Toronto to Istanbul
Turkish Airlines Flight
The lineup to check in to our 10:20pm Turkish Airlines flight is long, probably because most people have two or three suitcases. The husband and wife ahead of us in the line have three large suitcases each. The husband looks at our one carry-on each and smiles while shaking his head as if he can’t believe it. The check-in agent also smiles when she sees that we are only checking in one small carry-on size bag each….it feels good to travel light.
My homemade travel pillow is stuffed with two jackets, two sweaters, one top, one pashmina and a reusable bag. Because it is so densely stuffed, it gives great support for my head on the flight. I am asleep before we even leave the ground, waking only to take a picture during take off and when meals arrive.
Turkish Airlines service includes wine and beer but I don’t usually drink on a flight because it disturbs my sleep.
From the Airport to Sultanahmet
On arrival it’s overcast and 19 degrees Celsius.
Istanbul’s new airport is huge. We walk a lot from the gate to immigration to baggage to the pick-up point. Our Airbnb host has organized transportation (a limousine type mini van decked out with light up ceiling and floor…80s chic…its like the cash cab) to our apartment in the Sultanahmet area.
It is about an hour drive to our apartment. The sun peaks out as we arrive into the city.
The city is a densely packed compilation of modern and ancient buildings sprinkled with miniarettes. Some areas are well kept, others not so much.
We pass markets and shops. The streets are packed with people going about their business, living their lives.
Once we get into our area, the traffic is crazy. We barely move. And it is hilly…very, very hilly.
Our Istanbul Airbnb Apartment
We finally arrive to our apartment. We are met by our Airbnb representative who takes us to three floors up narrow, spiral stairs.
The apartment is great…the view of the Bosphorus is wonderful. It is also just one flight up to the roof with it”s 360 degree view.
Our accommodations are close to the Blue Mosque. After quickly refreshing ourselves, we head out to supper.
Fiery Meal
We find a restaurant off the main strip called Saray Kebap. The owner is very friendly and recommends that I try the vegetarian Hindi Testi Kebap. Click on this link to the video that shows how it arrives at the table in flames. Everyone enjoys the food.
Call it a Night
There are so many tempting pastry shops, but we decide to hold off until tomorrow.
We make a quick stop for breakfast groceries on the way to the apartment and then call it a night.