www.theblisspages.com - travel: Turkey
www.theblisspages.com - travel: TurkeyI travelled to Ankara to set up a computer system and particularly to install a printer for which we had commissioned an EPROM containing the Turkish character set. After I turned on the printer, I realised we had not been supplied with any documentation, and I had to create my own mapping to ensure the characters on the computer screens printed correctly. While I was concentrating on this, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that several people were leaving the office, but paid it no heed. It was only after I had the printer working that I asked one of the remaining staff where everyone had gone. "What?" he exclaimed. "Didn't you notice the earthquake?"
Sadly, I hadn't, so another tick box in life's experiences lies unchecked.
My flight to Istanbul was also fated. The plane landed and I got off. Looking around, I thought Istanbul airport was smaller than I expected, but queued up and collected my suitcase. I grew more perturbed as I waited to go through customs, and eventually found out that we weren't in Istanbul, but in some out-of-the-way oasis. I rushed back onto the plane with my suitcase, just in time, and continued my journey. To this day, I have no idea where I was.
However, the remainder of my journey was not destined to be uneventful...
As soon as we were in the air again, we were informed about a severe weather system over Istanbul, and warned we might need to divert. In the event, the decision was made to land as scheduled, but it was the hairiest landing I have so far experienced. The plane was thrown round the sky, and on final approach was buffeted by severe crosswinds.
As we were coming in to land, a sudden gust dropped one wing to just a foot or so from the tarmac, and as the plane levelled, the pilot dropped it onto the tarmac for a very hard landing. A colleague waiting to collect me from the airport said he could only see the first few feet of the plane as it was enveloped in spray from the cockpit window back.
Once I finally arrived in Istanbul, I enjoyed myself. I was taken for an enjoyable Turkish meal, and had time to explore the souk and other local attractions.
I was amazed at the Basilica Cistern, built in 552. It was impossible to imagine that this cool subterranean vista is just below your feet as you scurry around the busy streets of Istanbul. It hosts classical concerts and even has a café.
I also wandered around the Blue Mosque, completed in 1616, opposite the church of Hagia Sophia. It is huge and awe-inspiring. For more information, see See Istanbul with Mime Karahan.
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: © Mike Bliss 2008