Summer Grexit & Istanbul Taxis

Our summer 2015 travel adventure led us in search of "the stuff we learned in history class."  At least that was my goal.  The boys just wanted adventure.  And so, by way of Istanbul, we were headed to Athens.  Until the Grexit drama.  Unstable economy & public demonstrations in the news; being told "everything's fine" by the BnB host, but just bring lots (and by lots, I mean LOTS) of euro.  Last minute gut feeling was to cancel until a later date = more time to explore Istanbul.  And, a good decision since 1 day in Istanbul would not have been enough!

We flew in late to the city, so started the real adventure the next morning with the mother of all Taksi rides!  *note:  Alex is in German driver's ed and knows ALL the rules.  Heading from the airport hotel to the old town district was 45 minutes of white knuckled prayer.  The boys were all smushed together in the backseat (no way I was splitting us into 2 cabs!)  with no seatbelts (another prayer the sardine effect works when called upon) and the taxi driver attempting to speak English while I frantically search my pocket guide to conversation all the while keeping an eye on the road!

photo courtesy of carvingaspot.blogspot.de 

Traffic was rush hour style at 2pm and while the Turkish government painted perfect lines (and beautiful highway gardens), no one seemed to care about lanes!  And, no one seemed to care about seat belts.  Every passing car was equipped with a hands-on cell-speaking driver and as if that weren't enough, our sweet driver insisted on sharing photos of his beautiful granddaughter....looked them up while he was driving.....at least his top speed was only 90kph.   Horns blaring, cars swerving, stop, go, phone calls, look at a my photos and before we knew it we were successfully and safely dropped at the hotel!  #guardianangels

The rest of our week was on foot and tram!  First up:  the Hagia Sophia & Kebab

Hagia Sophia