Tuesday: Athens to Istanbul

An easy flight to Istanbul

We woke up, skipped breakfast, our newest SOP, and checked out. We were waiting for a second confirmation email for the flight we booked the previous night, but at 11am (for a 2pm) flight, none had been sent. The email said “Do not make other reservations or go to the airport without a second email”. I tried calling several times, three different numbers, the only number that worked was busy and the machine said to call back later and then hung up. We also tried emailing, but never received a response. By 1130 we decided just to go to the airport and we headed out to the Metro. While we were purchasing our tickets we noticed a sign that said Metro line to airport is closed. We decided what the Hell and took the Metro anyway. Sure enough a few stops before the airport the conductor announced last stop and we were told to exit. We followed the suitcases to another track and waited. Eventually a train to the airport arrived and we shoved ourselves into the cars.

The train

I pushed myself all the way to the front of the train, piled my bags up in front of the conductor’s door and rested my head while Kaitlin was trapped in the pack by the door. As soon as I rested my eyes a man towered over me shouting and banging on the conductor’s door. I looked around at the faces of the other passengers to try to determine the seriousness of what was happening, but their reactions were mixed. An older Greek gentleman sitting cattycorner to me looked unphased so I decided we were okay. A few minutes later almost the same exact scene was played out with a different man, only a little less dramatic, I looked to the Greek man and relaxed. I then kindly moved my bag and body. Upon exiting the train I learned the first guy used Kaitlin’s bag as a stepstool to quickly get to the front of the train, according to the others, the men had been pick pocketed at the last stop.

The airport

We arrived, at last, at the airport with less than an hour until departure and no tickets. We beelined (I don’t think bees move in a straight line, we certainly did not) to the internet stand, still no email. Information pointed us in the direction of Aegean Airlines and we stood in a long line, staring at the screen as our flight changed from no notation to gate opened to boarding. About 10minutes into boarding we were finally at the counter and the receptionist called to the terminal to hold the plane for us. Yes, finally, we made it, despite everything against us… never mind, it’s too late. So what time is the next flight to Istanbul we asked, tomorrow she answered. This might be a very long day. We thanked her went in search of Turkish Airlines.

Once again Information pointed us in the right direction and after waiting 10 minutes at an empty counter we were finally told that all seats to Istanbul were sold out. Do you ever get that feeling you aren’t supposed to make it somewhere? We were getting that vibe, but we didn’t care. Information was kind enough to direct us to another airline that had a flight that night and seats available. Now only 5 hours until the plane leaves. We got some food and sat around until the gate opened around 4pm. Once we passed through security we realized there was nothing to do on the other side so we read. The flight was wonderful, they gave us candy and a meal with wine, Kaitlin chatted up the older gentleman next to us and we were in Istanbul before we knew it.

Istanbul Airport

We stood in line for half an hour to pass through security and when we reached the front we were told we had to go stand in another line to get our Visa; then get back in line here. A good 40minutes later we made it through security and got our luggage. The hostel was supposed to send a shuttle to pick us up, but we did not see any signs for us and at this point, although we made it to Istanbul, we were defeated. A kind, young Turk saw our distressed faces and said he would help us in exchange for 5 English words. Kaitlin was on a mission and I was happy to have a friend to help. He called our hostel, apparently the shuttle picked up the wrong person, according to Can, that was a common lie drivers tell. An hour later we made it to the hostel, but when we went to check in they had no reservation for us, apparently we had booked for the wrong days. (This was a very trying day). Fortunately they had rooms available and it wasn’t a problem. After relaxing and showering we went down to the hostel bar and enjoyed the smell of hookah and taste of a Turkish beer and wine.

Home Sweet Home

We slept in our queen sized bed with the windows open and at 230am we awoke to a bugle-like sound announcing the call to worship. The light sea breeze danced with curtains and the bugle warmed my soul and I felt at home.  I am glad to be here.