I'm currently in Goreme (Cappadocia) the first leg of my trip, arrived last night . Flew direct from IAD to IST and then to Kayseri. Very uneventful and on time flights. Was met at the airport by a van sent by the Kelebek Hotel which has more than meet my expectation. Woke up this morning promptly at 5am to the beautiful sound of the Call to Prayer. After listening until it was finished fell back to sleep and not sure what woke me, but as I draw the blinds my eyes behold the most spectualar sight that one waking up can witness, the sight of about no less than 40 balloons of all colors lining the skies over Goreme. Of course I had to pull my camera and frreze trap this sight. After about 30 mins snapping away I went back to sleep and was again woking up by the Call to Prayer at which time I decided that I should get up and go down to breakfast which has an assortment of everything for the palate.

After breakfast I went to the front desk to register since I'd arrived late the night before and to,get directions to a market to buy a deodarnt since I left without packing one. This give me an opportunity to familiarized myself with the town which is really not that hard. After getting my deodorant went back to the hotel showered and headed the Goreme Open Air Musemum with some picture taking along the way.

Tomorrow I'm being picked up by Kapadpyka Balloons at 4:40am and then meeting with Walking Mehmet at 10:30 for a guided hike.

Impressions, the Turkish people are amazing, beautiful, friendly and helpful people. I especially love their reaction when I say what little Turkish words I know. The weather has far exceeded my expectations, because even though it's on the chilly side one would not know or feel it with the abundance of sunshine on a clear blue sky day. Tomorrow is expected to be even nicer especially for my balloon ride considering there was snow flurries this morning.

I'll report more if I can.

Happy Travels!

I was in Turkey a million years ago and found the people to be very friendly. I think Turkey may be next year's trip. It sounds even more enjoyable now that there is infrastructure, which was pretty skimpy in 1968.

Except for the taxi drivers, we found Turks to be very helpful-especially outside Istanbul. You should really come back to Turkey to see the improvements.

You should visit west coast as well. There are lots of small towns with crystal sea and beautiful beaches..

Turkey is on my list so I will read this with great interest.

I arrived in Istanbul today and oh my what a beautiful, fun-filled, chaotic and vibrant city. The weather being so glorious is an added bonus. I'm already in awe of this city and its people. I'll finish my report when I return to the USA.

Happy Travels!

Hi jdc26. So happy to see your report. Will be going to turkey in September. So anxious for the Cappadocia part of our trip. Excited about our balloon ride. Also hiking with Mehmet. Please let us know how your experience with both goes!

jdc26, we will be arriving into Istanbul on Sunday this weekend. Are you still there, and if so, do you have any comments about the unrest in the city? We read about large protests against the police. Is this impacting you? Any concerns?

Hi megdean,

I'm back in the USA, having left Istanbul yesterday April 1st. I didn't encounter any protest while I was in Istanbul. However, our flight was delayed for about 2 hours before finally leaving Istanbul and we're not sure of the reason. My time in Istanbul was one of the most enjoyable time I've ever spent abroad and I would go back in a minute.

Please enjoy your time there. Things are happening all around out, it's how we allow them to impact us that matters.

Happy Travels!

I hope you will do a full trip report, jdc26. Sounds like it was wonderful!

Well, we are here in Istanbul and it has been great. Except our flights were problematic and we have some lost luggage. Will need to go shopping soon! We are in the Bestikas area today and heading to Old City tonight.