Casiopeia in Helsinki

First, let me start off with the fact that I am having the time of my life tonite. There are some swedish teen girls guarding the line, running the number system and doing the roll calls. They have been here for 2 days camping out. I got into really nice conversations with them about politics, studies and small things in everyday life. it's a thrill to discuss politics with younger ppl who see things with brand new eyes. their opinions are very good and they tend to analyse things in a good way. They are quite interested in all my U2-experiences and I was more or less cross examined by them. guess I'm the god now with my over 40 U2-shows. it's interesting to hear how they have this hugh crush on Bono. a bot hard for me to understand but hey, I guess that is kind of normal.

I have number 23 today. The last roll call for tonight was at 1am and now it's time to sleep til 06am when there is another roll call. there will be roll calls every 3 hrs.

also I've met a lot of ppl from other tours. simona is here and the two swedish guys that were robbed in Dublin 2005. of course Pontus amd Irina are here. we've had a wonderful gathering in the park outside the arena, with a beautiful setting sun and life was so good.

I'm so cold and tired now. the police won't let us use the tents, only airbeds and blankets. also they closed the toilets for the night. we convinced one of the guards to let us use a toilet and got an ok.

I've had 2 McD burgers at 3 pm and then a sandwich for dinner. stomach is not ok at all but for the moment calm. god Im dreaming of a nice steak and fries now. good thing is that we have many stores and restaurants all around us where the prices aren't too bad at all.

been talking to the security on entering the arena by numbers like we did in Horsens. he has promised us that's going to happen but I trust no one.

can't sleep. it's now 2.30 and it's so damn cold that I'm shaking all over. despite all this hassle I'm enjoying myself. looks like I am the only one awake among the 50 people. I'm under a large birch and Casiopeia is watching over me from a clear sky above. beautiful to see the claw all illuminated against the starry night sky. a nice and quiet moment in a very tensed situation. this is what makes queuing so special and wonderful. all those die hards and me. feeling like a soldier trying to survive the cold. i truly wish i could share this unusual and odd moment with you in all it's desperation and devotion.