Crosswind

On approach, the inbound Airbus A320neo had to enter an extended holding pattern for more than twenty minutes, waiting for the crosswind to ease enough to make a landing possible. Even then, the aircraft used almost the entire runway before coming to a full stop, the overnight rain having rendered conditions extremely slick.

After boarding, the captain briefed us on the situation, explaining that they would attempt take-off provided the crosswind did not worsen. Rolling down the 2,500-metre runway, SK1041 eventually lifted off, rewarding me with extraordinary views of snow-covered mountains beneath a clearing sky.

An hour and a half later, I found myself at Pontus, indulging in a cured-salmon open sandwich with orange and pomegranate, a combination I will certainly try to recreate at home. And already on Tuesday afternoon, I will be back again at Pontus. But first, time for an Atlantic adventure.