Saturday before I left T and I celebrated our 13th anniversary! We went to place with a tasting menu, and had about 8 different dishes. Although the plates were small, by about number 4 I was like “hoooo boy.” In spit of the fact that they give you a small amount, you do fill up! I may have over eaten that night. My eyes are obviously bigger than my stomach.

Also want to congratulate both of my kids for finishing gymnastics for the year. They had their ceremony and both were so happy!

The next day I had my flight out. I left with a heavy heart. I didn’t want to leave the kids behind for so long. I was worried about a long journey ahead of me plus all the state-of-the-world right now anxieties.

It was raining and overcast when we got the JFK airport. I went straight through security, and found my gate. And I still had two full hours before boarding. So I bummed around the airport, got coffee, read my book..

The flight was not bad either. I went with Turkish Airlines and they did not disappoint. The service was quick, the food fresh. I usually do not do plane food but this one was rather tasty. It was good to see the presence of fresh vegetables. Some pasta, an egg plant hummus, cheese, a small salad. Then for breakfast, right before landing, they had eggs/pancakes, fresh Turkish bread, again, vegetables.

Last time I used this airline in 2014 to go to India and they lost my bag. Because in India we were constantly moving from one place to another, it took me two weeks to finally get my clothes.

But, this time I brought a carryon only so there were no issues. Oh, the plane itself was modern and, most importantly, clean. I was in economy but still got a pouch with slippers, an eye mask, socks, a face cloth, a toothbrush/toothpaste.

I arrived to Istanbul at 5:30am, and took the airport bus to the center of town. I then took a tram (just a few stops) to the hotel. I had the luxury to not take the taxi: I am one person with one little carryon and I definitely had all the time in the world. Havaist airport bus was perfectly fine, and the tram was cute. Plus, the bus and the tram were a fraction of a cost of taxi! The bus was $7, and the tram ride was .68 cents. I still have some money left on my metro card for Istanbul. Maybe on my way back I can use it again?

The hotel were I overnighted was fantastic. It’s rated as three star on booking.com. I got there at 6:30, their check in time is 2pm but they just gave me the room without me even asking. My room was on the 4th floor windows on the Bosphorus canal. I could see boats going back and forth, see the sunlight change.

Entered the room, and straight into the shower. After the shower I was “kind of” awake but the moment I placed my head on the pillow, I was out. Slept from about 7:30am to 3pm.

I am a bit bummed about not going out and exploring the city right away but I needed the rest since I didn’t sleep a wink on the plane.

At 3pm, I went out to explore. I had a restaurant in mind that I found on google. It was a small, family owned restaurant, quiet, and not a tourist trap. I was staying in a touristy part of town, streets lined with flashy restaurants, and waiters “working you” upfront. I politely declined the invites and continued on my way.

The walk to the restaurant was long, about 30 minutes, but passed by the Blue mosque and Hagia Sophia.

I also walked through Gülhane park and had some ice cream. Turkish ice cream is different, more gooey, and the vendors put on a show rolling it.

I spent about four hours roaming the city. After coming back, another shower, and lights out. I fell asleep listening to the sounds of seagulls, cats meowing in the alley below, and boats whistling on the Bosphorus.

This morning my pick up time for the airport was 4:30am! For this, I did order a taxi via Booking.com ($40, the hotel quoted $80).

As I finish typing this, I am butt in seat on the flight to Moscow. I hope the second leg of my journey goes as well as the first one.