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.
1943.