First impressions

Our flight from Chicago was non-stop to Istanbul and mostly uneventful. We left Chicago at almost 10:00 PM and in a matter of a few hours the sun was already up. We landed at 4:00 PM the next afternoon in Istanbul (8 AM Arkansas time). It was our first time on Turkish Air. Turkish Airlines flies to 116 countries making it the number one airline in the world in terms of the countries flown. We were in coach so just like any other airlines there were no thrills to the experience. Besides having over 300 movies to choose from, the most excitement was the surprisingly large number of people that didn’t know how to lock the door when they went to the lavatories. Repeatedly people were opening the door on those already inside. Maybe some cultures just aren’t used to locks. The overall flight experience was ok but nothing to write home about, so I guess I better stop doing so and move on.

Before we arrived, we saw advertisements for the Istanbul New Airport. The first phase opens only days after we leave for home. The new airport is going to house the world’s largest airport terminal under one roof. After arriving at the older Ataturk International airport I can see why they need a new one. The older airport is in pretty bad shape. It is very congested, was not clean at all, strewn with litter, and didn’t seem very efficient. It did not give a very good first impression Istanbul, which is known for being a big international destination and gateway city. We eventually found the shuttle driver that Mark had pre-arranged for us and we headed into the old city.

Originally, Mark had us scheduled to stay in a newer area of the city in a Hilton hotel. But after looking into landmark locations and finding out what there was to do, he cancelled that reservation and switched us to the Premist Hotel in the old city. The hotel is just a few blocks from the heart of the old city and near the famous blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. This boutique hotel is a bit more old-world with smaller rooms and less modern amenities, but all the necessities. It is comfortable, in a safe area, and includes free WIFI and breakfast. It certainly presents a feel of living in old Istanbul. 

Oddly enough, the bathrooms are the highlight of the room. After Bryan first used the shower, he told us of his experience by stating that the shower worked great but just don’t try to answer it. It didn’t take long to figure out what that meant. The shower has the feel of a large square phone booth but updated with inlaid marble and French doors. The fixtures are antique looking and the removable handheld shower head rests on a perch above the faucets on what resembles an old fashioned telephone cradle. The whole things favors the Tardis if it were a functional phone booth, but with an added shower feature. Perhaps this is where Turks go for brain washing. J And speaking of Dr Who references, the sink looks like it was created by a Dalek. I imagine if they used sinks they would look much like this one.  Each time Bryan washes his hands I can hear him repeating “Exterminate, exterminate the germs, exterminate”.

Our room sink          /          Dalek from Doctor Who          /          Our shower 'phone' fixtures