Leo’s travel journal

Istanbul was fantastic although the weather wasn’t.  I felt that I had to come back once more to explore the city in a more thorough manner as I rarely made my way around much.

Anyway, it was time to move on to Zagreb, this time on Turkish Airlines once more.

I arrived at Ataturk Airport, check-in was a breeze through the business class counters – however the economy lines were choc-a-bloc. The benefits of the Star Alliance Gold status were truly appreciated.

After check-in, I headed to the lounge of Turkish Airlines to grab something to eat as I was starved. The lounge itself was one of the largest and most spacious lounges I’ve ever set foot in.

I must admit that I loved the idea of natural light in the lounge and airport. However, the interior left me a little perplexed – a current mix of neo-classical fittings and Scandinavian-style furniture.

Overall it was nice and before I realised, it was time to board the 737-800 headed for Zagreb.

The 2-hour flight and meal service was uneventful.

Landing in Zagreb was a shocker for me – no aero bridge, so we were all bussed to the terminal.

More on Zagreb in the next post…

After spending a wonderful four nights at the Grande Bretagne, it was time to head on to Istanbul.

After checking in at Athens airport, I was directed to the BA Lounge – a brightly lid lounge with internet access and very very basic drinks and snacks.

Today’s aircraft, A320-200 is one of the latest addition to the TK family (IIRC). Being my first time flying TK, I was rather “shocked” with the selection of the cabin colours. It was a regional configured one with a one class cabin, and the J (business) part of the cabin being separated by an armrest built into the middle seat.

When asked by the cabin crew whether I liked it, I said it was “different”. The mentioned crew obviously didn’t like the colour though…

It wasn’t a terribly full flight and to my delight cabin service was prompt.

Moved my behind to the EMEX (emergency exit) row when cabin doors closed.

Full meal service for a one hour fifteen minute flight – I am amazed.

Loved the route map that was shown throughout the flight (unlike LH).

A view of Ataturk International Airport, we flew well off the airport due to traffic and had to circle for 15 minutes or so before landing clearance was given.

Luggage was swift and it was good traffic in Istanbul (surprisingly), I found myself in the W Istanbul approximately 40 minutes from landing.

This Friday for Athens (at the Grande Bretagne – Deluxe Suite), Istanbul (W Istanbul – Fantastic Suite), Zagreb (Westin Zagreb – Westin Guest Office), Ljubljana (day trip from Zagreb), and Riga (Monika Centrum – Deluxe Room).

Good to finally lift off to Europe after several months of grounding

Flying Thai, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Croatia Airlines.

Updates soon! Tatas!

So it’s that time of the year again, the first of my (foreseeable) many trips to Europe in 2009.

I’m quite excited, it’s been quite some time since I flew long haul – unfortunately it will still be winter in these cities.  New cities I will be visiting this time around will be Athens, Istanbul and Zagreb.

I’ll be flying the TK (Turkish Airlines) and OU (Croatia Airlines) for the first time.  Wish me luck!  And I’m not flying Singapore Airlines this time round due to their prohibitively expensive airfares.

Lifting off on 6 February and back about 17 days after, here’s what’s in store…

TG418 KUL (Kuala Lumpur)/BKK (Bangkok) 2100/2205

TG920 BKK (Bangkok)/FRA (Frankfurt) 2340/0530+1

LH3380 FRA (Frankfurt)/ATH (Athens) 0920/1305

TK1846 ATH (Athens)/IST (Istanbul) 1055/1210

TK1449 IST (Istanbul)/ZAG (Zagreb) 1400/1505

OU410 ZAG (Zagreb)/FRA (Frankfurt) 0655/0830

LH3244 FRA (Frankfurt)/RIX (Riga) 1100/1410

LH3245 RIX (Riga)/FRA (Frankfurt) 1440/1555

TG923 FRA (Frankfurt)/BKK (Bangkok) 2055/1305+1

TG417 BKK (Bangkok)/KUL (Kuala Lumpur) 1640/1950