Europe as I see It

So, I was happy to fly to Helsinki today - Finland joined the EU in 1995.

Often the Europeans are abused as "bureaucrats" and worse. Here is what happened. I presented my well-worn British passport to the immigration guy - he smiled, checked it all visually (no computer run, no fingerprints, no questions) and welcomed me to Finland.

There are 25 EU Countries, with different languages and cultures, different economies and different individual aspirations. But they have substituted war with rules. I do not particularly like debates about 48 hour working weeks, but I would much rather discuss that than declaring war on one of my neighbours.

After many centuries of war, Europe is at peace.

Thank you, the guy at immigration, for pointing this out by not trying to.

Zen in Europe.

World, learn something.

On the other hand, I checked in at British Airways, with my Club Card. The young lady was great - sense of humour, good seat and so.

But then I went to the Club Lounge - "please show me your card, sir" - "but you have the number printed on my ticket from the check-in" - "please show me your card, sir" - "but why?" - "please show me your card, sir - I am just doing my job" - "well, I hope you loose it".

Customer service? Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr......