http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/OceanGirl/ Travel adventures in journals and photos from OceanGirl en-us Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:47:45 +0000 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:47:45 +0000 I landed in Istanbul on the 18th of April after a very long journey. I was sacked but not as much as my previous trip in Dec Jan. As well it has only taken me one day to recover from jet lag thanks to Canim Benim who let me sleep instead of waking me when I wanted too. Yesterday was one of taking a familiar path and walking my way down to the Bosphorous. I took a walk along the underside of the http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Marmara/Istanbul/blog-268244.html Although my plan for New Years eve were made fairly last minute it was a nice time. During my time in Istanbul I met many nice people including tourists from other parts of the world. In particular I met Marta from Miami. She was originally from Cuba and fled Cuba in the early 60s when Cuba had some political issues going on in their country. Anyway this lady was vacationing here with her 17 ye http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Marmara/Istanbul/blog-235370.html It has been some time since I have blogged and kept everyone posted. This has been for several reasons. There was no internet connection at the hotel for several days and the hydro in Istanbul can be a bit temperamental. The last few days have been very busy and I am totally EXHAUSTED One day was spent going on an all day tour which included a half day cruise on the Bosphurus. We visited the Dolm http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Marmara/Istanbul/blog-232000.html Day 2 Another interesting day in Instanbul. Today I was up early and wanted to write my story first thing in the am. However I discovered the internet was down. Poor fella looking after the front desk. I caught him napping and scared the living crapola out of him. I was wondering what he sould have done if if I hadcome down in the middle of the night. Anyway I went on a toru today in the after http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Marmara/Istanbul/blog-231115.html After 5 teas and 3 coffees I had enough of the streets of IstanbulSultana met. I spent the whole day trying to run away from carpet people 6 different people. They would show up right alongside of me on the street and talk and talk and then take me to a 'friend' and offer tea and coffee.. 'Showing their hospitalityrsquo. I kept saying i am not interested in buying any carpet. They say it is http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Marmara/Istanbul/blog-230977.html Leaving Vancouverhellip.I almost did not make it out of Vancouver. At 1445hrs they told me that I was not allowed on the plane. My plane was leaving at 1515Hrs. The Lufthansa people went on to tell me that they were trying page me since I had arrived. I am thinking ok they now are trying to blame me for this problem. They said I must go to AirCanada as there is an issue with my ticket. I will n http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Marmara/Istanbul/blog-230672.html I am still at the farm. We are getting ready to leave. Need coffee really bad. Hope Starbucks is open. Here is me all dressed ready rock and roll waiting for Robin to finish the chores. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Marmara/Istanbul/blog-230306.html Ok so here is my Itinerary for my trip in case all you fans want to see it.December 25 2007 leave Vancouver 1515Hrs Frankfurt to IstanbulDecember 26 2007 leave Frankfurt 1305 Hrs Frankfurt to IstanbulJanuary 03 2007 arrive in Vienna for 12 hrsJanuary 04 2007 arrive to London Edmonton and then VancouverOh yes this is a secured first class trip there and return heavenSo what am I planning http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Marmara/Istanbul/blog-223062.html Still in Vancouver but I am test driving this blog to see how it works before I leave on my trip. I am getting excited only 30 more days http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/blog-222615.html