New Years Eve in Istanbul

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 year old daughter Gaby who was a real gem. Marta ia a very beautiful high energy positive person. She has a great energy attraction. We connected right away during one of my tours and this is how I got to one of the New Years party in Istanbul. For 99 Euros- the President Hotel put on a very nice 7 course dinner and all the wine you would like. We were greeted off the elevator by some handosme turkish dudes handing us a glass of Raki--- whoooo hooo this stuff will knock off your shoes! The seating was arranged and thus Marta/ Gaby and I got to a table with all Tourists. Although one of our adjoining table was an interesting family from Turkey which we later did interact with . Long short of the it all the night was a nice time... I got home at 2 am. Of course, as Amanda (my friend from Toronto ) would say- drama always follows me- and this night of course was no exception. Prior to my arrival to the hotel , I was stewing about how exactly was I going to get to the hotel. Apparently only a 20 min walk, I could not find it during the day and I was fretting about getting there. Anyway, I discussed this with my Russian clerk at the hotel and he did not know but we tried hard to find a SIMPLE map--- no go. SO - I say to my self--taking a cab! I really had not wanted to do this as my last cab ride i got totally ripped off. The ride was 10 Lire and I gave a 20 Euro and only got 10 Lire back--- and then the me speak no english kicked in and I was stuck with little recourse. Anyway, so I decide to order a cab and take the chances. The problem I has was I only has euros and wanted to change to Lire. The hotel owner said he would do this but when it was time to leave, he was gone and the clerk has no access to this type of money. Anyway, the Russian boy (who was very handsome) seemed to think he needed to take care of things for me. He told me that he had ordered 'one of the hotel cabs' ...WHAT? Anyway, I get in the cab and he says i will not need to pay. He then jibbers a blue streak in turkish to this man and say off you go. you will be fine with 10 lire you have to come back in another cab. OKkkk. Two days later I learn from the Russian clerk that he had told the cabby that I was the relative of a California Senator and that I was meeting family at the President hotel and that he should take special care and get me to hotel. OMG I laughed so very hard... he also told me that the cabby had looked scary and he was afraid --so he called the cab company and asked why they had sent such a scary driver.... wonders will never cease.... needless to say my ride was free.... On the way home the cabby requested 15 L as I stepped out of the car.... I handed him a 10 Lire...and said I think this is more than adequate since it really was only a 5 Lire ride.... Great fun---- I was so totally exhausted --(yes as usual) Need less to say I stayed in bed fairy late the next day.

NEW YEARS DAY.... I was taking it easy this day as I mentioned I was so tired. I realized the reason for my extreme exhaustion was because I was totally still in JET LAG--- this is an aeful thing and keeps you frm enjoying things as you should.
I spent this day walking down town and meeting my friends for coffee at starbucks... it was all so lovely. I did a bit of shopping and was reallly intrigued with some very beautiful glass/ tea sets.... I so wanted to buy some but there was no way to get this home and I swore before I left I was not adding more luggage and ALL luggage was coming on board. SOOOOOOOoooo.... I got some other very nice things. I want to go back to IStanbul and I will make sure to get this next time around. This day was very relaxed and the it seemed that most Turkish men were still sleeping and I was rather enjoying the clamness of not being chased. Although , this never happens in north america... perhaps I should view this as a compliment rather than a scary event. Gee whizzz I spend my time looking for a male companion in canada and here I spend all my time running away from there.... there is something wrong with this picture.... LOL I spent the rest of the day doing some sightseeing... the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque and a few other things like the under ground cistern.... while I was walking towards the Blue Mosque I ran in to --- yes -- a turkish man... but he was really nice an cute too. I stll was quite cautious with him as I did not want to look at any more carpets LOL..... I did make this clear and of course as always they want to show you hospitality. Anyway, I was bored and he was cute and so nice telling me many things about the mosque. He was the only who had ever offered me wine and that was a drawing card for me...especially seeing this was super expensive in Istanbul. So I had to endure the cousin thing about showing me carpets and poor old cousin JIM didnt seem to like me much but this cute turk smiled and took me off to another floor where we enjoyed wine and some fun conversation.

LAST TWO DAYS

I was at a loss to what to do... it rained in the morning.... up till now the weather had been sunny and cool with part clouds... anyway this day I was tired and I just wanted to relax. So i took a bus ride all over the city and just enjoyed the sites and took pics where I could. Later in the day I met up with the cute turkish boy (man) and we spent a few hours walking the coble stone streets in an area I had totally not walked before.... this was fun... more fun than on my own.... next time... not gonna run away from the cute turkish boys LOL

LAst Day trip
IT SNOWED!! I lingered in my bed thinking about my trip home and wondering how fast this had all gone and what an adventure it had been.... i think the most complicated thing for me was just not knowing how to use the phones there. ... Anyway this is something I learned and will utilize when I return to turkey and to europe.... this whole overseas travel has been a great learning experience for me.... I wanted to say good bye to my newest turkish firend (the cute one) but it was impossible.... I packed up and waited for the bus to catch a ride to airport. this ws the last adventure in Istanbul.... the bus ride from a comedy show.... welll I took the later bus because I was assured I would get to airport inplenty of time. HAHA.... after how many more hotel stops and OHHH a get off the bus and on a another bus me and luggage and 20 other people..... anyway.... the bus drive was scary enough down the narrow streets however, we were jammed into the bus like sardines and some standing -- our luggage was piled high and on top of people.... driver had no idea this was not so kosher... I finally took charge--yes I know what some of my friends are thinking... and said....NO MORE.....to airport RIGHTNOW... i waspissed... the lady next to me was laughing as she totally seen the humor in all of this.... anyway the driver seemed to take my heed and off to airport we did go... i go there barly one hr prior to my flight.... and stoood in a long line to get through security........... I ahve no idea how I got on that plane in time..........................but off to Vienna I did go.....

Vienna.... I arrived ealry evening but I still sought out the hotel booked a room and went straight to sleep. Oh yes and the bed was a twin --WHO ON THIS EARth ever sleeps in a twin bed....I had little sleep to say the least.... anyway....mental not for next trip...make sure you say BIG BED....... In the morning i left for London where I got on an absolutely fabulous Air canada plane.... whooo hooo executive class.... wonderful bed/ seat- no room mate.... great servce--I was in heaven....

Anyway I made it home.... it has taken a week to get over jet lag.... and work welll lets just say I worked hard but with less zest LOL....

I need to travel more and I plan on seeeing more of Turkey..... I wanna see Anakara where my friend Fatos lives.... Maybe my friend Catherine and I will go together soon.... LOL

I think this chapter is now closed... Hugzz and kisses all around.

PSSSSSS: I will be loading the pictures to another web site as this blog is very slow to load pics.... I will send email to the link to my family and friends and anyone who sends me a message. take care happy travels.

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