Patty: Istanbul day 4

Trip Start Mar 12, 2008
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Trip End Mar 31, 2008


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Sunday, March 16, 2008

Its been an outstanding trip so far and has surpassed expectations. The kids have risen to the challenge and are really embracing the culture. They have been trying new foods and are trying to manage simple words and phrases. Hayley gets picked up and kissed by random men and women frequently. Usually Gracey gets a little upset when Hayley gets so much attention, but is now  relieved and is even having a little fun with it. Yesterday on  the tram after a nice older lady picked Hayley up and put her in her lap, Gracey started whispering turkish words and phrases in Hayley's ear which Hayley parrotted back to the women.. It started with hello and thank you, and wound up with Hayley asking for ice cream and hotel rooms.  Well, Gracey was amused anyway. Asher has done a great job trying to comminicate and its been well received. 

I will leave it to Russel to describe our day, he does a much better job. But first a few thoughts for anybody considering a trip to Istanbul.

. Bring sunscreen. Tough to find here in march. Am considering buying little burkas fro the girls for sun protection.

. Know the names for the men's and women's room in turkish. It makes a difference and is a mistake you only make once. Better yet, avoid using any public toilets altogether.

. The people are incredibly hospitable and knowing a few words of turkish goes a long way.

. Istanbul is really clean, despite the massive number of people on the street.

. Getting around via public transportaion is very easy whether it be train, tram, trolley or ferry....and its fun.

. Dine on a roof top...its worth the price gouging.

. If your into James bond movies this is the place for you.  Today alone we saw/visited the site for 3 scenes.

. Bring scarves. They're necessary for entering mosques and come in handy for keeping hair in place during ferry crossings. You may think you look like your grandmother, but really, you just look like everybody else.
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