And off to Country Number 5

Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Travel from Athens Greece to Istanbul Turkey

Well today was just a travel day for me and I was pretty glad of that. I got up early to get a package sent to mom and dad via the mail. Let’s hope it makes it ok. There is a bottle of 31 year old balsamic vinegar in it that I really want to still be there when I get home. I also mailed some more postcards. I learned that the ones I sent in Egypt were just starting to arrive (only took about a month) so hopefully these ones will go faster.

After that I really just headed to the airport. I had to be out of the hotel by 1300 (1pm) and could have found something to fill my time until my 1900 (7pm) flight but really felt done with Athens so just headed to the airport. Of course I had to take a bus and then a train but the system works well and doesn’t cost that much so no worries (much better and cheaper than grabbing a cab I can assure you of that). I couldn’t check in until after 1600 (4pm) so I just hung out, edited some blog entries and watched the time go by. The airport in Athens is very quiet as there are no overhead flight announcements so it actually is a great place to take a nap....and you know me, if there is a chance to catch some extra sleep I will take it.

Eventually I did get on my plane and even though it left 15 minutes, it got to Istanbul almost on time. My hotel for the next couple nights….the 5 Star Polat Renaissance. Yeah I know I’m roughing it but the family discount was hard to turn down. And trust me I will be enjoying every single one of those stars the next 3 nights.

My tasks tomorrow, get some Turkish lira, figure out how to get into the city, explore Istanbul and get lost in the Grand Bazaar. Not a bad day if you ask me.

Julie