We made it to Istanbul

We arrived today at about 6:00 PM in Istanbul.  All is well, except we're tired as heck. 

Flights were uneventful although getting through Istanbul Customs and Immigration was arduous (one 15 minute line to learn where to get Entry Visas; a second 15 minute line to get our Visas; a third 15 minute line to go through Customs and Immigration).  Picked up our absurdly large suitcases and found the shuttle van to our hotel.

We are currently sitting in the roof top patio at our hotel.  There is a partial view of the six minaret mosque, whose name I do not yet know.  Weather is very nice.  It's a little chilly in shirt sleeves.

Our room is on the top floor and looks out across the water.  This picture is a time exposure  (15 sec) from our room window.  That tower is an active mosque and we have already heard a call to prayer.

To fight the jetlag, we went out for a stroll around our hotel area.  THIS PLACE IS VERY EXOTIC.  It really looks and feels "different"; hookah pipes, boilers of tea, mosques everywhere.  Tomorrow we will more actively walk and explore.  We need to get money and we need to get bottled water, first thing.

Did not carry my camera tonight, just to be a bit cautious the first night out, but I saw lots of people with big SLRs like mine.  Doesn't look like there is a problem.  Wish I had brought a tripod since I'm in the mood for shooting some night shots.

Going to bed NOW; expecting a restless sleep.

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