As the bus pulled over at the side of the freeway, it occurred to me that I had never walked to a big city airport before. I thank the driver and confirm that the airport is thataway, about a mile and a half down the road. I tell myself that the money I'm saving now will help pay for the next trip, but I'm overdressed and my luggage is heavy and it is a beautiful warm day.
I make my way to the Izmir airport terminal, pass through security and plunk myself down to gather myself. I'm hot, I'm cranky and I'm hungry. Fortunately, the Izmir airport offers cuisine on a par with landing strips worldwide. After overpaying for my Whopper and fries, I check in my bag.
One thing I have learned about regional flights is that weight restrictions on checked baggage are smaller and stricter. So travel tip #4107 is to stuff the carry on with your heavy gear when taking cheap regional flights. However, keep in mind that there are weight restrictions on carry on, but they are rarely enforced..
I step out for a smoke, knowing that stepping back in means another trip through security. I consider the fact that I am flying by the seat of my pants here. I have no room booked for my next destination, Adana. This is because The City of Adana has a rule about advertised hotel rates. As a result, the rates posted on the internet are limited and outrageous and the consequence of that is that I will be arriving in a strange city at night with no firm plan.
Sometimes when you travel you just have to have faith when plans go awry.
As I stamp out my smoke, and prepare for airport hell wait, I take one last walk in the outdoors when I notice a restaurant complex located in a little park that looks considerably more enticing than the airport. Perfect. I make my way down, order a coffee and open up my guidebook as I attempt to formulate a plan for the next stop.
Make no mistake, like most of us, I prefer to know in advance where I will be sleeping on any given night, especially in an unfamiliar city in a foreign country. As I read the book the restaurant manager approaches me and we start chatting. I explain that I am looking for a hotel in my guidebook.
He asks me which hotel, takes my guide and books me a room at far less than the internet rate and even less than my lonely planet guide. "Don't worry, you are booked, and don't pay more than ten lira for the cab."
I am deeply grateful to this gentlemen, but I have to say that he is only one among many who have gone out of their way to help me
I leave a huge tip and get on the plane to Adana feeling a whole lot better about everything.
http://www.goyestoeverything.com
