We're here!

Istanbul is a city of 8 million and it feels like it. It's sunny and 70, with a strong breeze coming off the Sea of Mamara. But we're getting ahead of ourselves.

It took us about 15 hours to get here. Nine from Seattle to Amsterdam, two hours there, then three more hours from Amsterdam to Istanbul. We spent about an hour in the airport here getting through customs, buying the visas and hiring a taxi. It probably would have taken much longer if we'd not had the help of Firet, an employee of the KLM airlines who took us under his wing.

We can see many ships: oil tankers, cruise ships and the occasional yacht from the hotel windows. They are making their way east to the Black Sea. It is fascinating to think that there is so much international trade that goes through these waters. Of course, we knew that, but seeing it really makes an impact. The ships have been stacking up all afternoon waiting their turn to go through the Bosphorus Strait. That is the channel of water that separates the continents of Asia and Europe and connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Mamara.

Tomorrow, that is Tuesday here, we are going shopping! Marian needs a hairbrush and Pat needs a haircut. We need a SIM card for Marian's phone and a disposable phone for Pat. We also want to scope out the Grand Bazaar. No purchases, just take a look around and get a feel for this 700 year old "mall."

We'll check in with you tomorrow!