Friday, 26 April 2013

BHX to IST via STR


Wed 24 April (Day 1)

Why is it you can’t travel to Istanbul without going through Stroud first?  Took the train from Swindon to Stroud where Cris met us.  We had a delicious Spag Bol and turned in for the night while Cris and Jane started to pack.

Thur 25 April (Day 2)

Drove to Birmingham airport and said goodbye to Jane (she will join us tomorrow).  After a hearty breakfast (if Jane is reading this Cris just had porridge) we went to the departure gate where there seemed to be more police and security guards than passengers.

We would recommend Turkish Airlines (#recommendturkishairlines) to anyone but don’t take the bland meal option because it’s rather bland.

Istanbul airport was chaotic.  First you have to queue to pay for your visa which you can only pay for in dollars, euros or pounds but not Turkish Lira.  You then join another queue for passport control.  We landed 16:50 and exited customs at 18:30.  We had arranged to be met at the airport by a hotel driver but when we emerged in to the arrivals hall we were faced with a sea of drivers holding up pieces of paper with names on them.  Tracey was the eagle eyed one who spotted our name so we were soon on our way to Tashknak Hotel.

As soon as we had had our orientation lecture by the receptionist we were out exploring the delights of Istanbul, sampling the kebabs and local beer.

As this is my first blog post for Odyssey 2 I have put the photos through the underpants filter.

 The Blue Mosque


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