Pip and I. we feel very lucky to be the only members of the family to see her soooo big.


Well signing off now – flight just called.


See you all soon


Fran x

hello for probably the last time – till the airport.
We have had 2 lovely days in Herringcity no Helsinki I mean. It’s a lovely city – smaller than Stockholm, but has it’s own charm. Sadly it has been grey and rainy thou not heavy just drizzly. There is no shortage if coffee shops to warm up in and lots of shops with the most amazing innovative design things around. No doubt about the Swedes and Finns – they like a smartly designed object.

We walked and caught the 3T tram around the sights and last night went to a great little concert – cellos mainly. It was very good with the performers all being talented beautiful young men and women.

Tonight we are off to the circus! The Finlandia circus are having a season so decided to try it out.

Steve had a little splurge and bought my birthday/ Christmas present today – some  silver jewellery from a lovely young designer married to an Italian. Lucky me.

Will try and put photos on when I get to a big computer!

See you all soon
x