To HEL and Back

Well it has been an eventful couple of weeks since i last posted. It began with me finally getting the results of my MRI scan and, at last, ascertaining what the cause of all the problems with my back has been. In a nutshell i have one disc that herniated and which trapped the sciatic nerve another disc that is bulging. That at least provided me with some useful information to know what was wrong with my back and the good news is that the combination of regular exercise, drugs and Owners special 'ministrations' :) seem to be doing the trick.

Infact so much better had i started to feel that i felt emboldened to set-off on a little weekend adventure with Owner to Helsinki, Finland. Of course, family pronounced me bonkers, irresponsible and stupid for even contemplating such a trip and foretold all manner of disastrous scenarios involving me being unable to move whilst stranded 3 hours flight time from home. However, i'm quite bloody-minded when i choose to be and i was convinced, rightly as it turned out, that i was a) recovered enough to make the journey in the first place and b) that it would actually do me some good. Thus it was that Owner and i set off to Heathrow and then onto Helsinki for a long weekend.

And what a great weekend it was! It was snowing when we landed and it snowed on and off all weekend. Even the sea was partially frozen over as you can see in the pictures below;

We had, however, both come prepared and for me it was a great opportunity to try out my new winter boots and coat, both of which kept me nice and snug

Owner too was wrapped-up warm against the elements as we explored the snowy city

There were always plenty of inviting cafes to dive into when we needed some additional warmth

Even so, i did get rather attached to my snow boots and was loathe to take them off, even in the hotel room :)

We both had a fantastic time, it was just a shame it was just a long weekend as we would have both loved to have stayed for longer. However, my back held up and was non the worse for the trip and we have many more travels planned for this year to destinations including Amsterdam, St Petersburg, Istanbul, Luxembourg and Iceland so i guess we can't complain and there will be plenty of opportunities for challenges along the way.