Pakistan > On the way to Pakistan

Why on earth are you going to Pakistan? This question I have heard several times in recent weeks. On previous trips, I have met enthusiastic travelers about this country. I want to experience it with my own eyes. At half past seven, Allert rings the doorbell. Shortly after, we get dropped off together at Sassenheim station. By train, we travel to the airport. Most other train passengers are on their way to school or work. At check-in, there is no one ahead of us. After the visa is checked, we receive our boarding passes. Security also goes smoothly. This gives us plenty of time for a cup of coffee. When we arrive at the gate a little later, we meet fellow travelers. At first glance, a nice group, and also a group with lots of travel experience. Pakistan is not an obvious starter destination. Just before eleven, boarding begins for flight TK1952. Still, it takes quite some time before the plane leaves the gate. It’s not clear to me why. We have a five-hour layover in Istanbul. I’m not worried about this delay. In front of me and beside me sit travelers who are going on a hiking trip to Tajikistan. Behind me, two young men plan to travel around Sri Lanka by tuktuk. On the other side, I strike up a conversation with a man who will travel from Bishkek to Ashgabat by public transport in five weeks.

Pakistan - The new airport of Istanbul

He tells me he also made a motorcycle trip from Alaska to Ushuaia. I’m impressed. Thanks to all these conversations, the journey goes smoothly. The plane begins its descent to Istanbul airport. The airport is large, and soon we lose sight of most fellow travelers. The three of us want to order something to drink. The prices are high. A cola costs six euros. A Big Mac menu is over 22 euros. We walk past the stalls in disbelief at the extreme prices. Simple sandwiches start at thirteen euros. More out of principle, we decide not to eat here. We will also get a meal on the connecting flight. We do order a beer. The beer costs eleven euros. At the gate, we meet the travel companions again. Here I also see fellow travelers I had not yet met. I try to repeat their names to remember them better. Meanwhile, a staff member comes by to check my visa. I get a stamp on my boarding pass. Then I won’t have to show my visa again later, he says. Shortly after eight, we can board flight TK710 to Islamabad. The flight is not fully booked. The seat next to me stays empty, which is nice. I close my eyes and try to sleep a bit. When the meal is served, I wake up again. I have gotten hungry after all. Then the cabin lights are dimmed.