See the world through cabin crew eyes

I’m writing these lines from a cozy café just a few steps away from my hotel, sipping on my morning coffee. Yesterday, I spent one of the most beautiful days of my life in Annecy. It instantly earned a place on my “must-see before you die” list.

I woke up at 6:30 AM and got ready right away, since Annecy is three hours away from my hotel, I knew I couldn’t afford to waste time. I first took the tram that would drop me off at the bus station. Just like yesterday, it was crowded. A boy sitting next to me was reading a comic book. I remember trying to read comics a few times as a child, but they never really captured my attention, probably because they weren’t very popular in Turkey either.

After getting off the tram, I found the bus stop. The company was called BlaBlaCar Bus. Since it wasn’t clear exactly where the bus would stop, I asked a couple nearby. They turned out to be American and were also waiting for the bus to Annecy. They both wore sporty outfits and had a relaxed, joyful vibe, I couldn’t help but admire them. Traveling with someone you love must be such a beautiful experience.

Anyway, I’ll keep waiting for my soulmate. Loneliness can sometimes lead people to make mistakes, especially in their twenties. Trying to avoid being alone often leads to the wrong people, and those wrong people bring memories you frown upon later. I want memories that make me smile when I look back, that’s why, until I meet someone who adds color to my memories, I prefer spending time with myself. This is the perfect opportunity to continue on my journey of self-discovery.

The bus was 30 minutes late. I hadn’t had breakfast, so my hunger was starting to kick in. As soon as the bus arrived, I rushed to be the first one on board, I wanted to sit in the front row and enjoy the view. Then I realized the seats were assigned. These little silly moments of mine always make me laugh. After having a giggle, I made my way to my seat, 20A, by the window, at the very back.

The woman sitting next to me was eating a sandwich she’d brought along, and the sound of her chewing made my stomach grumble in protest. All I had with me was a big bottle of water, which I tried to use to calm my hunger. The ride was two hours long, so I started watching a series I’d downloaded. I tried to watch the scenery now and then, but since the view was mostly on the left side of the road, I couldn’t see much from where I sat. The romantic scenes in the show made me smile so hard my cheeks turned red.

We finally arrived in Annecy. I had imagined a quiet little town, something like Hallstatt, with fewer tourists, but to my surprise, it was quite large and packed with visitors.

I had a few destinations marked on my map, but I didn’t know which one to visit first. So I decided to follow the people who got off the bus without suitcases, assuming they were locals or experienced travelers. Sure enough, that led me down a path toward the old town, Vieille Ville. The buildings were aged and artistic, making me feel like I had stepped into an old French movie.

Shops were just starting to open. Cafés and restaurants lined both sides of the street, though the prices were noticeably higher compared to Lyon.

Discovering the Charm of Annecy’s Streets

Since most people had come for vacation, there was a shared excitement in the air to explore the surroundings. Everywhere I looked, there were cameras hanging from necks, summer clothes, and smiling faces. It gave off such a warm and uplifting energy that I couldn’t help but soak it in.

One little cheese shop caught my eye, called Pierre Gay. I wanted to buy something, but since it was hot, I decided to return later so it wouldn’t melt. France is famous for its cheese and cheesy dishes, and I didn’t want to miss out on that experience.

By then, my stomach was really starting to grumble. I was craving a croissant and tartiflette. Tartiflette is a traditional potato dish, rich and hearty, but unfortunately, I found out it’s usually made with pork fat. So, just like that, my dream of tasting it faded away.

When I reached the famous river where everyone stops to take photos, I was completely mesmerized. The harmony of colors and architecture was absolutely breathtaking. The only downside, tiny flies. I believe they were fruit flies, and there were millions of them buzzing around, even hitting my eyes. Thank goodness I had my sunglasses with me, and I tried my best not to open my mouth too much.

Despite the flies, the crowd was no surprise, it was all thanks to the extraordinary beauty of the place. Annecy had already won a place in my heart, and I hadn’t even explored it all yet.

Wandering Through Time in Annecy

I couldn’t help but drift into daydreams while walking through these streets. I wondered what life must have been like here 50 or even 100 years ago. Where did lovers meet back then? I closed my eyes and tried to recreate that old world in my mind. Today, this area is called the “Old Town,” but a hundred years from now, what part of the city will be called that? Where will the tourists of the future be wandering?

Shops and cafés have replaced the old homes, and I couldn’t help but wonder if there are still locals living here. If so, are they happy with these changes, or do they long for the old days?

Eventually, I found a café with the fewest flies and settled in to enjoy a croissant and a coffee while observing everything around me. People were polite and respectful, and I really loved how everyone greeted each other with a warm “bonjour.”

I continued exploring Vieille Ville, eager to discover more of its charm. There were small, romantic bridges connecting the buildings, and around me, it seemed like 75% of the people were couples. They posed affectionately, creating beautiful memories together. As for me, I began capturing my own romantic moments with myself. There’s a quiet kind of magic in doing that too.

As I was trying to take pictures of myself, a Korean couple noticed and kindly offered to help. Their warm gesture instantly brought a smile to my face. They spoke softly and gently posed me in front of the view, making sure the background looked just right. It felt like a little movie scene, strangers connecting for a brief moment to make a memory even more special.

After snapping a few lovely shots, we exchanged smiles and a quiet “thank you.” It reminded me once again how beautiful it is when kindness and travel come together, and how people from completely different parts of the world can cross paths and leave a little light behind.

The result was a perfect photo. I absolutely adore Asians. They take this kind of thing very seriously. If you’re ever going to ask someone for help with a photo, I’d definitely recommend asking an Asian tourist. Trust me, they understand the assignment.

Their attention to detail, the way they angle the camera, make sure the lighting is just right, and even help you pose, it’s like having your own personal photographer. Thanks to them, I now have a beautiful memory frozen in time, captured just the way I imagined.

After capturing a few more shots of this beautiful place, I continued my walk, following a puddle on the ground like it was leading me somewhere magical. Instead of sticking to the map, I decided to let myself wander freely. There’s something so thrilling about getting a little lost. Sure, I probably lose my way about 30 percent of the time, but I usually end up somewhere wonderful.

This time, the path led me to a breathtaking park, Jardins de l’Europe. The view of the Alps was absolutely stunning. It instantly took me back to memories of Hallstatt. When I was there, it was winter and freezing cold, but now, in the warmth of summer, I got to see the Alps in a completely different light, and it was just as magical.

I found a small set of three steps at the corner, leading down to the lake, and sat there for a while. The view was so beautiful that I couldn’t help but think, there can be no art greater than the art of Allah. In that quiet moment, I began to praise Allah’s greatness in my heart.

Moments like these are so precious. They strengthen the bond between you and your Creator. It’s hard to put into words, but I truly hope that the warm feeling I experienced reaches you too, even just a little. There’s a kind of peace that flows through you in places like this, a reminder that beauty this pure can only come from Allah.