A (True) Hair Raising Story from Istanbul December 29, 2021

 At one time when someone asked me to give them an example of "Waisted Energy", my response would be...."telling hair raising stories to bald headed men".  Well today, that line is no longer valid.

On my first day at this hotel, I saw men in the dinning area with their heads wrapped in bandages, and the gents were walking stiff and with very little head motion.....as if they were in pain. sometimes, like this morning, there were five bandaged heads in for breakfast. When we were out walking one day, I asked my friend if she knew what was going on....and she did. These people were coming to Istanbul for hair transplants. As luck would have it, I was having dinner on the evening of December 26, when a gentleman came in and sat at the next table.......two meters away. When he heard me speak to the waiter, he started talking to me. He told me that he was from Prague, in the Czech Republic, and flew in today for a hair transplant. I had lots of questions and he had all the answers, and he was happy to practice his English.

Here is how it works, according to my new friend.....(I saw him on the 28th as he had breakfast before flying home.)  

I fly here today and stay at this hotel. The next morning, someone from the nearby clinic will come and take me there for the surgery. At the Clinic, they place me on a gurney, strap me in place, lying on my stomach. They will shave my head, and a selected area of my back. There is two teams working on me, one on my head and the other on my back. Using exact measurements, the skin from my bald patch on the head will be replaced with an identical size piece from my back. I have been put to sleep so I will not know exactly what is happening. The procedure from start to finish will take about eight hours, and after an hour or so of awakening, I will be returned to my hotel. The set cost is three thousand Euros, and that does not include the air fare, and this hotel for two nights. I fly home, quite sore on December 28. I hope it is a smooth flight.

I am told this is the only place this type of surgery is performed. It is for cosmetic purposes only.

See you in 2022; Have a great, safe and happy New Year.

Istanbul, December 27, 2021

 Christmas in Istanbul was a warm  sunny14 degrees. Due to the mix of  religions and cultures here, it was just another day for most people. We took two subway trains and went to the largest mall that I have ever seen.....in fact, after the day, I still did not see half of the shops and events. Boxing day was for relaxing and doing household things, so we did not meet that day.

Today, we went to the Galata Tower which is 675 years old, and extremely well maintained. We again took two subway trains, and then walked about five minutes. We went to the top, after stopping along the way to take photos. There were very few people there, as it was just after opening. 

For this post, I am going to give you some information as to what it is like here in this city of around 15 million. Firstly, English is not a common language here. In fact, it is the least spoken language of any country I have visited. Arabic and Turkish are the predominant languages, although many do not speak Arabic. My friend speaks Arabic and English, so we manage quite well. When I was in Southern Turkey in 2012, I found many more people using the English language, perhaps because of more tourists, and less dense population.

 I would estimate that about half of the citizens are smokers...both ladies and men. Restaurants have outdoor smoking areas, and most have a supply of the famous Hooka pipe.  There are cats every where....bus shelters and outside shops, and many people bring them food so they do very well. The city is well served with subways and buses, but while all buses carry their route number, not one bus stop/shelter has the number of the buses that stop there. Wheel chairs are never seen....the streets and sidewalks  are impossible for travel....holes, no ramps, etc. Motor cycles run on sidewalks when they want, and, when walking, the "walk" signal means that cars turning have the right of way over pedestrians. Police cars run with the red and blue light flashing all the time....this is also done in Asia.

Several evenings ago, while we were out walking, a lady in front of us fell backward....and I was able to grab her and prevent her from hitting her head on the curb. It appeared that she had tripped over her long untied shoe laces. My friend remarked ....."Don, you are always in the right place at the right time".....my response......"where ever I go, ladies fall for me". With that, I will close for today. Have a safe celebration...if you do celebrate, and have a great New Year/Don

 

Istanbul Turkey Wednesday, December 22, 2021

 With few exceptions, the weather here has been cool....down to one at night, and up to seven during the day, usually some wind or rain. Better days are ahead...so the forecast says. Friday and Saturday, Christmas is to be 14 degrees, no wind and sun. For the most part, we have been exploring this area of Istanbul, the district being called..Alibeykoy. Istanbul has an excellent rail and bus system, with great prices for residents, (of whom I am one for my time here...that special card !). When I arrived, I put the equivalent of five dollars on the card, and after over two weeks, still have five on it.

The trip to the dune buggies was delayed because of the weather forecast. We decided to stay local for Sunday, and went to a park called, Miniaturk. It is almost half a kilometer square, and has dozens of small scale models of important buildings from all over Turkey, and some physical features such as the hot springs at Pammukale. We spent well over two hours there in the afternoon.

Yesterday, December 21, we took a tour bus...20 passenger type, and went over 100 miles south to the area west of lake Sapanca. We declined to rent a dune buggie because they were extremely noisy, and the trip was up the mountain to play in the snow....I came here to Turkey to avoid the snow! We toured on foot, the local area, watched the bungie jumpers, zip line riders, and avoided the hockers selling everything imaginable. There were stops at honey shops, and so on. As the trip unfolded, it became obvious that the tour company were being paid by the shops to bring people in....also the dune buggie rental companies were in on it. The trip  was about twelve hours from the hotel to back at the hotel.

The next few days will be quiet, and no major adventures are planned at this time. I understand that Christmas is just another day here, although there are many decorated trees, and carols are being played in the malls....in English.

I wish everyone a happy holiday season, and stay safe./Don

Istanbul, Turkiye Saturday, December 18, 2021

 Greetings from Istanbul. No, that is not a typo, it is how this country is spelled here.

The past week has been one of the most amazing seven days of all my travels. Never a dull moment, and the people here are so helpful, even when they cannot understand you, and you cannot understand them...they will find someone to help. We have visited many of the local shops and malls when it was raining, and venturing far afield when it was not. For example, on Thursday, in response to a request from my friend's sister, who lives in London with her husband, we agreed to go inspect an apartment that they wish to purchase as an investment. We agreed to go, and to give our opinion, on the understanding that we would not be responsible if there were unseen problems with the unit, and, that they would come here to see it before laying any money down. The unit is in a nine story building on the outskirts of Istanbul, about an hour from where we live. The Real Estate Agent picked us up an hour and a half  late and drove us to the property. After our review, the agent as he had promised days before, drove us to the near by Pelit Chocolate Museum. (Google it...200 photos). This museum of everything chocolate was started in 1957 and, for chocolate lovers who may be here in Istanbul, a must see. One of my favorite units is a scale model of Noah's Ark, with the animals two by two in their natural colors, all chocolate, including the Ark..

From the Museum, we took a  city bus to the ABBARA Restaurant (abbaraetsarayi.com) where we had a traditional Turkish dinner. Like a lot of restaurants here, there is a large play area for kids, so Hussian had a ball. After dinner, on our call, the agent was to take us home. The ride showed up an hour and a half after our call. The ride was another hour, making for a long day.

During the dinner, we both agreed that the apartment was a good deal for the asking price, (53,000 USD). My friend called her sister with the information we had, then informed the agent that we gave it a go . Today, we are doing local things, and will be going out of the city tomorrow for a visit to a play area for adults and children alike. I do not know the full details, but do know the price, which is about 30 Canadian dollars per adult also includes time on a self driven Dune Buggy. This place is two hours from here. I will have more information on my next update. Take Care, and stay safe.

A NORMAL DAY IN THE CITY OF ISTANBUL......Saturday, December 11, 2021

 Today was set aside to visit the heart  and atmosphere of this city of around 15 million people. I have always been one to enjoy the local customs and food of the locals. However, I absolutely refuse to shop in places that do not display the cost of their merchandise. Today was no exception.

We met at my hotel lobby at 1030, and took the Metro tram to the end of its line, then walked about 15 minutes to the Egyptian Market. This is the largest and most famous in this city. Of the hundreds of shops, very few display prices. My friend speaks English and Arabic. There were several items that she would like to have. I was wearing my baseball style cap with Canada on the front. When we asked the price of an item, we were quoted one that even a child would know was greatly inflated. At one shop, my friend asked in English..."what do you take me for...a fool?" .The response was,.. "no, you are a tourist". When she informed him that we lived in Istanbul, he cut the price in more than half, but we walked away. In many places, we were offered tea or a Turkish Delight candy....another lure to get you feeling guilty to buy something that is overpriced.

 From the market area we took another tram to the area of the world famous Blue Mosque. This place was crowded with people,...most waiting in lines to go into the Mosque. It was completely covered with material to protect tourists as it was under major repairs. We only got into one small area. After a bite to eat, and touring the area on foot, we took the tram back to the end of its line. 

From the tram station, we walked to a taxi area, to go to the east end of the Metro line home. The car that stopped said he was Uber, (no taxi sign), and took a Swiss lady and the three of us on our way...or so we thought. He immediately took a right turn over a bridge, and when I told him it was the wrong way, he apologized, said he would make a turn and come back. Both ladies, speaking Arabic started  to argue with him.. About 15 kilometers later we got out, gave him a few Lira, took his license number and left. On one stretch of highway, we saw a taxi with a roller- blade rider behind, holding onto the car trunk...crazy or what.

MOST OF THE PEOPLE HERE ARE VERY FRIENDLY, COURTIOUS AND HELPFUL TO STRANGERS. THOSE NOTED HERE ARE THE EXCEPTION..

That was one day in our tour of Istanbul. About 30 more to go. Have a great day....where ever you are.

Istanbul, December 9, 2021

 Hello all; I had a very good flight from Vancouver to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. They gave us at boarding, a "night Kit", with eye shades, red socks and bright red slippers. A nice touch, but when you think of changing your shoes, etc when seated between two others, it is not that functional.....great if you are in first class. We were served two meals, and the windows were darkened until we were two hours out of Istanbul. From Vancouver, we flew up over Ft St John, (my home town) Ft Resolution and over northern Canada to above Thule in Greenland, over Norway, Gdansk and Krakow in Poland, and down to Istanbul.. a flight of 11 hours. Interesting arrival arrangements at the Istanbul (IST) airport. There are two here in Istanbul. After Passport control, where those without the proper documents were refused entry, one goes through a massive "Duty Free" shopping area, before claiming your luggage. There was no question air of what you might be bringing into Turkey, but after the pickup of the bags, the main exit was marked, "Nothing to Declare". I took a taxi to the hotel and after check in, called my friends who came down soon after and we went to dinner and discussed the time ahead for this trip. The first words from my little friend Hussian was..."Where are the Tim Bits." He then welcomed me to Istanbul . We then went to dinner.

I usually do not use actual names in this blog, but will do, and have done so in special instances. This morning, I started touring with my friends, and will have more about that in future posts. As in the past, "the rules of Rome will apply for some personal things. That means.....What Happens in Rome...stays in Rome.   Upon my return home in mid January, I expect to post many photos on this Blog....all from Istanbul; Take Care/Don    

Ottawa, December 6, 2021......30 centimeters ( about one foot), of snow on the ground, and raining.

 Hello All. With that kind of weather, and more freezing, snow and maybe rain, in the weeks ahead, it is time to find another climate. I will be departing here late this evening and going out to the airport; I depart at seven in the morning for Vancouver. Travelling is becoming quite complicated to what is was nine years ago when I started this blog. For this trip, in addition to the ticket and my Passport, I now need..my QR code for Ontario/Canada certifying I have had both Covid-19 vaccinations and now the Booster shot. All were with the Pfizer vaccine; I also have my Turkish Visa, which is authority to enter Turkey, and, the Turkish HES code, which is similar to our QR code. At this time, no need to have any tests. I made the day for the Nurse that gave me the booster shot on Saturday; As I went to her table and sat down, she asked me..."Sir, which arm would you like to receive this vaccine",...my reply..."Your right arm would be just fine"!. She had not heard that before. As an after thought, it probably is not wise to get the person with the needle excited before they do their work.

I am all packed and ready to depart, with one exception...A five year old  special friend of mine in Istanbul sent me a message last week that requested some Tim Bits, (which is the holes from donuts at one of our coffee houses here.). I have them in the freezer, and will pack them just before I go out the door.

I may do a short update tomorrow from Vancouver airport. That will depend on the internet, and other issues. If not from Vancouver, I will report after my arrival in Turkey. Take Care;