I'M IN ISTANBUL...

I walked out of the plane thinking “Shit I’m in Turkey”. I couldn’t believe it. I walked over to passport control and showed them my Turkish Citizenship before walking over to get my luggage.

I picked up my luggage to notice that my suitcase zipper had broken. Fuck now I need a new luggage to travel with. I only brought this one 2 weeks before I left Sydney.

I walked out to search for my transfer. There was supposed to be a guy holding a sign with my name on it according to bellboy. Well like everything in my life it didn’t happen. So after 25 hours on a plane the last thing I wanted to do was be stranded at the airport!

I called Bellboy to see where my transfer was. Bellboy mumbled some crap and said he would be here in 10 minutes. 20 minutes later I wheeling around 2 suitcases trying to find bellboy outside of the airport at building A. He some how managed to stuff up my transfer and took the bosses car to come pick me up. Actually I don’t think he asked the boss for the car and practically stole the car to pick me up. God 2 minutes in Turkey and I’m already in a stolen car.

By this time I was dreaming for a decent shower and some bed rest. We arrived near Sude Konak where you turn into the street. Now this street has become one way since I was last here. Instead of going around the block we turned into the one way street towards an on coming bus! Fuck welcome to Istanbul. My life hasn’t been in danger for almost 2 years. I forgot how it feels until now.

We parked in front of Erboy and the first thing I noticed was that the Erboy bitch has created a small outdoor seating area like a patio to boost sales. Then bellboy pointed out Sude Konak did the same thing for spike.

There’s a new restaurant in front of Sude Konak. I think they make pizza’s, pides and kebabs. Looks nice from the outside but its not holding much of a crowd. Bellboy took me inside of Sude Konak and escorted me to the breakfast hall. I didn’t realise I was hungry until I sat down to have breakfast. The first thing I saw that I have been craving for was the tomato’s. The tomato’s in Turkey are so yummy. After grabbing breakfast bellboy showed me to my room.

I’m located on the 5th floor. The only room that has views of the water from far. Still it was nice that they are looking after me. I managed to grab a nice long shower before settling into bed. I fell asleep until my phone rang. My mum’s cousin from Sydney rang to see if I arrived safely. I remember looking at the current time in Istanbul and it was almost 1pm. I feel asleep.

I woke up at 9pm. That was the best sleep ever. I felt so much better after sleeping. I quickly got up to race outside to grab some dinner. I went for a quick stroll around the neighbourhood. The streets are still empty as its Spring in Istanbul. There isn’t much tourist floating around as yet. Give it another 3 weeks and I reckon the streets will be packed.

I walked into maccas to grab a bite. It took 20 minutes to get my order in. not because there was a queue but because there was lack of staff. There was a guy behind the counter on crouches serving. I swear that’s dedication. Working behind a cash register in Maccass while being on crotches. Only happens in Turkey!

I managed to grab my meal and head back to the hotel for more rest.

That my friends is my first day in Istanbul. The first day in the new chapter of my life….