Bob and Ann in Turkey 2008

What a contrast to yesterday. Our plane left SFO and landed in Frankfurt on time with no problems. It was a smooth 10+ hour flight. We napped a little, ate a little, watched a few movies and did some reading. We sat in opposing aisle seats and we each had an empty seat next to us so we could stretch out a little. This is the first time in many years that this has happened.

Ancient City Wall Entering Istanbul


Our Hotel

When we got to Frankfurt, we had to get our boarding passes changed because we were booked on a different flight. We got confused on how to get to our gate and had to hustle to make the flight on time. It was also a pleasant flight with some food, naps and reading. This flight also was not sold out so we were able to stretch out over three seats. Passport control, baggage claim and customs were a breeze. We were concerned that our luggage might not show up because of our flight change, but our bags were waiting for us when we got to the carousel.

After getting some Turkish Lira from the ATM, we caught a taxi to take us to the hotel. Once we got to the city, traffic had built up and our driver had trouble finding our hotel - The Best Western Obelisk . It took a long time in hot, humid weather. We finally made it, though, at around 2:30.

Because today was Sunday, scads of families were outside in parks having grilling picnic meals and enjoying the warm weather and beautiful beds of tulips. We discovered that a tulip festival was in progress and all of the parks and roadsides were filled with tulip gardens.

We cleaned up and went exploring. Our hotel is really close to the Blue Mosque. If we stand on our roof-top terrace we can see it, the Bosphorus and many other landmarks. We discovered that our district has dozens of shops, restaurants and rug merchants. They all have someone outside trying to get you to come in. They are friendly, though, and will take "no" for an answer.

We had an early dinner in a budget restaurant, Buhara 98, that was recommended in Rick Steves' tour book. Our meal had kabobs, flat bread and lots of things with yogurt. I even tried ayran - a savoury yoghurt drink. Afterwards, we walked a little ways along the Bosphorus on a sidewalk next to a very busy highway. Going back to the hotel, we wound our way on narrow streets through residential and commercial areas of the old town.