I have finally started my trip. I arrived in Istanbul yesterday evening but without my backpack. I was still in good spirit because the Turkish people are so friendly and helpful. It was easy to take public transportation to the Sultanahet district where I am staying in a youth hostel. I went to bed immediately having traveled with connections for about 20 hours.

Dagistan, the hostel manager, makes excellent breakfast and it was pleasant to talk to the other travellers but I wasn't happy when Dagistan told me the airport baggage people told him my pack was still in London. After many more phone calls I was told they had my bag and would send it to the hostel after 1 pm.
I didn't know if I believe that but I went on to the bazaar. the spice market, and across the bay and up the hill to a more upscale area called Beyogla. There you can find Dolce and Gabanna, Gucci and women in short skirts and high heels. Anyway totally exhausting myself I got to the hostel by about 4 pm and my pack with everything in it was there.

Relief I cleaned up and now I'm off to enjoy a delicious Turkish dinner that will most likely involve lamb.