Saturday, October 4 –

Transition day between countries today, which makes for a rather boring post.

Up early for a quick breakfast and a few more goodbyes before those of heading to the Izmir airport boarded our bus one final time.

At the airport it was more goodbyes and then a wait for our flight. Since I always complain, I must also compliment. Both the security at the airport and the staff at the Turkish Airlines counters were pleasant and efficient. We were through to our gate, bags checked, and boarding passes in hand in quick order.

We had almost 3 hours before our flight, so we had some coffee and chatted with the 4 tourmates who were on our flight to Istanbul. Quick flight, and then it was time for us to say goodbye to them as we were heading to different places.

We had another 3 hours in Istanbul before our flight to Naples, which was also, thankfully, pretty boring except we landed like a ton of bricks being dumped from the sky–I suppose I didn’t have time to get scared, by the time I felt it, we were on the ground with the brakes squealing.

Passport control was a piece of cake as was baggage pickup, and when we exited, our transfer driver was right there waiting for us. Look at me go with these compliments!

The ride to our hotel reminded us why we leave driving in Italy to the locals–at one point, I was looking out my window directly at the front end of another car. Amazing, there aren’t more accidents, but I guess it works for them.

Now is a good time to mention what a really great group of people we met on this tour. As I have mentioned before, taking a tour is a leap of faith that you will find your fellow travelers tolerable. This group was way more than tolerable–they were fun, interesting people who were wonderful to spend time with. Two weeks ago today, I knew none of them. This evening, I realize I am going to miss them.

Fortunately, we have group photos that will make up the bulk of my post since airports just aren’t that exciting.

Tomorrow, first full day in Italy.

8,324 steps (lots of sitting today)

3.8 miles