Finally.

We are in Istanbul! One of the marketing guys at CIEE came and picked us up, and after a somewhat terrifying cab ride through Istanbul, we got to the hotel. It is incredible. The hotel is really swanky, and apparently Ahmenajad was here last night (you know, no big deal). Everyone here is so nice, and while no one who works here actually speaks English, they are so accommodating. The CIEE staff is incredible, surprise surprise. Our room is unreal with two bathrooms and a huge bed, not to mention a cute little sitting area. All we want to do is shower, after traveling all day. Tomorrow we have a tour of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and hopefully have time for a little Spice Market action? We are also going to meet up with my Resident Director, Daniel, from Rennes, which will be great. I spoke to him for the first time tonight in English which was really funny. Tonight we took a walk to grab some dinner. The city was so busy and it is incredible that there are about three times as many men as women walking around. Everyone is very nice, but nobody speaks English. We found a random restaurant and indulged in some falafel, some eggplant stuffed with vegetables, and some Turkish tea. It was really nice and I’m so excited to explore tomorrow.

Iyi Geceler! (or I guess Günaydın since it’s only 2 …)
Emma