Transit to Ankara

Okay, in Turkey we were definitely spoiled (rotten).  Nowhere else on the trip have we had it anywhere near as good. In six trips to and from airports in Turkey, only once did we use public transportation. Public transportation, of course gives you another slice of life and so while I know we were lucky to be so well cared for, I think we were also lucky to experience getting there on our own. That happened on our trip to Ankara.

When I made the reservation for the flight, I thought I had chosen a reasonable hour (10:30 AM).  That might be okay if you're anywhere near the airport when you start. Istanbul has two airports, I knew that. One on the European side and one on the Asian side. When we arrived from Germany we came in on the European side, about a half an hour from our hotel. We were leaving from the Asian side - how bad could it be? Well, it could be about an hour and a half. It wasn't, but it could be and you know how it is with airline departures.  It's okay to be a half an hour early but half an hour late can be trouble.  We wanted to arrive at the airport at 8:30 AM.  That meant rolling out of our hotel at 6 AM to be sure we did not miss the 6:30 bus.

And so we did. Even at 6 AM. There was a cabbie sitting in front of the hotel waiting. We did not need him, as it was a short walk to the shuttle at Taksim Square. We made the bus easy. At 6 AM, going east, there is no traffic on the bridge that can create the 90 min. ride to the airport so we got there in 45. 7:15, too early even to check in. Early, but that's how we roll.
The flight to Ankara was uneventful. That's how people move between Turkish cities.  It seems flights are efficient, cheap and frequent. Before we knew it we were there at Ankara international.

As befits the national airport of an important and large country, Ankara International goes the extra mile to impress. There is a river in the airport, if you can believe it. It runs for hundreds of meters. I'm sure its job is to impress important foreign officials to come to call. I think it does its job.

There were not a lot of people at the airport. I am not sure what the flight schedule was but when we stopped for coffee after the flight, we were the only ones there - except for airport workers on a break. Huge airport - no one there. Only in a national capital could you justify the expense.

The emptiness may also have been a result of how hard it is to get into a Turkish airport. They put you through a full security check just to walk in the front door. There is a second one to get on the plane. That may seem excessive, or it may just be the future considering the recent attack at the Russian airport. Planes aren't the only target nowdays. Turks already know this.

WiT? Clue:  A few weeks ago, we were on a 'Father of his Country' kick.  Well, this guy may be the best example ever - and he had lots of children!