Greece > Farewell to Athens

Today feels different when the alarm goes off. The trip is over, and there is nothing left to do but pack the suitcase for the journey home. Yesterday, I already said goodbye to the driver. Today, a different driver with a different bus takes us to the airport. The driver is a bit early. We load the luggage and drive to Athens Airport in just under an hour. At the check-in desk, I say goodbye to Jessy. She is flying on to Crete, where she has a Greek wedding this weekend. The line for check-in is long. It takes a while before I am checked in, but that’s no problem since the plane isn’t leaving any earlier. I arrive at the gate well in advance and board the plane. To my surprise, I am seated at the emergency exit. Normally, extra payment is required for these more spacious seats. I don’t complain. The flight attendant explains how to open the door in case of emergency. Hopefully, we won’t need that on our flight.

Greece - Approaching Schiphol Airport

Around half past three, the plane lands on the Polderbaan runway with a slight delay. This still means a short taxi to the terminal itself. Just before the gate, the plane stops for a few minutes. No idea why. Just as everyone gets up, we are asked to sit down again. Officials come on board—three plainclothes police officers. Right in front of me, they ask someone to come with them. Possibly someone traveling with false papers. After that, everyone is allowed to leave the plane. At the baggage claim, I say goodbye to the tour group. I then take the train home.