Ireland-2-Turkey 2024

I’m sitting here waiting for the shuttle bus to the airport.

I can’t say l’m overly impressed with Airport Hotel Basel. The room was comfortable. But, it’s something with the staff in the reception.

Maybe they’re too close to France and have adopted some of the French arrogance. I just hope there’s no repeat of yesterday when l arrive I Istanbul.

A quick snap of the key near the hotel.

Then off to the airport. Finally. I found a friendly person to talk with, the driver. Check in went smoothly. A mental note to self though. Don’t hope in the line that had a small family with prawns an multiple luggage to check in!

After clearing customs l set out to find breakfast.

I had a yoghurt and a strawberry and banana drink.

I gad to go and buy a packet of Harbo sweets yo get rid of the taste. I then went off in search of my gate-No.32. I eventually found it.

The plane arrived on time.

I had my boarding pass in hand waiting to board.

As before, boarding didn’t start on schedule! I finally got on board and settled into my seat.

Then we were off heading for Istanbul.

A few turns around the airport.

Then a bee line for Istanbul.

The food was nothing to sneeze at!

On the decent into Istanbul l noticed wind turbines in the countryside. Probably a bit hard to see but here is a photo.

Getting through customs wasn’t too much of a hassle despite the long line.

I did find myself, when seeing the line at customs, muttering in my head “for f&$k sake! Come on”.

I arrived at the baggage collection point just as my pack was coming around. I quickly grab my pack an d went in search of the area where l’m to meet the shuttle driver.

With a little help l found the place. Then had to wait for the vehicle to be called up. I was a little warm by then.

Finally l was on the road with the driver!

The major freeways in Turkey are magnificent. I almost thought l should have hired a car.

Then we actually entered Istanbul traffic. There is no way l would survive driving in Istanbul particularly at peak hour.

In case you ever wonder there is no mistaking you’re in Turkey. Large Turkish flags flown everywhere.

We eventually arrived at the hotel l had booked.

It’s a quaint little aged establishment. My room is up tree flights of stairs. Not to easy stairs.

This is my room. Probably not one you could swing a cat in. But, hey, l’ve stayed in worse places that’s for sure!

This is the bathroom.

While l was putting this together there was a call to prayer over loud speaker.

It’s time for a shower and then hut the hay. I have a full day tour booked tomorrow kicking off at 9:30am.