Day 1- Arrival in Istanbul

So close, yet so far....

After more than 20 hours of buses, lines, security checkpoints, customs, and flying across the pond, we have arrived in Istanbul. There is definately no better feeling than to get out of our seats, even if the weather outside isn't the driest. Either way, the group is here and ready for an adventure!

The flight was not without a HIGHLIGHT or two:

Callan: "I'll have a water please."

Attendant: *hands her Merlot*

Callan: "I'm sorry, a water"

Liz: "You're like Jesus, turning water into wine!"

It's tulip time here in Turkey!!! In fact, the beginning of May is devoted to a tulip festival, at least in the city of Istanbul. Even though it's a bit dark and the pictures were no good, I will be sure to post some!!!

Just some last minute things, some pictures and interesting facts of this temporary home:

What significance could a rock wall have? Other than they are 1500 years old?! These walls marked the outer edges of he old city center, when, in the fifth century when Rome was crumbling at the hands of the Barbarians of the north, Istanbul (Constantinople before the Ottoman Turks changed the name to its modern name) was the center of the Roman Empire.

Where else in the world will you find a hotel where the lights are controlled by your room key? How awesome (and efficient)!

And last, but certainly not least, a wonderful dinner at a local Bistro, Marco Restaurant. Thank you to the staff for a wonderful meal and putting up with us! (And the awesome apple tea on the house!)

And with that, we all hit the hay.... ECGT signing off.