Arrived in Istanbul

After a 13 hour flight on Turkish Airways, with both Patty and I dealing with a quick moving flu bug, we arrived in Istanbul about 5:30 p.m. on Monday evening. It was dark when we took off in LA, the sun rose while we were flying somewhere over Iceland, and was setting as we landed in Istanbul. Flying east on a Boing 777 makes for short days.

After buying our visas ($20 each, USD please), clearing passport control, getting our baggage and walking through the “nothing to declare” line with everyone else, we were very happy to see the driver from the hotel with a sign with our name on it. It was a nice ride with a little sightseeing thrown in, a drive through the fish market, and delivery to our hotel. The hotel is nice and modern with a great view down two old streets. We have a corner room on the second floor. Other than having to sit right next to the door to get the wifi to work, it is great.