I currently have this feeling of astonishment, wonder, and
outright awe. I'm currently sitting in the living room of Dr. Amer's house in
Ankara, Turkey watching Costa Rica beat up on Uruguay. However, the journey to
this point is another story.
I'll start at the beginning. My "day" (I quoted day
because with the time change it's more like days) started at 3:30 p.m. CDT on
Friday, June 13. I, along with my family, loaded up on the truck and headed to
the Des Moines International Airport. I met my aunt and grandmother to say
goodbye one last time. My checked baggage was eight pounds over but, thanks to
my brother, I had an extra carry-on bag that I was able to move stuff around.
That carry-on also came in handy later. I boarded and was of to Chicago for the
first leg of my journey. The flight was short and sweet on a tiny plane. When
we landed I had to beet feet over to the international terminal 5--clear across
the airport. Luckily there was a tram that cut some of the trip. I showed up to
the gate and after a short wait boarded a pretty big plane. I would sit in the
same seat, not getting up once, for the next 11 hours.
I flew Turkish Airlines and sat next to a woman from Cedar Rapids.
She was very nice and helpful during the whole flight. She even offered me her
blanket if I got cold and some of her food that she didn't want to eat. She
mentioned that Turkish Airlines is one of the best and I can see why. I was
provided with a blanket, pillow, ear buds, headphones, socks, slippers, and
more! The food that they had was actually pretty good. I had minced beef with
rice, fried eggplant, vegetables, fruit and a lemon cake. After I ate (we were
only over Canada) I tried to sleep. I don't know if you could call what I did
for the next seven to eight hours as sleeping. It was more like intense zoning
out while listening to music. It was pretty uncomfortable and reminded me of
those long and late night bus rides from Mason City for football or
tennis--only it was for 11 hours! Somewhere over the Croatia breakfast was
served--an omelet with mushrooms, fried potatoes with more fruits and
vegetables. Julie, the woman who sat next to me, and I both started
feeling ill with about an hour to go. Flying through the air at 900+Km/hr for
11 hours isn't natural and does something to the body. Neither of us had a
history of car or air sickness so we were worried. It wall worked out well once
we got some water and thankfully no one got sick.
After I landed in Istanbul the culture shock was real. I didn't
know what was being said but finding my way around wasn't difficult. I had to
pass through a sort of “check-point” where anybody entering the country has to
have their passport and visa looked over. While waiting in line I witnessed a disgruntled
lambast a Turkish border patrol agent. She was yelling, using hand gestures—the
whole nine yards. She kept walking away while yelling and then coming back for
more. The security guard finally had enough or she said just the right thing
because several plain clothed and suited men came and took her away. It was
quite a “Welcome to Turkey” moment. Once I got my visa checked (I made sure to
smile and say please and thank you after what just happened) I stared heading,
once again, across another airport. While walking an older Turkish man
approached me to ask where I was going. I was hesitant but simply replied
Ankara. He was adamant to help me find my way. I told him I could manage but he
wanted to help. After I refused to show him my ticket or let him carry my bag,
he just ended up walking next to me or a few feet in front. Once we got to the
security area he asked for money in broken English. I had to say no, I don’t
have any. He was disappointed and left.
I left Istanbul after a short wait and flew Turkish Airlines for
about an hour where they served me a really nice snack consisting of a sandwich,
cucumbers, and a chocolate pudding of sorts. I had left Istanbul, my luggage on
the other hand had not. When I landed in Ankara I waited by the baggage claim
and didn’t see my bag. I went over to the lost luggage center and gave them my
information and after some translation difficulties I found out it was still in
Istanbul. I filled out the sheet and exited the airport where Dr. Amer and his
son greeted me. I felt bad because the plane was late and then I had to deal
with the lost bag so it was rather late.
Meeting Amer’s family and where I am staying will come in a later
post. Right now a shower and a nice bed sounds heavenly.
--Adam Willman
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