Susan's NGTAW Blog: NGTOA: We're on our way - thanks to Turkish Airlines and Chicago taxis

Saturday, February 17, 2018

NGTOA: We're on our way - thanks to Turkish Airlines and Chicago taxis

Friday, February 16

Beautiful offering of fruit juices when we boarded the plane

Today Michael and I left for our National Geographic Private Jet Tour of Asia. When we traveled with them in 2015, I abbreviated our Trip Around the World as NGTAW (hence the name of my blog…..) So, I think the Asia trip needs an abbreviation as well –NGTOA (Nat Geo Tour of Asia!).

We had a leisurely day getting ready for our 9:20 PM departure on Turkish Airlines. I took the day off work and finished all my lingering tasks on Thursday night by midnight. Ironically, both my nephews contacted me about visiting this weekend. David was driving through to Iowa and thought he would stop by and say Hello. Noah wrote that he wanted to come to Chicago with Sophie, but needed a place to stay. Sorry to miss both of them, as neither has had the chance to visit yet.

We were packed up and ready for the taxi ride to O’Hare by 6:30 PM. Mike chose Turkish Airlines (over Emirates or others) back in the summer because of the good price on the tickets for business class. Plus, we had such a great experience with them in 2016 when we went to visit Istanbul.

Elizabeth, Matt, Charlie and Caleb face-timed us while we were in the cab on the way to the airport. It was such a treat to see them all before we left. Caleb sang to us – a sweet edition of Twinkle, twinkle, little star. I love to hear him sing!

We’re in seats 3 A & B. Because our flight left at 9:30, dinner service is quite late. They welcomed us on the plane with fruit juices, but didn’t serve water and appetizers until 11 PM. After a 4 course dinner, we finally finished with dessert at 12:30.

Our lay flat beds are comfortable, and Mike has already tucked in for sleep.