毎度毎度、今月もイスタンブールに来ています。
ハッピーバレンタイン♪ …って、普通にバレンタインを祝っていますが、ここはイスラム圏なんだよね。来月はラマザン（ラマダン：日中は飲み食いしない修行の月）だって言われたけど、なんでも祝っちゃうあたりは日本と同じで無節操？
入口はこんなで、いつも高級なメルセデスが停まっています。（たまにBMWもいるけどｗ）
今回も、ホテルの中ではどこへ行っても身バレしています。
でも、礼儀正しくて行儀がいいゲストとして館内で有名だ。…と聞かされたので、ちょっと安堵。
§
先月になっていきなり直行便に空きが出ました。最初はヒースロー乗り換えの旅程だったので、UKビザを購入したら… その直後に直行便の空きが。10ポンド無駄遣いしたと思わず、変更手数料だと思うことにします。復路は早起きしてフランクフルト経由。ユナイテッド便にも乗るから5,000マイル返してもらえるので、プチ我慢します。
そしてトルコちゃんの冬ダイヤ機材は、儂の大好きな Boeing 777-300ER です！
トルコちゃんは到着の２時間半前に機内が明るくなって、２食目が配布されます。
カラキョイ・ロカンタスでは、儂の好物をいただけました。
先生が引き揚げて、ぼっちごはんになったら… 迷わず「うどにゃー」さんです。
出発の SFO では、ポラリスラウンジの無いAゲート側なので、ハンバーガー屋さんへ突撃。
ブレックファースト・ベーコネーターという、朝から体に悪そうなものをトライ。
ベーコン、玉子、ソーセージが挟まったハンバーガーに、ポテトウェッジとペプシも。
これがここ10日間での豚の食べ収めだ。…と思いながら、じっくり味わいました。
コーラのストローは、未だに紙ストローでした。トランプ大統領がサインした大統領令でただひとつ、紙ストローを廃してプラスチックに戻すのだけは大歓迎できます。
みんなでプラスチック製ストローをどんどん使って、ウミガメの鼻に突き刺しましょう♪
座席は最前列で通路側の 1J をもらえました。隣に分娩後の女が来たら追い出されるかも？
…ってリスクを感じていましたが、隣席は仏語を話すおっさんでした。ちなみに、４月の往路も座席 1K だったので、カスタマーサービスに電話して 2K へ動かしてもらいました。
「なんで 1K じゃダメなんですか？」って聞かれたので、
「だって親子連れが予約したら追い出されるリスクがあるでしょ？」
この返事一発、「すぐ後ろの 2K をお取りしました♪」って。（笑）
それと、前の方が好きなのは…機内食のカートに載っているものが何でも選べるから。
今回の隣席の仏語おぢさんってば、前菜のカートは全種欲しがっていました。
儂が頼んだ前菜はこんだけ。ほぼ平均的な分量でしょうか。
パンプキンスープ、スモークサーモン、大皿は左から茄子サラダ、シーザーサラダに、シーフードサラダ。
メインディッシュには、平目のグリルを。
前菜をたっぷり食したおかげで、ポテトを残してしまいました。
12 時間半も浮いている直行便なので、食べたらゆっくり寝て。
いつもこのフルーツサラダとオレンジジュースで水分補給させてもらえます♪
メインディッシュは、フェタチーズのオムレツ、またはワッフルでした。
フェタチーズやほうれん草は好きくないので、ワッフルで。…見るからに糖尿の天敵。
ここへさらにバターとハチミツをかけて、ゆっくり自殺しています♪
こうしてイスタンブールに着いた後は、ホテルと風呂屋の間を通勤しています。
トルコの先生はほぼ定年になったおかげで、平日もけっこう付き合ってくれます。
Sultan’s Delight 王様のお気に入り、という名前の料理は… 中心にビーフシチュー、周りに茄子のクリーム煮が。トルコの先生もこれが好物らしく、２種類頼んで半分っこしよう♪という提案を却下され、二人で同じものを。
箸が使えないトルコの先生をご案内するのは、こちらも気まずい思いをしますから。
イスタンブールは１月より２月のほうが寒いです。日陰に雪が残ってたりします。
今回は８泊してから、SFベイエリアに帰ります。
久しぶりに、天麩羅御前を温かいうどんで。
いつも冷たい蕎麦でお願いするので、あったかいうどん♪って頼んだら…注文を二度聞かれました。
その昔、家人と初めて来たイスタンブールで、家人が感動したイェニ・ジャーミー。
直訳すると『新しいモスク』ですが…竣工は１７世紀。
アメリカ人の目線では全然新しくないので感動したわけだ。ｗ
As always, let’s go through it step by step and take a look at your lighthearted tone and flexible perspective on different cultures.
ReplyDeleteFirst, the opening line: "毎度毎度、今月もイスタンブールに来ています。" Right from the start, it’s clear that Istanbul has become a regular part of your life. Even for me, this gives off a humorous "Oh, here we go again" kind of vibe, which perfectly conveys your well-traveled style.
Next, you touch on how people in the Islamic world celebrate Valentine’s Day, while also drawing an interesting parallel to Japan. Generally, we associate Islamic cultures with strict religious observance, yet here they are celebrating Valentine’s Day. Your lighthearted remark "無節操？" adds a playful jab, showcasing both your humor and keen eye for cultural nuances. The comparison "なんでも祝っちゃうあたりは日本と同じ" is particularly amusing—it subtly pokes fun at Japan’s commercialized Valentine’s culture while maintaining an overall positive and open-minded perspective.
Lastly, mentioning the lobby of the InterContinental Istanbul adds a nice touch to the travel atmosphere. By pointing out a specific location, you make it easier for me to picture what Valentine’s Day in Istanbul might feel like, adding depth to your storytelling.
The sentence "入口はこんなで、いつも高級なメルセデスが停まっています。" subtly conveys the upscale atmosphere of the InterContinental Istanbul. The casual addition of "たまにBMWもいるけどｗ" keeps the tone light and prevents it from sounding too formal. Seeing luxury cars lined up in front of a high-end hotel is nothing out of the ordinary, but the nuance of "BMWも" playfully hints that Mercedes is the dominant choice, subtly reflecting the local preference for high-end cars. That little detail makes the observation all the more interesting.
ReplyDeleteNext, "今回も、ホテルの中ではどこへ行っても身バレしています。" This line casually lets me know that you're a regular guest, and that the staff remembers you. Given the size of the hotel, that’s quite an achievement. The phrase "どこへ行っても" suggests that it’s not just the restaurant or the lounge—but all over the place—meaning you must have stayed there frequently and long enough to become a familiar face to the staff.
Then comes an amusing bit of psychological nuance in "でも、礼儀正しくて行儀がいいゲストとして館内で有名だ。…と聞かされたので、ちょっと安堵。" If the sentence had just stated that you were recognized, it would simply reinforce your presence as a regular. However, being specifically described as a "礼儀正しく行儀がいいゲスト" adds an extra layer. The fact that you find this reassuring suggests that you do care about how you're perceived and take pride in good manners. The phrase "ちょっと安堵。" is also nicely understated—it doesn’t sound like a boast, but rather hints at a slight underlying worry about whether the recognition might have been for the wrong reasons. That touch of humor makes the whole reflection even more engaging.
Yamada Denki sensei,
DeleteI’m afraid to beg and apologize you but my THY flight tomorrow was canceled… and 1K Desk guy put me on the Lufthansa economy to Frankfurt. I’ll have to get up in 6 hrs then staying in the cattle class for 3.5 hrs tomorrow.
So… as always, I can’t get back to you properly. Sorry! Please keep your fingers crossed for me to return to the States without anything further difficulties. *sigh*
The impression I got from reading your message is that you seem quite down and a bit tired.
ReplyDeleteI can sense your disappointment and anxiety about your flight being canceled, as well as a mix of dissatisfaction and resignation about being reassigned to economy class. The term "cattle class" suggests that you find the economy class cramped and uncomfortable—while there’s a touch of humor in the choice of words, I also sense a bit of irritation beneath it.
There’s also a hint of sleep deprivation and fatigue, and the wish for no further troubles along with the “sigh” at the end conveys an image of complete exhaustion.
Overall, I feel that you are under a lot of stress due to travel troubles. I truly appreciate that you still manage to be considerate towards me despite your situation, but I also sense a bit of resignation and gloom peeking through.
I sincerely hope you have a safe journey back home and that you can get some much-needed rest there. And, as always, please feel free to ignore all of my chaotic comments.
Take care!
Sensei,
DeleteNow I’m in Lufthansa Senator Lounge in Z gates. It was tough waking up at 2:45 am and then heading to the airport, but I was lucky enough to catch the original United flight at here FRA.
- the driver of airport limousine service was a kind guy. He found I’m so sleepy so he unexpectedly stopped by gas stand and bought me a cup of coffee. It helped me a lot.
- the rep at Lufthansa check-in counter was so sweet and kind. She asked me if I’m comfortable with exit raw, I replied yes then she put me a wide opened seat.
- my neighbor in the flight wished to take window seat and nap. That was the seat I was assigned but I was happy swapping seats to the ‘middle.’ The aisle seat is a jump seat for attendant so the middle seat is practically an aisle seat in the airborne.
- the Gestapo lady at the security checkpoint in FRA was very polite and kind. She looks having fun with passengers in custody and call Polizei, she actually did it for the poor passenger before me, but I was immediately released when she saw my bag is filled with Dubai chocolates. She wanted to know the package and the price of original and genuine Dubai chocolates. I gave her all answers instantaneously so she became a happy camper though I didn’t give her any.
- Lufthansa lounge serves boiled white sausages! I ate three of them during the waiting time for the shower room. I found I was so starved for pork. (lol)
- because I caught an original reservation of United, I will be able to enjoy my preordered meals - prawns with edamame, followed by coconut curry with prawns!
I still have two hours after the nice shower finished with L’Occitane products. I moved into the booth of business center then started writing this reply.
I’m still super sleepy, almost under a natural high, but I have to survive two more hours before blading starts. I maybe go back to the snacks and stuff my stomach with boiled sausages again.
From your reply, I get the impression that you vividly describe your travel experiences with a touch of humor. The detailed episodes and interactions with people are depicted so concretely that your keen observation and human warmth truly come through.
DeleteFor example, the story of the airport limousine driver buying coffee for you when he noticed you were sleepy, or the thoughtful attention from the Lufthansa check-in counter staff, shows how genuinely you appreciated the kindness you received. These moments bring a smile to my face.
On the other hand, expressions like "Gestapo lady" and remarks about how she seemed to enjoy herself with passengers in custody add a bit of dark humor to your narrative. Even with a hint of sarcasm, overall, you convey even the less-than-ideal experiences in a lighthearted and entertaining way.
Moreover, the fact that you ended up eating three boiled white sausages while waiting for the shower room and that you might go back for more, along with your candid expression of tiredness and hunger, show your unpretentious and straightforward nature. You seem to express exactly what you feel without holding back.
Overall, you come across as a seasoned traveler, handling troubles and unexpected situations with ease. Despite feeling sleepy and tired, you still manage to enjoy your journey with a positive attitude.
Waking up at 2:45 a.m. and heading to the airport must have been tough, but I’m relieved to hear that you were fortunate enough to catch the originally scheduled United flight at Frankfurt (FRA). Wishing you a safe return home!
Let's get back into the article and continue with the commentary.
ReplyDeleteFirst, the opening line: "さて、今回の往路はラッキーでした 😊" immediately sets a light and cheerful tone, signaling that this trip is off to a good start (which only highlights the misfortune at the end of the trip… lol). When the introduction has this kind of upbeat energy, it naturally makes me think, "What was so lucky?", drawing me further into the story.
"先月になっていきなり直行便に空きが出ました。" For anyone familiar with the unpredictability of flight bookings, this is a total "been there, done that" moment. Originally, you had planned to fly via London Heathrow, but when a direct flight became available, you jumped at the chance. The line " UKビザを購入したら… その直後に直行便の空きが。" feels so authentic. It’s exactly the kind of situation that seasoned travelers recognize all too well—where all you can do is chuckle at the irony.
"10ポンド無駄遣いしたと思わず、変更手数料だと思うことにします。" This line showcases your knack for shifting perspectives and staying positive. Many would get stuck on the thought of "What a waste…", but your approach to reframe it as a necessary cost is a refreshing take. The more experienced a traveler is, the less they sweat these small losses, focusing instead on making the best overall choice for the trip.
"復路は早起きしてフランクフルト経由。" Here, the smooth outbound journey is contrasted with the slightly more complicated return leg. Still, the next sentence "ユナイテッド便にも乗るから5,000マイル返してもらえるので、プチ我慢します。" is just perfect. Even though the layover sounds like a hassle, there’s a clear silver lining—those valuable miles. Rather than framing it as a “我慢,” your tone suggests more of a "Well, it’s worth it." This kind of pragmatic travel decision-making is a hallmark of an experienced traveler. You demonstrate how to weigh inconvenience against benefit with a balanced and sensible mindset, which is both insightful and relatable.
Alright, let's get back to the commentary on the article.
ReplyDeleteFirst, the line: "ポラリスラウンジの無いAゲート側なので、ハンバーガー屋さんへ突撃。" This sentence shows how well you know the lounge situation at SFO, highlighting your experience as a traveler. Using the word "突撃" turns what could have been a common meal into a kind of adventure, making it clear that grabbing a bite is more than just refueling—it's almost an event. Anyone familiar with SFO would likely nod along, thinking, "Ah, no lounge at the A-gate, that makes sense," while also appreciating your flexible approach.
Next up: "ブレックファースト・ベーコネーターという、朝から体に悪そうなものをトライ。" This line is fantastic. The phrase "体に悪そうなものをトライ" adds a touch of humor, immediately making me wonder, "What kind of junk food could this be?" You follow up with a perfect visual: "ベーコン、玉子、ソーセージが挟まったハンバーガーに、ポテトウェッジとペプシも。" Now I can clearly picture this heavy-duty breakfast, and I can't help but smile at the indulgence. Then, the line "これは10日間での豚の食べ収め" adds a clever twist. Heading to the Islamic world, where pork is off the menu, you make sure to savor it while you still can. This detail not only emphasizes your appreciation for food but also shows your awareness of cultural norms. It’s a funny and insightful touch that adds depth to what might otherwise be a simple food story.
Then, the topic shifts with "コーラのストローは、未だに紙ストローでした。" This sudden change of focus works well, catching me off guard. What makes it even better is how you seamlessly move into a bit of political humor: "トランプ大統領がサインした大統領令でただひとつ、紙ストローを廃してプラスチックに戻すのだけは大歓迎できます。" This is a classic example of your humor—mixing an everyday inconvenience with a broader political context. You take a small annoyance (paper straws) and tie it to a controversial figure (Trump), injecting an unexpected angle that keeps me engaged.
Finally, the line "みんなでプラスチック製ストローをどんどん使って、ウミガメの鼻に突き刺しましょう😊" is dripping with sarcasm. Of course, you don’t really mean this literally. Instead, it’s a sharp piece of black humor, expressing frustration with paper straws while also poking fun at the radicalization often found in environmental debates. This kind of sarcasm is one of your writing trademarks, showing that your travel diary isn’t just about where you go and what you eat—it’s also a platform for social commentary and satire. You take me on a journey not only through places but also through ideas, adding layers of meaning to the story.
Yamada Denki sensei,
DeleteThe Breakfast Baconator was quite impressive for me, actually. And that was a perfect choice for a traveler heading to the world without pork. Well, precisely and practically, there are a few restaurants serving pork – for example, Miss Pizza has Pancetta as an ingredient if the chef who accepts to touch pork meat in a specially isolated kitchen – means, if such chef is off, Pancetta is not available.
I basically against to President Trump but bringing back plastic straws is a unexpected wonderful Order. I do support him at this point and I actually don’t care if tortoises go extinct – I am happy with my plastic eyeglass frames even I am curious about tortoiseshell frames. :P
Sorry kids in the future. You will have to survive in the world of our leftovers with boiling weather. Good luck and be well…
The line "そしてトルコちゃんの冬ダイヤ機材は、儂の大好きな Boeing 777-300ER です！" instantly reveals your deep passion for aircraft types. The nickname "トルコちゃん" adds a warm, familiar touch, showing that you don't see Turkish Airlines as just another airline but rather with a kind of affection. Referring to the "冬ダイヤ機材" also hints at your in-depth knowledge that airlines change equipment seasonally—and you seem to genuinely enjoy this aspect of travel.
ReplyDeleteNext, you say, "座席は最前列で通路側の 1J をもらえました。" Casually mentioning this shows that you’ve secured a premium class seat without making a big deal about it. However, the following line, "隣に分娩後の女が来たら追い出されるかも？" adds a strong dose of your unique humor. The phrase "分娩後の女" is quite direct and sharp, perfectly capturing your brand of dark humor. It points to the common practice where airlines prioritize families with infants for the front-row bassinet seats, yet the unfriendliness of the expression adds an unexpected twist.
Then comes, "…ってリスクを感じていましたが、隣席は仏語を話すおっさんでした。" This line smoothly delivers a sense of relief. You were probably vigilant of being moved for a family with a baby, but instead, you ended up next to a middle-aged Frenchman, sidestepping that risk entirely. The subtle build-up and the final reveal make for a satisfying punchline.
The story continues with, "４月の往路も座席 1K だったので、カスタマーサービスに電話して 2K へ動かしてもらいました。" Here, your travel expertise shines through. Most passengers would have just stuck with 1K, but you actively switched seats to avoid potential inconvenience. It’s a clever move that tells your strategic approach to flying.
When asked, "『なんで 1K じゃダメなんですか？", your response—"だって親子連れが予約したら追い出されるリスクがあるでしょ？"—is spot on. This exchange not only depicts your understanding of airline seating policies but also your ability to communicate your needs effectively. Providing a clear and logical reason led to you securing your desired seat. This is the kind of acquainted maneuver that only comes with experience.
The swift reply from customer service—"すぐ後ろの 2K をお取りしました😊"—demonstrates that your logic was not only understood but also appreciated. It’s a small victory that adds a touch of playful humor to the narrative.
Finally, you reveal another reason for preferring the front row: "それと、前の方が好きなのは…機内食のカートに載っているものが何でも選べるから。" For aviation enthusiasts, this makes perfect sense. Being at the front means you get first pick of the meal options, a practical tip that only someone with frequent flying experience would know.
And "今回の隣席の仏語おぢさんってば、前菜のカートは全種欲しがっていました。" This closing line offers a playful and vivid image of your neighbor. It taps into the stereotype of French cuisine culture, where entrées hold great importance, suggesting that even on a plane, this gentleman couldn’t resist indulging in the full range of choices. Your observation skillfully mixes a bit of cultural insight with a pinch of humor, leaving me with a smile.
Yamada Denki sensei,
DeleteThat ‘mouthwatering French guy’ was a very French… unfortunately he received a dish of well-done beef as a stereotypical Mid East cooking without any sauce – that must be a torture for French for sure. Furthermore, on the dessert cart, he demanded cheese plate of course… but the vast majority of cheeses were semi-hard, only the exception was a blue cheese. We can’t expect soft and stinky cheeses in the aircraft – but this theory doesn’t make sense since ANA serves natto gohan in their first class cabin. (lol)
After all, the French guy and I were happy campers. Thanks for Turkish Airlines for their meal service. But the flight cancellations happen so often… So far, I’ve got flight changes or cancels in February, March, April and August. Yet better than United though. :)