You're getting there, Kick. Without having a really close look it's difficult to see if the ripples are in the veneer or TO coats. As the thinness of the veneer meant it was impossible to sand that really flat before applying the finish, then you've just got to put enough layers of finish on to be able to sand that back flat and then shine it up, but still leave enough finish on to protect the veneer.

It's obviously easier to get the wood as smooth as you can before applying the finish, but in this case, you simply couldn't do that. But you'll get there. Even if it takes up all of your holiday.