Exporing where East meets West in Türkiye

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Thursdau, 9 April 2026 - After 24 hours of travel and a missing suitcase, we explored rainy Istanbul, enjoyed great food, and discovered the city’s lively charm.

We had a very long flight in from Phoenix to Istanbul just a tad over 24 hours of travel. To top it off, Cal's bag was still in Amsterdam. AirTag showed it in Amsterdam, and the baggage office in Istanbul verified the location. It would arrive at 0100 that night but would not be to the hotel until tomorrow evening. As it was lightly drizzling and Cal's raincoat was in the suitcase, it seemed like it would be better if we went out to the airpost and got the suitcase ourselves.

We discussed it with our guide, and he recommended we start at 0800 as the airport was an hour drive.

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We checked in and asked for a good dinner recommendation close by. The hotel was in a great location, so many restaurant options. We headed out after dropping bags, or rather bag.

On the way a minaret from a mosque spotted down a side street.
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Interesting light in a little tunnel. Along the way.
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The sign proclaiming the building as the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf Üniversitesi.
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After a great meal (we would hit the same restaurant 3 nights later) we walked back to the hotel.

Several vendors on the busy streets selling grilled corn on the cob - it was very popular with the locals.

Our first few hours in Türkiye were special and exhilarating. Looks like a good trip ahead.
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