1943
(19:43 to be exact, but the : had given up life years ago)
30 oC
1943
29 oC
1944
The red LEDs blinked their cycling transmission of temperature and time. Next to a pealing sticker announcing "Efe Tur" as the owner of this otobüs, no doubt more faded by continuous display, was our destination, Esenler, the second step to Istanbul and Atatürk Airport. Where check in had started already. If by some miracle, time could be made up, more steps would lead home, many hours later.
The journey to Izmit had been more enjoyable, as this one was an hour late with the non-negotiable deadline of booked travel, rather than patiently waiting accommodation. The sight-seeing, wonder and photos replaced by obsessive clock watching. Turkish time moved differently.
1957
27 oC
1958
At least the Turkish Sun was cooperating, having hurried away at the snatched sounds of the call to evening prayer. The glints from metal mosqued domes and towered spires finally dispelling. It was finally getting cool enough to breath. Whether the flight would be caught was another matter. But it sucked the joy out of the otherwise glorious scenery.
Historical footnote: This was conceived on the I mit-Esenler Efe Tur otobüs, which should have taken 1hour 45minutes, but in fact took 4hours 30minutes to arrive. Needless to say, I arrived at the airport 15minutes after the KLM flight to Schiphol had taken off, missed my connection, and had to quickly book passage to London. My car was in Cardiff. The guy, Emir, on the Turkish Airlines seat next to mine, was chronically afraid of flying, so all in all an interesting experience. Watching the coach's clock steal the beauty of my surroundings was the worst part.
There is an audio version of this story at
https://audioboom.com/posts/1064074-audiomo-16th-november-late-as-in-flight-wish-you-were-her-two-six-minute-stories
I do all sorts of things. Mostly badly. Mostly better than others. I tell stories. Occasionally, I lie.
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