What I Learned in Turkey.

As I write this I am sitting in a fancy pants cafe in Taksim Square at 12:37pm. I was supposed to be on a flight to Madrid this morning at 10:15. Going to the wrong airport is generally a bad idea however, in Istanbul they are on different continents. Literally. Having been in and out of the Europe- side airport over half a dozen times now I got up this morning and left three hours in advance with confidence. Arriving at Ataturk only to discover my flight was on the other side. I didn't think to check this as I just flew the same airline in and out of there a few days prior. My heart sank, and I jumped in a cab. 8:15 am. 150 lira later I missed the check in closure by a matter of minutes. This was bound to happen eventually. Of all the flights and all the trips I am actually surprised this hasn't happened more often. So I go to the counter only to find out it will be $280 to fly tomorrow (more than twice the cost of my original ticket). Shenanigans ensue and the end result is a ticket with Turkish Airlines at 7:20 pm tonight. It was the most cost effective solution in the end. But of course it's back over to the the airport on the Europe side. So I found myself a swanky little cafe and a delicious cheeseburger to kill some time. I think it's safe to say this will be my biggest learning experience from my time in Turkey, and certainly my most expensive. I do however, have a few tidbits to share with you about what I have learned or relearned on this trip so far: Fresh cheese, tomato and cucumber for breakfast every day is amazing. Don't knock it... The kindness of strangers exists here too. From the taxi driver who could feel my stress and offered me gum to the man on the subway who offered a tissue and a smile when I sneezed. My "don't F with me" face still works. If you go to Pamukkale by yourself by bus with all the nationals will give you funny looks. It's still better than dealing with tour groups though. Also, if you stand on the side of the road the shuttle back to Denzali will pick you up. For 3.5 Lira. "No problem." When you ask for directions in Istanbul people will do everything in their power to help you. Then send you on your way saying, "If you can't find it, just ask anybody!" Which is totally true. And even by the third or fourth person giving out wrong directions you can't help but smile for their efforts. Be gracious and kind, always. Except to the guy at the taxi stand who informs you where you want to go is 25 lira (something you already know) but today's special price is 70 lira. See "F off face." People are inherently good. From all faiths and backgrounds. I met a young girl on the Mediterranean cruise I took. Her family is from Iran and she Loved me. She would come by and fix my towel or sit near me. She asked my name at lunch and she, along with her entire family were as sweet as they could be. Don't judge those books by their covers. Unless they're just an A hole. That happens sometimes too. Also do not be even a second late for the buses or shuttles (turns out planes are included here too), they don't mess around. Lastly, and most important of all go with your instincts. I usually know how I feel about a country within the first few hours, and from the very beginning my gut told me this place is special. It's true. Now I am going to go sit at the airport for 5 hours and be the very first passenger to check in. Madrid or Bust.