Trip Overview
This recent two-week journey was a whirlwind of work, travel, and cultural immersion across Europe. My adventure began with a FinnAir flight from Seattle, with a brief layover in Helsinki, before landing in Munich, my first stop. From there, I crisscrossed Germany, Sweden, and France, with key destinations including Munich, Wolfsburg, Ingolstadt, Gothenburg, Paris, and Oulu, all centered around connecting with work partners. It was an incredibly busy trip, packed with flights, metro rides, and even some manual driving, making for a truly dynamic work trip.
Not everything was scenic or smooth. There was food poisoning in Paris. A fully nude sauna in Finland. A train ride next to a guy in a fox mask (?). But also, some genuinely reflective moments: walking the Gothenburg coastline, drinking in Helsinki, and taking in the 8:30pm sunlight with coworkers-turned-friends on a quiet patio in Oulu.
Most Memorable Moments
Manual Driving Practice
A day trip to Wolfsburg for meetings marked my second visit to the area, catching up with familiar faces. What followed was an expected but difficult driving challenge: navigating a manual rental car from Hanover to Wolfsburg. I chose it because I’ll be driving a manual on vacation soon and needed the practice! Despite a skeptical rental agent and a few stalls, it was a fun way to hone my skills and added a dash of adventure to the journey.
Volkswagen’s Currywurst Empire
During a meeting at Volkswagen in Wolfsburg, I discovered that VW apparently produces more Currywurst annually than cars! This local delicacy, even available in grocery stores, was a fascinating and delicious insight into regional culture.
Gothenburg’s Charms and Midsummer Magic
My hotel in Gothenburg could best be described as “like an edgy grandmother”. It set the tone for an eclectic stay. Exploring the city by bike, crossing bridges, and taking ferries offered unique perspectives. Walking through the historic Haga district and experiencing the never-ending twilight of the Scandinavian summer were also highlights.
A tentative plan to celebrate Midsummer with a PhD student from the internet led to an unforgettable day at Nääs. Joining hundreds in dancing around the maypole and enjoying strawberries with an alarming amount of Nutella was a truly immersive cultural experience.
A Catch-Up with an Old Friend in Munich
After my time in Sweden, I flew back to Munich, and that evening, I got to hang out with my good friend Lars. We spent a great evening exploring parts of Munich and sharing some beers, as the Germans do. It was genuinely good to catch up and reconnect amidst the busy schedule.
The Parisian Detour (and Recovery)
A hyper-speed trip to Paris was met with a cascade of travel delays—a delayed flight, a defunct RER train, severe traffic with accidents, and even a tow truck blocking the road—resulting in a very late arrival to meetings.
This was unfortunately followed by 24 hours of food poisoning, leading to a memorable (and slightly dramatic) taxi ride to the airport where I had to yell “stop!” in French. I’ll never forget the Parisian taxi driver shouting “Ohh Nonnn!!” as I smashed open the car door to puke while he was driving down the road… Oh the memories.
While brutal, the subsequent flight to Helsinki provided hours of much-needed sleep and a chance to reset before the next work leg.
Finland: A Country for the Soul
Arriving back in Finland felt like coming home. From Helsinki to Oulu, the practicality and warmth of the people, coupled with the serene beauty of the country, quickly reaffirmed it as one of my favorite places. Meetings in Oulu were productive, followed by a delicious salmon-focused sushi buffet.
Finnish Culture: Idioms and Saunas
A walk to a small island for beers with colleagues and then pizza back at the office led to a fascinating discussion about obscure Finnish idioms, like “that works as well as a toilet on a train” (meaning it works simply and well) or “like a bear shot in the ass” (meaning angry).
The day culminated in a traditional office sauna experience. My American side will always find it a little weird to be nude with coworkers. Embracing this local norm and then sitting on the patio in towels, enjoying beers and the city views, was a “perfect day” memory that will last a lifetime.
Logistics & Practical Information
Accommodation
- Munich: Hilton Munich City – Reliable business hotel with decent location. Very convenient to take the train to/from the airport from the hotel.
- Gothenburg: Dorsia Hotel – Surprisingly elegant (and a little bit grandmotherly (?), heavy on velvet, solid hotel bar.
- Paris: Hôtel Des Arts Montmartre – Small boutique near Gare de Lyon – fine – nothing to write home about.
- Helsinki: Hilton Helsinki Airport – Very convenient location. Clean, well-designed, and perfect if you’re needing to stay near the airport.
Transportation
- Munich: the metro and bus system is incredibly easy to navigate and feels very safe.
- Gothenburg: excellent options with city bikes for quick commutes and ferries for scenic transfers. Rental car for the weekend was a must to get out of the city.
- Paris: public transport was challenge on this trip – a defunct RER line meant relying on taxis, which, combined with heavy traffic, turned a short distance into an hour-long ordeal.
- Helsinki: public transit is A+.
Notable Food
- Munich
- Vietnamese cuisine at Rice Garden
- Augustiner Keller beer garden for their impressive steins
- Gothenburg:
- Buono Pizza
Activities
- Munich Wanderings: Beyond the beer garden, I relied heavily on Munich’s incredibly efficient metro system, using it to navigate the city seamlessly and get around during my downtime. Exploring different neighborhoods on foot with my friend Lars was a great way to experience the local vibe.
- Gothenburg by Land and Sea: Getting around Gothenburg was an adventure in itself. I used a city bike to ride to meetings, enjoying the fresh air and views over bridges. Later, I hopped on a ferry to cross the water, offering a different perspective of the city. My solo day included a scenic walk around the island of Marstrand, a beautiful seaside path that was a perfect escape into nature. And, of course, joining hundreds of strangers in dancing around the Maypole at the Midsummer festivities in Nääs was an unforgettable dive into Swedish culture.
- Wolfsburg Respite: After intense meetings and the manual driving challenge, finding a small garden for some ice cream was a simple but much-appreciated moment of relaxation before heading back to the airport.
- Oulu’s Outdoors & Office Culture: In Oulu, my colleagues and I took a lovely walk to a smaller island, enjoying some beers and soaking in the Finnish scenery. A truly unique “activity” was the traditional office sauna experience. Stripping down with colleagues might feel a bit unusual at first, but it’s a cornerstone of Finnish culture, and I wholeheartedly embraced it. Afterwards, sitting on the patio in towels with beers, looking out over the city, was a genuinely perfect end to the workday.
Lessons (Re)Learned
- Embrace the Airport Lounge Shower: Seriously, this is a game-changer. After a long overnight flight, nothing beats arriving at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
- Prioritize Personal Downtime: Even on a packed work trip, finding moments to “do you” – whether it’s reading a book in bed, enjoying a quiet meal, or simply sitting outdoors – is crucial for maintaining energy and sanity.
- Be Aware of Local Customs (and Laws): Sweden’s strict drinking laws around driving, even for minimal amounts, was a point of interest for Midsummer. Being mindful of local regulations and cultural norms can save you a lot of hassle and enrich your experience.
- Leverage Public Transit: European cities, like Munich and Oulu, often boast incredibly efficient public transportation systems. Utilize them! They’re often faster, cheaper, and offer a more authentic view of city life than taxis.
- Be Ready for Anything (Especially in Paris): Travel plans can go sideways quickly. Delays and unexpected issues are part of the journey. Having a backup plan or simply a resilient mindset can make all the difference. Also, be ready for stomach issues.
- Engage with Colleagues Beyond Work: Shared meals, cultural excursions (like the office sauna or Midsummer dancing), and casual conversations outside of meeting rooms build stronger relationships and make the entire experience far more enjoyable and memorable.
- Explore Local Quirks: From Volkswagen’s renowned Currywurst to the delightfully obscure Finnish idioms, lean into the unique local aspects. These small discoveries are often the most fascinating parts of a trip.
Reflections & Final Thoughts
This two-week sprint across Europe was a powerful reminder of how much can be packed into a “short” work trip. Beyond the meetings and deadlines, it was about the genuine connections re-kindled/formed – whether catching up with an old friend like Lars, bonding with new colleagues over Korean BBQ, or embracing the unique experience of a Finnish office sauna.
The logistical challenges, from manual car driving to Parisian transport woes, were part of the adventure, underscoring the constant need for adaptability on the road. Despite those challenges, I’m left reflecting on the sheer joy of cultural immersion: dancing at Midsummer, delving into Finnish idioms, and appreciating the thoughtful urban design of places like Gothenburg.
Finland, in particular, left a lasting impression. Its people, often described as the happiest in the world (although I think more accurate is “the least unhappy”) embody a beautiful balance of practicality, authenticity, and a deep appreciation for nature and community. It’s a country that feels genuinely comfortable and welcoming.
While it’s bittersweet with my current job is drawing to a close, this trip solidified the value of making the most of every travel opportunity. It’s about finding those moments of authenticity and connection, even when the primary purpose is business.
Next stop: vacation in Finland. But with a very different kind of pace.
Expedition Hamilton 