After a very pleasant 10 hour flight on which we both managed a few hours sleep we landed in Istanbul just after 4am and arrived at our hotel just before six to the welcome news that we could have a room immediately. The guy checking us in was charmed that we were father and son and had travelled from Cape Town (he need convincing that we are African) and gave us free access to the executive lounge for two days (free food and drinks) on the top floor overlooking the Bosporus.
After an hours doze we set out to buy Rob hiking boots and I needed a hat. We found our way to the area Rob had identified as best for hiking gear (about 8km walk) and found exactly what Rob was looking for at our first stop …..at half the price! Rob walked in his new boots very happily for the rest of the day (we walked about another ten kms).
Shortly after leaving the hotel this morning approaching a park we wanted to walk through, an elderly man walking in front of us dropped a shoe brush which I gallantly returned to him and in response he insisted on polishing my shoes. His brother appeared suddenly from somewhere and set about polishing Rob’s sneakers with soapy water. On finishing the job the man held out his hand for payment. What? How much?
Stupidly I had a pocket full of money I’d drawn at the airport, hauled this out intending to pay him 50tl (R125). As I was peeling the notes apart he grabbed about four 50tl notes, pocketed them, and then demonstrated vigorously for more. Meantime Rob had paid the brother 100tl. We argued before he shook my hand with a smile assuring me that he didn’t feel injured by my refusal to give up any more of my money.
Rob thinks he may have dropped his brush intentionally …….
We spent the best part of the rest of a beautiful spring day on the Big Bus touring the city and seeing some of the well known sights of Istanbul.
Finishing in the executive lounge with a much needed.
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