The adventure began with an Uber ride to Boston’s Logan airport. We stopped at a kiosk to get boarding passes then headed out to the gate. Got Josie a snack to tide her over before the late night plane dinner. It was an interesting wait for our Turkish airline flight. No boarding by groups, just followed an announcement to form two lines by row number. Lines were huge! And didn’t move, never mind that at least three times clerks came by to check our boarding passes. Jayne was told to go to the desk to get a different sort printed. My electronic was was deemed acceptable until almost boarding then I was told to get a printed version. Sigh. Then I was told I didn’t need to. Ah, well, eventually we boarded and settled in for that nine hours overnight flight.

All went well, with all of us managing some sleep. Immigration went smoothly then we hiked through the huge new airport. Fortunately for us, our wonderful Turkish friend, Gulgun, whom faithful readers will recall joined us for half of our Italy trip, and her boyfriend were there to meet us.

They drove us off and away to a charming place along the Halic inlet where there was a restaurant and a maritime museum. We were hungry and thirsty so wine and multiple appetizers were ordered and consumed. Delicious! We, along with a myriad of stray cats (which is quite the problem here) then wandered on some of the antique boats and planes before departing.

Next stop was to Jayne’s friend from grad school, Gözde, who had graciously offered to host all three of us while in the city. We were met by Gözde, her husband Emrah, and daughter Darin and son Jeremy and brought into their gorgeous home. Hot tea and snacks were provided while we all got to know each other. Their daughter, who is about a year and a half younger than Josie, played two beautiful numbers on the piano. She is very accomplished! Fortunately, the girls hit it off right away, chatting like old friends.

They then took us to their country club for a fabulous dinner in a beautiful setting.. The girls determined that dessert should be gelato from a place nearby. So off we went, finding amazing flavors to tantalize us. I had something called burnt milk. Sounds odd but was quite tasty.

And now the exhausted travelers are at this amazing house preparing to snuggle in for a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow should be another busy, fun filled day.