Since buying the Wizz, visiting Turkey has been on my radar since I purchased my All you can fly is pass. BINGO!
I was able to catch a flight from Athens, Greece, across Europe, so why not? The best part is that I was able to overnight in London again. Something about sitting in a pub in London is cool to me. Fish and chips and local pints!!
Visiting Egypt had a certain edge to it, and I never really felt comfortable. It was mostly in my head, but the fact that I was so close to Gaza and the locals tried to rip you off at every opportunity kept me on my toes.
First off, I did meet some amazing people, but they were the minority. I can tell you that if Egypt were not a great Country in general, I would be out my $500 camera and $120 headset.
I left it in the security line in my jacket and returned an hour later to find been waiting for me. I also met one good Uber driver who did not take advantage of me due to the color of my skin.
First impressions are at the airport when you clear customs, and the taxi drivers are waiting in force. Wifi was not available, so I was handicapped immediately as I did not understand the currency and could not get an Uber, which was my fault.
I walked out to dozens of aggressive drivers, and I was at their mercy, and they smelled blood. I was able to understand the basics, like only riding in a marked taxi due to a story I remember back in my work travels.
A woman I worked with had a meeting in Egypt and took a personal car that could have ended her life. She was taken to a party where there was nothing but local men. Luckily, one of the men demanded she be taken home, which was a Godsend.
I miss you, Bea, as you are one of a kind!
Here are some videos of my time in Istanbul, starting with a walk from my amazing USD 18 a night hostel. It was so comfortable after a long couple of travel days and a fun pub stop in London.
I did not have any plans other than to try to live like a local for a few days. As part of my experience, I ended up at a ferry port by absolute luck and visited three islands. I met a local who gave me a historical tour of the biggest and furthest South Princess Island, Adelar. Here is the ferry ride and a tour of the island.