Well, things are starting to fall into place. After dinner on the plane, I spent most of the enjoyable flight sleeping. When I woke up, I saw on someone’s TV screen that Turkey and Syria had experienced the worst (7.7 & 7.6) 2 earthquakes in the region’s history, one right after another. Sickening, as if the people who live in this already troubled region don’t have enough to contend with. Nobody needs this.
I grieve as I know everyone else does — but you could not tell that Turkey was in a state of emergency when I got off the plane. In fact, Istanbul is, by far, the quietest airport I remember being in. No overhead announcements whatsoever. Since we had taken off about 100 minutes late, I knew I’d have to hustle to catch my connection to Athens — except none of the boards showed my flight and I had to conclude that I missed it. But hey, since I’m already in the airport, let’s just ask someone, nothing to lose. And I’m glad I asked. He called a coworker on the cell phone and directed me to gate F9. That was like a quarter mile with a heavy bag and 2 jackets. But hey, nothing to lose! As I passed more boards, I searched for my flight and saw nothing. Imagine my surprise when I reached gate F9 and indeed, there was a flight to Athens posted there.
The flight was short, pleasant, uneventful. Good! But running around the Istanbul airport changed my perspective on taking the subway to the city center. I felt like I needed a shower and “could not afford” to sweat further. I splurged on a cab. Per the driver, the chances of having my passport stolen on the subway traveling alone and at night were extremely high. There are too many folks in Athens who need ID and passport thefts have risen, he says.
My hotel, the SafeStay Hostel is pleasant enough. Truth be told, it was not what I expected. My cold room never warmed up. I do not believe there’s even an ounce of insulation in the walls (and right in line with reviews I had read). The heater didn’t even warm my pinky. I was a good sport and spent an hour or so in the lobby before returning to the room, but it never warmed up. It was also not big enough to be comfortable for a longer stay.
I stayed up all night trying to warm up and also entertaining myself on the computer. I just didn’t have the desire to speak to anyone after my shower, ya know? This morning at 7 am, I packed and dressed. I told my troubles to the man at reception who immediately offered me the room I CAN stay in for the long term. Made a little movie for ya.
I decided to postpone my supermarket run by one day and enjoy a lazy vacation day with a purchased breakfast and a return to my comfy, spacious room. Hey, check it out: The spectacular Acropolis view from the rooftop bar is the same as that of my balcony.
I’ll find some fun things to do this evening, make a plan for longer term lodging, and maybe nap the day away. And by the weekend, we should have some sunshine!
