Saturday, September 20 –

Made it to Istanbul!  After the 3+ hour layover that included multiple laps around the Frankfurt terminal,  we had a blissfully boring flight.  Both of us got some much needed sleep, though Dan’s idea of a seat  seemed to included about 1/3 of mine!

Passport control looked daunting,  but in a miracle of untold proportions, we actually picked the lane with the efficient agent and were on our way with our passports stamped in about 10 minutes. 

Onto the transfer service.  In good news, they were expecting us after yesterday’s confusion. In bad news, they were also expecting 10 others, a baby, and one guy with a full cart of luggage.  We had to all schlep through a garage,  jam into an elevator (did I mention baby was in a carriage?) and then wait as our individual cars were contacted and arrived.  Not my typical experience with car services.

Once our driver arrived,  it was what I like to call, “a travel experience”. Driver texting, seat belts in various stages of disrepair, no discernible shocks and traffic that makes Rome look like a go cart track. The driver brakes so frequently Dan, not a small man, was being tossed around like a rag doll. Apparently, he was located behind the wheel well of the car.  Almost 90 minutes after we left the airport,  we arrived at the hotel.  Good thing, Dan was looking a little green.

He decided to take a little nap, but a shower and fresh clothes revived my energy so I went for a little exploratory stroll. Left the hotel just as the cal to prayer was sounding which was cool. Got myself down to the Bosphorus and didn’t get myself run over which I count as a double victory–there do not appear to be any traffic laws for cars, trams, scooters, pedestrians or cats–it seems it’s Darwinism up close and personal!  

Decided to take the easy route and have dinner at the hotel and make it an early night. A bit pricey but nice views and food and convenient! Tomorrow we have a food tour!!

16,142 steps; 7.9 miles