Turkey Vacation

This may be a long story, but then again I am known for great stories (he he).

On our departure from the airport we showed up somewhat late. As we are checking in I realize that I had not taken pictures of our bags. Not a big deal, but since we borrowed 3 bags from friends (to stay under the European weight limit - 20kgs/bag) I thought it would be a good idea so I started taking pictures while the bags were moving on the belt with my phone. They told me in Russian you can't do that and to delete the pictures. I proceeded to try and delete the pictures for a minute or two. They asked me if the pictures were deleted, but I couldn't figure it out so I just said yes. They never checked my phone. Tight security.

Since we checked in late we got the very last seats on the plane. Don't you just love it when you have to sit by the bathroom. The sights the smells. AHHHH. Before we took off a man asked if I wanted the window seat because he told me he would be in the bathroom a while. I told him the row next to me was empty and I like aisle seats better anyway.

After the 3 hour plane trip to Instabul we had a 5 hour layover. We immediately went to Starbucks so Stacey could get her fix. Then we went to have lunch at Burger King. A little hard to find until we asked. $40 later we had our bellies full of fast food. Tell me again why I eat that stuff anyway.

It was back to Starbucks since they had the cushy chairs. We proceeded to watch a movie and while doing that Stacey noticed a flash coming from behind her. She didn't think much of it, but after a lady came up to us and asked if she could take a picture of the boys she had a pretty good idea.

People in Turkey loved the boys to say the least. They wanted to touch them, kiss them, hug them, and take their pictures. It makes you feel uncomfortable and the boys were too at times. What do you say, no and look like the mean Americans. We still don't have a nice way to tell people no.

After a few pics and a movie later we decided to make our way to the gate for our next flight. We left early to the gate and I thought we had plenty of time. Boy was I wrong. Since all the times are in military I though it was 5:15pm for the departure, but it was actually 3:15pm. It was 3pm when we noticed. So we were off. God was looking out for us because we still had to check in and go thru security. Thank the Lord there were no lines in each and we got to the gate with a few minutes to spare. Stacey gave me a nice look and of course I sad I am sorry.

Again since we checked in late we got the last seats on the plane. It was only an hour flight and then another hour cab ride.

Well, it was not that easy. After we landed we exited the plane onto the ground and proceeded to go to baggage claim. All the bags came, but not ours. There were signs of people's names who were to go on a bus to the international terminal, but Stacey said our names were not on it. There were two signs, but who knows. So off we were walking to the international terminal. I go in and the show them my baggage stubs and then walk to the belt where our bags are. They had made it and we were glad.

The cab was usual. Crazy driver. You are thinking pick a lane, lay off the horn, and not so close to the other car.

An hour later we are there. Hurray!