Finnair AY0794

i have been keeping an eye on flights to japan since some time... but prices seems to be kind of frozen, they never went under 600 Euro for the past couple of months. I was hoping to find a good offer as in November '08, for 492 Euro...amazing Price!

In any case, 648 Euro is still acceptable, even considering that i will be using the ticket only one way. The original plan was to come back in December '09, but the ticket would be twice or more expensive, therefore i had to go for the "fly and dispose option".

MXP APR 1st 11:30 - HEL APR 1st 15:30
HEL APR 1st 17:30 - KIX APR 2nd 08:55

KIX APR 23rd 11:00 - HEL APR 23rd 15:10
HEL APR 23rd 16:05 - MXP APR 23rd 18:05

Interesting fact, is that Finnair has been re-designing their marketing campaign, they now use the futuristic airplane (see above) and during flight they show a video of the early years of finnair flying career.

Service on board is nothing special, one meal for everyone (no choice) simple and easy. No snacks during flight (i've asked a noodle soup that was supposedly available for the price of 2 Euro but was apparently finished, they proposed me Pringles instead).

Anyway....Good way to go finnair! It was about time to give people a chance to fly at reasonable price overseas!

Himitsu Bako

Himitsu-Bako (ひみつ箱) translated as "Secret Box" is a wooden box that can be opened only if you know it's secret.

The pattern on the box, is a special traditional design coming from Hakone.
I've ordered 2 small boxes and 1 big box. The one displayed is very small, only few small coins will fit inside.

Once opened, inside, the shop's seal is visible. It's truly an amazing piece of handcraft. I was amazed how many different types exists.

I was reading lately that only few people (less than 5) are now the secrets keeper of this traditional product.

What is more amazing, is that after talking to my japanese friends, not all of them know it. Some of them are quite easy to open...others...require some more time ;)