Istanbul, 2015

I have always been a traveler.  It started with a book about airplanes, continued with my 4th grade teacher guiding us through Egypt, Japan, Holland and Alaska.  When I was 15 I went on a 10 week summer missions trip to Mexico with Teen Missions. While working as a gate/ticket agent for American Airlines I used my travel benefits and visited some 20 countries.

In January of 2015 my then 11 year old son frequent asked me to take him to Nate Robinson’s chicken and waffle restaurant in Seattle, WA.  After checking the airfare from our home airport and accommodations in Seattle and finding that it would cost nearly $500 per person just to get there my brain went into adventure mode.  Where else can we go for $500.  I found out that Turkish Airlines had a special to Istanbul.  I had never been to Istanbul.  I must go to Turkey.  That was the beginning of what has become a year and a half of “where to next”?  I quickly learned that Turkish Airlines is Europe’s number airline.  Indeed, with Turkish delight served to EVERY passenger prior to take off, every passenger receives a “care package”, or amenity kit with lip balm, an eye cover, socks, slippers, ear phones, tooth paste and a tooth brush.  This type of service is unheard of in coach on any American carrier these days.

Istanbul was amazing.  The rich history, the beautiful Bosphorous, the great and easy transportation, hospitality that truly made us feel like we belonged.  I found Istanbul to be affordable and easy to walk around in.  I live for the “you can only do that here” type of experiences.  Taking the train from Europe to Asia for lunch was one such,” this is so cool” moment.

If you have an opportunity to visit Istanbul, here are some travel tips.

1. Where to stay: there are the typical chain hotels, the Hyatt, The Marriott and The Sheraton.  If you want to save a little cash and experience true Turkish ambiance, stay with my friends at the Hanriye Hanim Konagi hotel.  If you book 3 or more nights they will pick you up at the airport. The rooms are lavish with marble and ultra comfortable.  They often offer Turkish tea or coffee upon arrival.  The breakfast room overlooks the Bosphorous and as the sun rises and the ships begin coming into port the view steps back in time. Breakfast includes fresh fruit, breads, jams, cheeses, sausage and eggs.     http://www.hhkhotel.com -Please tell them I sent you
2. Most likely you will need a visa. US citizens need a visa and it costs $30 USD.
3. There is a train right from the airport into the city.  Depending on where your budget, you may find it helpful to take the subway into the city.  It is about $2USD per person.
4. The Grand Bazaar is a tourist trap.  Buses stop there and send the tourists in for their wares.  If you are not on a tour bus, walk through it, but buy your souvenirs outside the Grand Bazaar.
5. Turkish is the language.  People are ultra friendly and will help you as much as they can, but do not expect there to be English signs, menus, etc everywhere.  This is the adventure of international travel .  The hotel, restaurant and shop staff are really easy going, they will do their best to communicate, even with the language barrier.  I found the police to double as tourist guides and were great when I asked for directions, one even handed me a map.
6. You will hear the call to prayer throughout the day.  It is a bit loud, it is also part of the culture and it is rather enlightening to see the many parishioners on their way to pray.
7. Istanbul is an open city.  In other words, you are not required to dress in a particular way.  You will see women in full Muslim attire, just as you may see nuns in full habit in Rome.  You will also see women dressed casually in trousers or long skirts.  As a visitor they respect your choice of attire as well.
8. This is IMPORTANT!  Get a Turkish Bath!
9. he Istanbul airport was the tightest, most secure airport I have ever been in.  Everyone and their luggage go through security prior to entering the actual airport.  There have been recent attacks in Istanbul, but they were outside the airport. When visiting the city, be alert, do not panic and try to visit tourist areas, such as palaces during low visiting times, midweek, for example.