Perhaps it was excitement or perhaps sadness, but neither of us slept well. Up very early to pack. Last breakfast on the rooftop, last view of the ships in the holding bay. Driver arrived at 7:30 and spent an hour and a half threading his way through Istanbul's rush hour to Sabiha Gokcen Airport on the Asian side. We have found Turks to be remarkably patient whether it's moving goods with donkey and cart or negotiating a deal brewing a cup of chai.
Four weeks, seven airports, and 6 beds in and we're still smiling
Check in, boarding and take off in clear skies all went smoothly. We both had the feeling that this was the beginning of our journey home. Once in the air, again with Pegasus, only this time in a plane with actual leg room, we were treated to the safety instructions. I say 'treated' because the announcement was a delightful surprise. Instead of the usual flight attendant in the aisle with the fixed smile going through the motions mechanically, this was a taped message with children playing the parts of crew and passengers. It was charming and funny, and one of the most effective presentations I've seen in years, on any subject. We'd recommend you fly Pegasus if the opportunity arises, just to see this.
Flight path took us over a list of 'a' states--Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria before descending into Basel. Needless to say, the Swiss car rental agent was not asleep. Snappy Volkswagen Touran was efficiently provided, and we were off on highways where we could read the signs. Difficult to relate our sense of calm at being in a landscape that felt like home.
Hotel Staubbach and its setting
Easy three hour drive south through Bern and Intelaken to our the Hotel Staubbach in the tiny town of Lauterbrunnen. Check-in was typically Swiss. The clerk, apparently battling the early stages of a cold, had gone home. However, a list of guests expected to arrive today was on the reception desk along with instruction about keys and breakfast. Lovely room with large balcony with a view of the towering Staubbach Falls. If you ever see a photo of this village, it will inevitably show the view from our room.
View of Staubbach Falls from our room
Out into the crisp night air for a short invigorating walk. Interesting how walking in Turkey was draining while here it seems to revive both energy and spirit. Wonderful, flavourful dinner of venison--hunting season has started, and a fine bottle of Valais Fendant. Would have been almost idyllic has it not been for the young American at the next table who insisted on carrying on a shouted monologue which he mistook as a conversation with a reluctant German family on the other side of the room.
What a pleasure it was to open the windows wide to the cold mountain air, and to climb under the puffy quilt onto a cloud-like bed. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz...
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