ISTANBUL!!

9/20/11

The long awaited moment has arrived!  We got in to Istanbul Turkey at about 10am Turkish time which for you guys back in the states is 10 hours different from Arizona, 9 hours different from Rexburg, and 8 hours different from St. Louis (all behind).  This makes for a very hard time change!  The flight felt never ending for the 10 1/2 hour flight from JFK to Istanbul I couldn't not sleep even a second.  When we arrived, I think from the lack of sleep, I was very up beat and happy...this could also come from the excitement of finally being here I suppose.  After we purchased our visa's and went through customs we boarded our bus and headed out into the big city!  Istanbul has a beauty about it yet at the same time a very dirty feel.  We made our way for a scenic tour around the entire city.  Which also gives me rights to say that in 24 hours i have been on 3 different continents, only 4 more to go!

Asia

Europe

the left side is Europe, right side is Asia

Europe

For those who don't understand Istanbul is the only city to be located on both Europe and Asia.  The two continents are connected by a large bridge over the "golden horn" which was the name of the body of water between the two.  We drove around touring the city for what seemed like 2 hours.  There were Mosques everywhere!  I would like to compare it to a chapels in Utah.  Some were very impressive, while others were not as grand.  The largest and most recognizable would be the "Blue Mosque" and tomorrow we will be visiting there.  Eventually we stopped in the "New City" also known as the Asian-side to look around and grab some lunch.  It was so nice to just be able to walk around and fine things.  For lunch Me, Shanel, Dianna, and Craig all stopped at a little cafe we found along a side road.  I had something along the lines of feta cheese wrapped in phyllo dough which i believe was called a borek.  It tasted similar to macaroni and cheese strangely enough.

After lunch we boarded the bus back up and headed back over to the "Old City" and Europe to the main square.  There we stopped for an hour to just look around.  Finally we boarded back up the bus at about 4pm and headed to the hotel.  Our hotel in also in the "Old City" and its called the Q-Inn.  After a much needed shower I am feeling rejuvenated and can't wait to explore the "Old City" tomorrow!  Tonight all thats left is dinner in the hotel and much much needed rest!