Thanks For Reading!

I'm back home. Thanks again to cousin Bianca I had an exceptionally comfortable flight home! 

I'm subletting a nice little apartment on 106th and West End Avenue until the end of September. After living in NYC for 30 years, I'm experiencing that neighborhood for the first time. It's fantastic.

When I arrived at the apartment for the first time yesterday afternoon, I explored my ne 'hood and found a place called Henry's. The Mets were on the west coast and it was 'getaway day' so they played the Giants at 12:30 west coast time. I ended up really enjoying watching the game with my new best neighborhood friend who is a Mets fan. Have no idea what his name is though!

I'm not sure I'll have anything new to blog about but hope ro put together a wrapup of my epic trip later in the week.

Thanks for reading!

Pictures

Happy 4th!!  Here are some Istanbul pictures ...

Rugs

I think I've started to figure this place out. Yes, people are aggressive and they are all trying to sell you something but at the end of the day that's how tourism works in Istanbul.

I had shown the slightest interest in Turkish rugs to Bulent,  the ringleader from the other night. After that he insisted that I visit his rug shop. I was inclined to blow him off this afternoon but it occurred to me that people seemed to enjoy being led around by their tour / pr guides.  So I met Bulent in Sultanahmet and he took me to meet his boss, Hakan, who must be one of the Godfathers of rugs in Istanbul.

He tried to convince me to become an importer of Turkish rugs. They really are interesting and beautiful. Everything is hand made- the yarn, dye, etc. Who wants to start a rug importing business with me?!

Feels Like Home

I got back to Istanbul last night and am staying in a new neighborhood. Once I got checked atvaround 8 oclock I went down the street to a small local fish place. Par for the course there was a guy standing outside trying to wave people in. I took the bait and sat down. There were two other tables taken - two young German woman at one, and a Kiwi woman and Turkish guy at the other.

It tired out that the guy waving us in didn't even work there - he was just a regular customer. We all hung out and had a great time till 3AM. We all ended up taking some beers down to a park by the Bosphorous before heading home. Too bad my phone was dead - no pictures. Hopefully I'll see them today and get some of theirs!

Headed Back To Istanbul

I wasn't very excited about it but any other non-Schengen city wouldn't be better. I feel like I know it somewhat and thanks to Mo & Duria I know some things to do that I missed the first time around.

I got a bus from Brasov directly to Otopeni airport so I don't have to deal with the depressing Bucharest train/bus station.

I'm glad I came here but I ended up watching a lot of tv!