Arriving in Istanbul

Hey everyone! I did not write a post on my trip to Berlin. Basically it was an amazing trip overall. Adnan met up with me in Berlin. We took in all of the sights: Brandenburg Tor, Checkpoint Charlie, the Bundstag, Potsdamer Platz, Schlosse Charlotenneburg and the fun Christmas markets.

Now, I am in Istanbul and Adnan will arrive in a few hours. My plane ride on Turkish Airways from Dubai to Istanbul was alright. Despite the delay (I could have slept in one more hour) I discovered that Turkish Airlines may be one of the last airlines that offers...no baggage fees (like in the US), a nice meal, a blanket, eye mask, movies and free alcohol (even though I don't drink it, this surprised me nonetheless). I slept most of the flight.

Next, as I arrived at the visa desk, my name was called over the ıntercom because Adnan had kindly ordered the hotel to pick me up. I rushed through the visa booth, passport check and baggage claim in a jiffy! A nice man directed me to the little mini van type vehicle. Inside the driver asked where I am from. I said, the U.S. and he replied by saying, "Obama!" I laughed. He also taught me how to say Yes, No and Good Morning! What a nice man and a great welcome to Istanbul, a major city in Turkey which as a country has a major reputation for its hospitality.

We pulled into the Old Town. Up a small brick lined street and down another brick lined street arriving at our little hotel. I freshened up and walked around. The sun is shining and despite being a bit chilly outside, taking in the sights is mezmerizing. I ate delicious kofte (kebabs), lentil soup, and proceeded to ask a woman where a good place to drink coffee is, her reply, Starbucks. Instead, I found a little local shop two doors down from my hotel which serves Illy and ordered a machiato. Before the coffee shop, while walking through a little square, I enjoyed a sallup (which my boss Pat told me to try). This warm drink is a thick white drink made from orchids with cinnamon sprinkled on top. I enjoyed it but can't wait to try the fresh squeezed pomegranite juice and nargile (hookah). That's all for today!