I am excited about going to Turkey, as it is 18 years since I was there last, but also a little anxious, wondering if I will come away with the same strong positive feelings I had since living there. I am going to stay in Istanbul for 5 nights, go to Goreme (Cappadocia) for 2 nights, and also whilst in Istanbul, arrange a side-trip to Gallipoli.
I left Al’s at 5.50am and made my way out to London City Airport (very smail, first time I have been here but really convenient!). Was surprised to see police standing in terminal holding big snipper guns (excuse lack of knowledge on the names of the different guns),
Flights to Istanbul uneventful, good opportunity to read up on Istanbul in particular and map out what I want to see and do. I am determined that I am going to walk as much as possible around the city so I get to really soak up the culture.
I landed ok in Turkey, purchased my Visa, got through customs then decided to catch a taxi to my hotel rather than navigate public transport the 20-30km distance (and it was early evening already).The taxi driver was helping me practice my Turkish and it is amazing how words were coming back to me, and some not being familiar. I checked into my hotel (Hotel Han), very small room but private bathroom, unpacked and headed out (as I usually do!) I found a supermarket so got supplies eg water (su), apple juice (elma suyu), and snacks for the day. Had a little look around and was quickly reminded how friendly the male Turks are. The area my hotel is in is the heart of Old Istanbul (Sultanahmet) and within a couple of minutes walk from a couple of the major sites - I had planned this but you never know.
I was really tired so had dinner at the hotel - fabulous plate of grilled chicken, salad, rice, pide and turkish pizza washed down with a couple of Efes beers. Perfect! Fingers crossed for a good night sleep.
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