Here we are, on the flight - the first of many I hope.
Starting in the morning, Smallsteps knew that there was a surprise coming, but had no idea what it was. She had a guess that it was a boat trip to Sweden, but then still didn't want us to confirm or deny - and ruin the surprise.
There was a little drama, because I said she could take three toys, and she wanted four. I decided it was a teaching moment in decision making, so one had to be cut. Naksu, Karva Pörrö and Lupiainen made the trip - with many tears, Panda missed out. Just as we were going out the door, she went back upstairs to give Panda a hug.
We drove toward Helsinki Airport, stopping at a roadhouse for lunch, telling Smallsteps that this was the surprise she had been waiting for and after, we'd drive home. She "knew" we were joking outwardly, but there was a shadow of a doubt in her voice when she said it.
Finally arriving at the airport, we parked the car 88€ for the week (which sounds bad, but isn't bad at all around here), and then she started looking around. She was surprised that there were a suitcases in the back and then realized, we might be gone awhile. She has never been to an airport before and really had no idea where we were. The signs were meaningless to her, as she has no idea what a terminal is, or what it is for. However, once we were inside and saw all the people with bags,
she still had no idea.
We went through the normal rigmarole of printing bag tickets and boarding passes, then headed through to security. Helsinki airport has the newer x-ray machines now, so nothing has to come out of the bag. It made it smoother and easier to load the box and go through, but at the other end, it was a different story.
Normally it is me who gets pulled up for "random" checks, but this time, it was my wife, as she had something that made the scanners take notice. She wasn't the only one either, there was a whole line of people who were getting pulled up - for kids juice boxes. It seems, the scanner can't tell if it is a box of juice, or packed with cocaine, and they had to test everyone in the special machine, just to make sure. Pretty much everyone with a kid was stopped, and the line moved very slowly.
Quite a bottleneck.
But, eventually we made it through security and into the airport proper, and through the big windows and between people's legs, Smallsteps saw a plane. She has never seen one on the ground before and was surprised they had wheels. It was then that she realized that we were at an airport, but despite her suspecting, she didn't want to assume we were going anywhere. She is funny like that - a bit like me, she doesn't want to get it wrong.
I am not sure if she is scared of being wrong or, scared to get her hopes up.
But, once we had a little space and a clear view, we had her look out the window and said that we are going on a trip, her first plane trip, our first trip as a family. She was very excited and then, realized she is also nervous about going on the plane, so got a little quiet. I think that is part of the spirit of surprise - anticipation, mixed with the fear of the unknown. Even as we sit on the plane, she doesn't know where we are going.
I realize, neither do you.
We are heading to Croatia. It is the first time for any of us, but we have heard good things and the weather should be warm enough at around 30C and sunny. The coast of Croatia is beautiful supposedly, even though the beaches are rocky. But, we will have a pool at the hotel anyway.
It isn't one of those sightseeing tour trips and we likely won't move very far, but it is nice to get away as a test of what it is like to travel together as a family, looking for gluten- and lactose- free food for Smallsteps. We expect it not to be too easy, so we are actually carrying some food with us, like porridge and fruit smoothies that she can eat in a pinch. And I am sure we can find a store that at least has some fruit and vegetables that we can cut and cook in the apartment we have booked.
The plane was funny, as she didn't know what to expect in terms of the takeoff and when it started to move, she had the same face that I guess many of us had - play it cool - but wondering inside if this is normal. Again, it is one of those "don't assume" things. And then, as we climbed through the clouds and into the sunshine, she was amazed and still frightened, because let's face it, none of this is a natural human experience, we aren't designed to be so far off the earth - we are land dwellers.
Yet, here we are.
And here is where I will leave it for now. We have no plans for the week ahead other than see and enjoy what we can, but I am going to still write daily if possible, which might be a lot of image posts - because I plan to walk a lot and take many. Which reminds me of the one thing I forgot - my watch. It is still on the charger.
But I did bring...
After Smallsteps said her goodbyes, I was the last out and before I left the house, I stuffed Panda in my carryon-on.
Daddy points.
She did make the decision though.
And, we have arrived, had dinner and are getting into bed.
Tomorrow, the adventure really starts..
Taraz
[ Gen1: Hive ]
Hope you have a fantastic trip, guys. All 7 of you.
My Fletch has taken @rustle the cockatoo on his first school camp. They're having a competition.
Rustle's done Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, Krakow, Seattle, back to Adelaide; and I'm sure a few other places in Europe and the US too. If he doesn't win Most Well-Travelled the principal's going to be hearing from me.
I think he made it to Serbia as well, didn't he? Wasn't he travelling with Justine at one point?
She met him at Steemfest, but I don't think she had him at all. @coruscate took him from Steemfest back to the US. He may have toured Europe a bit with @r00sj3 beforehand.
@rustle only visited Amsterdam and Krakow in Europe with me. There wasn't that much time between Australia and Steemfest :)
He lost the comp. Apparently the child had to be with the toy on their travels :(
Boooo
Hola!
Krakow seems so long ago!
I hope you are well!
Awesome! I hope you have a safe and fun trip. Sometimes it is good to just sit around and not do much of anything. We are so wired to be going all the time these days. We forget to stop and breathe. I've heard Croatia is beautiful as well. Unfortunately, like most places these days not very safe for Americans since everyone seems to hate us. I almost wish I had been alive earlier when some of these places are safer to visit. Like Turkey and other parts of Europe.
It is funny that you mention this, as today I was trying to fight that feeling in me actively. Harder than I thought it would be.
I think that it would be okay for Americans here. We have seen a few around and they seem to be having a good time. There is a difference between not liking America and not liking Americans :)
It also seems many people can't separate the two though. I am usually pretty good about unwinding when the time is right. My wife on the other hand has a hard time letting herself just be still. Even when she takes a nap she feels guilty after the fact.
Oh that is too cool! I love her expressions. She did so well, I know the first flight is always the scariest but also the coolest. Yes, you get points for bringing Panda. Hope you all have a fantastic trip! Enjoy it to the fullest.
It is going really well so far.
Do you remember your first flight? I think I was 15.
I'm so glad to read that. It's a big milestone for Smallsteps. She's starting to take big steps!
I do remember my first flight. I was scared (almost) shitless, but after the initial bumpiness of takeoff, it became pretty boring quite fast and I settled in. I'm one of those few weirdos who can actually sleep on planes 😁
Where was your first flight to?
Family time is amazing, there's nothing better. My first plane trip, I'll never forget it, it was a similar surprise, I felt quite identified and I appreciate my parents for that experience. I know how Smallsteps must be feeling and it's something he/she will never forget. Croatia is an incredible country for a family trip.
I hope you have an excellent vacation and I look forward to reading more posts about it.
Have fun! 😎
It was funny. When I was putting her to bed, she got quiet for a moment and then with all her heart, thanked me for bringing Panda - and then for the holiday :)
Have you been? It is nice to have eternal blue skies and water :)
What a lovely moment
On the other hand, yes I was in Croatia but don't remember much, it was on a family trip when I was around 10 years old (now 23)
I remember very little but what I do remember, I loved it, I hope to return when I have my own family
How exciting for Smallsteps. And what fun for you to see her excitement and wonder.
I love her expressions when experiencing new things
Major Daddy points! Is that you in the next to last photo? A rare appearance?
Enjoy your trip. I've heard wonderful things about Croatia.
Yeah -I am getting old!!
It is beautiful here. I will hopefully walk more tomorrow again - somewhere pretty :)
You're getting old?! Have you seen a picture of me?! lol. The good news, is you will never think old.
Enjoy...
Enjoy the trip and family bonding! And what an awesome surprise to bring Panda along!
Cheers mate. Going well so far - though there was a snake at our door tonight :)
Some spot. Are you going to get to Dubrovnik? Had a great holiday there. Really underrated place to go.
We will get there for one day at least, but I am hoping to get there for another too, even if it is just me. I want to walk around with the camera and Smallsteps and my wife don't likely have the legs or the patience for my shenanigan's.
Still hurts my soul.
In my city, it is 7-8€ per hour.
How much is the suicide booth?
Awww...you brought Panda!! That is outstanding parenting...I can almost feel her excitement when she saw what you had. I especially love her dress as I am a weiner dog fan lol. Enjoy your family vacation!!
Hopefully it is enough to get me a nice aged care facility when the time comes ;)
We are too! We had a wire-hair that died a couple years ago - next we get (when ready) might be a short hair :) Have you owned one?
Yes, my beloved Coco. She developed breast cancer and I had to put her down 18 months ago. I miss her greatly and am thinking about getting another one. Such character they have...and sass, too lol
I love them all - short hair, wire hair, long hair...I want all the weiners!!
Aww, She is so cute, I'm pretty sure she liked the surprise, her smile is saying it all. was she scared when the plane take off?
She was a bit scared, because of the noise and the speed, but once in the air, she was okay again. She brave-faced it though:)
Aww, cute Soul got scared, but this is the way she will learn about new things and new experiences.
Croatia is a beautiful country! I went to high school with a guy from there and he raved about it. We looked into it as a stop over since it’s pretty close to Italy and want to try it one day. The place is very quaint in a lot of areas which is nice and I think most people speak English which helps.
Can’t wait to check out the pictures! I’m glad that small steps has gotten her first plane ride! I remember my sons, the lollipop is a solid move that we did as well!
It is really nice and the people are friendly. I was in Serbia a few years ago and it was quite different than this, but it was in the autumn, so was cold.
I really am hoping to explore a little more than we have, but it is only the first day I guess. The sea is an amazing color!
Kept her busy and unblocked her ears :D
I have never been on a plane. Have a nice holiday.
Will you ever try?
Probably not. But who knows?
Croatia is one of the countries I would likento visit in the future, particularly Dubrovnik as it is a historical place with fortifications and sea.
I hope you will visit Greece and Turkiye next time, enjoy your holiday ;)
It is really nice at this time of year at least. Not sure I would want to be here (or any touristy place) at the peak of the season however.
Turkey and Greece are still on the list :)
This is quality time with family. For sure, Smallsteps will enjoy and have fun. This is the trip she will always look back.😊
I love how unassuming this girl is. 😊 Or maybe she knew or had an idea already but she just wanted to make it sure.
Anyway, have fun and enjoy!
She is too clever for her own good at times - notices everything!
Smart kid, indeed.😊
Brilliant 👍 @tarazkp, the joy in your daughter's face is so precious ❤️ enjoy the adventures with your beautiful family 💝 thanks for sharing your awesome story.
Thank you very much :)
From Finland to Croatia...🌞😎
With my best wishes that the three of you have the best vacation with beach, sun, sand, and a lot of joy in your hearts, and this moment is tattooed in Smallsteps, next to your loving parents as a great family vacation.
Happy family holidays, in Croatia, 2023...life is beautiful, Mr. Taraz.
+12 when we left +30 when we landed.
The water is crystal clear here - quite amazing compared to the lakes we are used to in Finland :)
Croatia is an amazing place! I have been there several times and I definitely suggest your guys to go to Premantura (early in the morning to get the best spots) as it's an amazing natural park, with astonishing coast where swimming feels like paradise. There is a typical restaurant (just one) in the middle of it, where you can eat local meat (pork manily) that's very nice.
I also suggest the Krk Natural park where there are very nice and big waterfalls with nice walks into the deep nature.
Have a safe trip there and enjoy your Family time!
Will see what we can do. There is a water taxi to Dubrovnik from where we are that we will try. Not sure how much we will "travel" on this trip with Smallsteps though - she is struggling a little in the heat - totally not used to +30.
Thanks for the tips!
Cheeky daddy and panda had a plan after the parenting learning moment, gotta give credit there , I done some panda trolly stuffing at the last moment with my kids. Only panda was a giraffe! Have a great time. Making memories while holidaying is the best. I got to get the suitcases ready this weekend and I am starting with mister giraffe
There is always an animal of some kind! :D
Where are you off to?
We will be travelling to Liechtenstein and Italy
Only four, If I were in her place I might want 8-10😅.
That reminded me of my experience when I saw planes landing and takeoff at the airport for the first time.
Sometimes it's good to move ahead and enjoy life without having a plan and you are doing it.
Waiting for your next post☺.
You are a toy addict too? :D
I was a toy addict in my childhood time. At the current time, I don't have that addiction. I have grown up already😅.
The first time I flew in an airplane was at the age of 14. My youngest son flew on an airplane for the first time at the age of 7. We were both struck by the view from above of the clouds.
Good weather and pleasant experiences!
It is amazing how young they are getting to fly now, isn't it? I was 15 when I flew. Smallsteps loved above the clouds too, as do I :)
Woo Hoo! Enjoy your coastal vacation on the Adriatic!
Have fun!! What a great surprise to give Smallsteps! I can only imagine what she was thinking when she realized what, when, and how!
Enjoy the trip!