First Day in Istanbul

I'm finally in Istanbul =D

Business class was wonderful. They had an onboard chef that served us with a 5 course dinner and breakfast of our choice.  Champaign and wine were unlimited and the massage chairs were adjustable and comfortable even for sleeping.  I only slept about 1 hour, but because of my excitement I don't even feel it now.   I sat beside a really nice guy who travels for a living and we exchanged stories and movies.  

Upon arrival to Istanbul Sami picked me up from the airport and we took the shuttle back to the AIESEC Office.   I can't believe how nice it is here.  It's raining but the city is so green and alive.  It actually reminds me of Romania in some regards: small streets and old buildings. It was surprising to see some of the same ads that we have in Canada (Lacoste, Iphone) and to see that so many things are similar, it's an interesting mix between old and new.  Another thing that I found surprising is just how big the city is.  It's HUGE!! Just taking the shuttle back all you could see only houses in the background and they just don't end.

I then stayed at the AIESEC Office for a little while until my roommates came back from work so that I could go to the house.  Their AIESEC Office is very big and it has a killer view.  Speaking of killer, the taxi ride was unbelievable.  We were continuously winding through the small streets and missing other cars by inches. It's unbelievable that we didn't crash.  I thought that driving was crazy in Romania, but in Istanbul is even more so.

I'm staying in an apartment with 5 other interns.  They're really nice and helpful.  Actually Amine came with us to buy bed sheets and try to get a SIM card for my phone.  Turns out it didn't work, so to prevent complicating matters I got a new Nokia cell phone, but get this: the cell phone already had numbers in it!!!  Clearly used/stolen.  And the place actually looked like a little cell phone store and the guy pulled it out of the display. Plus, no receipts or returns.  I hear this is different at big malls, but clearly one must be careful on the streets.  Also, bargaining is in full effect.

So on the way back we got some delicious Baklava and I got a few tips where to go on our street and where not to go.  Another thing: as I mentioned, Istanbul is BIG, so when they say "it's close" they mean at least 1k or 2 as I learned walking from the shuttle to the AIESEC Office.  Our street is very busy and filled with little shops all far into the distance on both sides.  And our apartment is on the 6th floor of the building (nice view but imagine carrying up the suitcases - no elevators).

I finally unpacked everything and am going to sleep.  Tomorrow is going to be another interesting and fun day.  I can feel it.