Arrival in Istanbul

Well, we made it safe and sound but thoroughly exhausted. It took us nearly 20 hrs of traveling but here we are. A 2 hr nap got us out onto the streets in time for a beautiful sunset and the evening call to prayer which is surprising loud (and our hotel's proximity to the blue mosque will make the 5am call a not so nice wakeup call). Our first impression of the city certainly didn't disappoint. It has a very European feel to it and reminded me of a very rough around the edges middle east version of Paris or at least Athens, just substıtute the catholic churchs with mosques. Everybody has been very friendly and helpful. Our little budget hotel is clean, quıet and nice. We are just happy that we made it and the anxiety of arrıval to a foreıgn place is just about over. We are both tried and jet-lagged. Going to bed sounds so enjoyable. Tomorrow will be a big day, and we are really looking forward to getting this trip started.
-CB
ps. writing on this iPod is really not that easy

Sent from my iPod