Istanbul, 29 August 2023

Hello all;  This will be my last posting from Istanbul for this trip. Around eight here this evening, I will take the Metro train to the airport. I must be at the airport by four in the morning, and depart just after seven. I will go out there and read, and relax rather than taking a taxi in the middle of the night. If all goes as scheduled, I will be home to Ottawa around six Wednesday evening.

Yesterday, we had a bit of an adventure, that was unexpected. It was our plan to take the Metro to the station that serves the famous Pierre Loti restaurant and ridge top view point. From the Metro station, one takes a Gondola lift to the top. Here they call it a Teleferek. We use the Metro card for the lift up; this is four gondola cars, two at the top and two at the bottom. Each car holds about eight adults, depending on size. When the two depart the bottom, the top two must also depart as they are fixed to the same cables.

We waited in the line up for about twenty minutes before getting our space to go up. We had a nice ride, with the elevation being about 1500 feet up the ridge, and the ride being about a kilometre. Since the rush was just starting, we had no problem getting a table with a grand view and then having breakfast.

After about an hour and a half at the top, we departed the restaurant.........and to our surprise they had a mechanical problem with the gondola system, and everyone had to walk down. It was a steep descent and took about 30 minutes. It was 34 degrees, so an ice cream was in order at the bottom. 

Upon my return, when time permits, I will do a posting with photos from Pierre Loti. I will have a friend help with that, as it is not something I can easily do myself.

Take care.

Istanbul Turkiye, August 16, 2023

 Hello All. Today, the Turkish Lira is about 19.5 to the Canadian dollar. We all got a surprise on Sunday  morning at the transit stations. The Metro fare went up 50 percent per ride. In addition, Metro system cards over two years old were not rechargeable when the amount on the card dropped below one ride. We had to buy new cards at 50 Lira, and, paper money over 100 Lira would not be accepted by the charge station machines. I had bought my card just over two years ago, so I was in a large group that all had to renew that morning. From my hotel to the mall where I meet my friends is two lines and about 8 stops. 30 Lira versus 18 before.

Yesterday afternoon, we took Hussian for a tooth removal, which was very traumatic for him, but probably more so for his mother. The tooth had to be removed, but he was not told until we arrived at the dental office. The dentist spoke English and all xrays etc were done with no problem, but when he saw the tool to be used he screamed rather loud. It was over before he knew it, and an ice cream cone made the day more memorable. The cost was about 12 Canadian dollars. No wonder patients come here from Canada and the United States by the hundreds to have dental work done. With the air fare and hotels included, the costs are less than at home. Recently, the Canadian Government felt sorry for the Canadian dentists and now refuse to pay for employees or retirees dental work done outside Canada. I still get my work done outside the country.

We are having warm weather...mid thirties here, with lots of humidity.

Each day on the trains, I continue to meet folks from other countries that are either visitors or working here. I had a good visit with a gent from Thailand yesterday, and was able to show him the way to the airport by rail. I have not been to Indonesia yet, but a few days ago, I met a lady from Bali....the first person from Indonesia that I have met. The Philippines and Indonesia are two countries on my list to visit. Today, I met a lady from British Columbia, and a young gentleman from Seattle. I had some fun with him....I pretended not to know where Washington state was. I was born next door....in B.C,

Take care/ enjoy the day 

Istanbul, Sunday 13 August, 2023

 Hello From a warm Istanbul. We are now somewhat cooler in the high 20s with some rain forecast for Monday. We have been doing daily trips exploring this city and making it simple for Hussian to play with other kids. The parks are a gathering place for families in the evenings, and most parks ar e close to malls. Istanbul has an excellent Metro...(Subway) system, so it is easy to get around. The city recently  completed a line to the Istanbul airport, which is around 40 kilometres from the city centre. This is taking a lot of business from the crooked Taxi drivers.  When I arrived here, I did not know about the subway extension. As usual, I took a taxi which was metered. When we got to the hotel, the meter reading was just over 400 Lira, which is normal. The driver said six hundred,  and insisted the meter was not correct. Another rider next to us was having the same problem. We found that the city is investigating this scam.

Yesterday, we went to the city terminal for the new line, to check it out and see where it is. so I will be taking it when I depart here, and for any future trips to this city. Within the city, a ride, no matter how far is about 50 cents Canadian.....on that line. One must tap the card again if you make a connection to the next line or a bus.

We are looking to do a one day tour outside the city if we can book such a trip. The trips are available, but busy with the high tourist season winding down.

Tuesday, 15, we are taking  the Metro to the famous Pierre Loti restaurant atop a high ridge. This place was named for a French sailor who retired there and became a famous Author. After breakfast, we are taking Hussian to have a tooth pulled. He is not aware of that, but during a visit last week to his dentist, it was determined that the tooth must come out. The dentist Tuesday is not at the same place as the other doctor, so it will be a surprise, and we know he will be very upset.

Take care.

Istanbul, Turkey August 5, 2023

 Hello all. This report is later than I had intended because my computer retired the day after I arrived. It has taken several days to find a repair shop.

All three Air Canada flights were late, with the one from Montreal to Geneva being over an hour late to depart. The crew announced a freight problem, however, when a group of seven arrived on board, we immediately departed.

 I arrived last Sunday evening and have had a good time with my friends here. Hussian's mother and I bought him an I Pad for his birthday, and I delivered it from Canada.  

This is high tourist season here, with the popular sights being extremely busy. I do not leave my hotel until after the morning rush at ten. I use the subway (M2)  to get to the mall where we meet. and in doing so, I must change subway lines at the fourth stop. I then get off at the fourth stop on that line,known as the M7. The malls here all have attractions to draw customers....rides for kids, etc.

Take care, and I will check in towards the next weekend, more then. Take care.