Marko - so glad that you are finally going to make it to Turkey. I have enjoyed reading your posts and all the planning you have done. Given your initial concerns about terrorism, you will be pleased to know that the US has dropped its travel warnings on Turkey, so things must be under pretty good control. As far as speaking Turkish, we went on relative short notice, so only had a Lonely Planet phrase book. Part of the joy of traveling on Turkey was attempting to speak the language, just attempting to do so brought smiles and often mini-courses in how to do it from the ever congenial and helpful Turks! I was amazed at how proficient in Turkish I became after only 3 weeks. Have a wonderful trip!

Thank you and to everyone else who I have gleaned some information from thank you. A report will be posted upon my return ! With all the dirty detail !

Marko...in case I miss you....Viya con Dios ok? I think you leave about the 30th but w/ time changes and all ...just want to send you off w/a smile and an ale in hand! Enjoy and we'll all report back when we return. INSHALLAH!

Just returned from Istanbul and it is an absolutely wonderful place to visit. We had no problem getting around and met many friendly people. The mosques and historic structures are truly fabulous. There is an awesome array of food and costs are extremely reasonable. We felt it was very safe.

One of the more exotic aspects is the "Call to Prayer" which echoes from scores of minarets that pierce the sky across the city. We found a website that allows you to hear this:

http://www.orienthostel.com/page4.html

Just click on the link under the picture of the Blue Mosque on the right side of the page. (We didn't stay at the hostel, but we were happy to locate this website because while that sound is something that is truly unforgettable, it's nice to be able to re-live the experience as we are able to hear it again. For those who may be curious, activities continue normally on the street at these times -- just as they would when church bells ring in other cities, for example.)

To those who posted their experiences here, we thank you. For those who have trips planned, I am sure that you will not be disappointed!

The Call to Prayer is one of the reasons I love to travel in Muslim countries. The most exciting time I heard it, I was riding on a camel at the Pyramids in Egypt....I got goosebumps! Also Flyboy thanks for the trip report. Im very excited and I packed today and I dont even leave for 9 more days! GAD!

This time next week we will have had our 2nd day in Istanbul, it is exciting. I keep thinking that there is something that I have forgotten, pre travel paranoia I suppose.

One thing I would suggest (and you may have already done this) is that you get in touch with your credit card issuer and let them know you where you will be traveling. While I've found American Express to be fail-safe, we found Visa and Mastercard to be sending back rejects. (No problem in Amsterdam upon our return that far, so it's just a word to the wise, as the original poster noted. We had sufficient cash on hand to prevent any inconvenience.)

that is a good idea, also let your mobile phone provider know where you are going so that they can set up the global roaming feature. I think that it is probably only applicable to GSM countries.

Excellent advice! As I had my Visa card "blocked" while traveling in China, I had my local bank inform Visa that I would be traveling in Turkey and not to block my card. I sat there and listened as the bank personell explained the situation. Sure enough -after my first withdrawal the card was blocked. I called the "24/7" number provided me by the bank and was told to call back during normal business hours. Fortunately my wife's card worked. Two days later my card worked fine and I had no further problem.

Yep did the credit cards last week. Also today a pal told me to take extra pics for passport replacement if needed. Is there ever an end to being prepared? I remember traveling the world w/ a small backpack and a comb! Now there are tums, immodium, Ben Gay, vicks, hair gels, sprays, contact stuff etc etc etc!!

Always remember to pack an enquiring mind !! and less clothes and more money !

Marko-
Have a wonderful trip! I can't wait to hear all about it; it's been so much fun to be in on your planning!
Welcome home, Flyboy! I'm glad you had such a great trip!
Leannat,
It's probably too late for you, but if you or anyone else wants to order the Turkish tape from Tom Brosnahan ( who writes for the Lonely Planet guide for Turkey (6th edition)), here's the following info for ordering it:
Send $12 to
Turkish Cassette
c/o Tom Brosnahan
PO Box 563
Concord, MA 01742-0563

My husband and I really enjoyed listening to it before our trip; it helped give us a feeling for the sound and pronunciation of theTurkish language; it also had a lot of background sounds, like the Call to Prayer, so it gave a feeling for the country, too. The only caveat is that we ordered it from an earlier edition than is out now, so I won't swear on my life that it still exists. But it was only 3 years ago that we ordered it (wow, ONLY 3 years!).
Hope this helps someone!
Paule

Progal.....yep too late for me....but I am going to try and hit the library on Wed and see what I can find for last minute studying over the weekend. But thanks for the info.

Marko...point well made and taken. Enquiring mind..that is why we travel huh? To observe, to discover, to learn, to experience. Its all such fun! I spent the long winter months reading and making notes...and there is still so much I will learn. Ah travel!

Thanks Progal, Leanne if you see a family of five with a tall gray haired harried father with a guide book and camera, a tall blonde gorgeous wife with a new leather jacket and three smiling mischievious young blonde teenagers bumbling around Istanbul.....say hello !!

OK Marko....I think I could spot you! And if you see a 60ish red head w/ short hair, a travel vest, a tape recorder to her mouth following a tour 10 paces behind.....say hi...cause thats me!!!! Aint we gwanna hev fun!!! Yep yep yep!!

Tomorrow the big day, may have to pack some more winter woolies as the weather.com report for Kayseri predicts -9 minimum the day we get there ! Is Cappodocia a windy spot ?

Hi, Marko,
Wow, it's countdown time and I'm very excited for you!
I don't think Cappadocia is especially windy, but it is inland, with a very changeable landscape, so it's probably got changeable weather, too.
I just checked one of the international weather websites, and Kayseri seems pretty still, but Istanbul looks windier.
I've given you the link in case you need to obsess over anymore details!

Here's the URL for the weather inTurkey: (http://www.wunderground.com/global/TU.html ).

Have a great trip!!! I can't wait to hear all about it!
Paule

Marko...I hear you are ok in Cappadocia until you go underground...THEN it can get very cold even in summer. I tossed my long johns back in just yesterday after being warned by my tour guide! Have fun!

I thought it may be useful to some to top this (including myself....)

My wife and I will be going to Istanbul for 6 nights and then on to Crete for a week. We read that Hepatitis A vacinations are recommended. We are both a little reluctant to get the shots and don't think they will provide any meaningfull protection this close to our departure anyways. Any thoughts? We plan on being carefull to drink bottled water and no ice.
Thanks,
Mark