Turkish Delight

It's on! The Turkey gig. I am despatched to Istanbul for a 5-day course. I love going something new and different, and Turkey is certainly that.

Flight was a delight. Seriously. Take-off

was delayed for almost an hour as some

passenger didn't fly in the end, and his

bags had to be unloaded. The flight though

was quicker than expected. I watched the

movie 'Sunshine' but the ending was

eclipsed as we were landing early!

The landing was wonderful - they had the

video camera on the whole way. I

couldn't help feeling I was supposed

to be steering. It's a control thing,

what can I say :)

I get my £10 visa without a hitch.

Driver waiting for little old me

I am super-chuffed!

Colourful flats on way to hotel.

Driving is mental.

I buckle up.

Here we are, in the 'Billie Holiday' room

Yay! And it's complimentary

Jazz... nice.

Hop on the Metro at Osmanbey and one stop to

Taksim Square, Istanbul's central venue.

Fountainstic

Reminds me of the Ice Bar in Helsinki

But warmer, much warmer.

From Taksim Sq south is a main street

with shops galore, and almost every

side-street is filled with restaurants

Taksim Square

I thought of eating here, but it's a little deer.

Ker CHING!

Old mingles with new

Lots of 6- and 7- storey architecture here,

but it only seems to be me that keeps

looking up and snapping away.

TOURIST!

Well it's lucky someone thought of adding Vino,

not much of a bar otherwise

Evil Cakes

That might need to be done

- but not tonight

Raki - alcohol, tastes a little of aniseed.

Supposedly strong but one, diluted,

taken with food does no harm.

Shish goes the lamb!

Turkish coffee - much as I remembered

from Kuwait, buts sans Cardemon

Walk back up to Taksim Square

White dots are dozens of birds flying

in the darkness

I head back on the Metro, noting that

(despite the guide book) the metro is

now extended so I can get very near

to work in the morning by going

6 stops north. Hurrah!

Attracted to this place, due to the Tuff Foods

Turkish Delight: acquired!

Fridge magnets: acquired!

And now to bed