Wenn die Wolken trennen

The adventure has come to an end. I’m up early to prepare for my flight home. It’s been snowing overnight and it’s still snowing now. I’m a little apprehensive. Flights were cancelled on Saturday in similar conditions. At 0600 my taxi arrives to take me to the airport. I’d usually catch the train but I’ve been advised that taxi will probably be the most reliable. It’s dark and snowing and everyone is driving way too fast for my comfort. Best to just not think about it.

We get to the airport in good time. Check-in, border control and security are all smooth. Now it’s just a matter of wait and see. The airline still indicates the flight is on schedule.

We board only a few minutes late, but depart nearly an hour late partly due to the de-icing procedure which takes nearly 20 minutes. There is thick cloud cover and I don’t expect to see anything on this flight. And then, as we’re flying over Turkey, the clouds part and we’re treated to a few hours of dramatic snow dusted mountains and valleys. And in those scenes I see the connection between the snow filled recent past and the blue skies of the near future.

By the way, the windows of the Boeing 777 are the best for taking photos. Flat with little reflection. 

On the flight from Munich I succumb and watch the Mamma Mia sequel. I haven’t yet managed to sit all the way through the original, so I’m not sure how long I will last. But it’s vivaciousness wins me over and delivers a line that I hope will be prophetic: “may the rest of our lives be the best of our lives”. I’m planning for big things to happen this year. Time to get home and get on with it!

And when I land the heat hits me. From 0 to 34 in 24 hours. 

(Title translation: When the clouds separate)