Last days in Turkey!

Well didn't keep up with the blog as well as I would have liked but I will try to put some thoughts and pictures up when I am back home for a couple of days. The weather is finally warming up as I am leaving haha. It was a great experience and I'm so glad I did it and had the opportunity to travel a bit in Europe and to other parts of Turkey. I feel closer to the city than I realized as I met a couple just visiting and was able to tell them little facts and tidbits and give them my personal perspectives- I feel like a local almost :) I am a bit sad to leave although I'm ready for the next chapter of my life and so excited for my friend's Caribbean wedding! Less than one week and I will be there- sun, beach, rum, good friends what more could I ask for?

Ephesus & Pamukkale Mar 7- Mar 9

Between trips...February

After Austria and Greece, the weather was pretty dreary so I mostly rested up from my trip and lounged around the house. I look forward to Tuesdays bc there's a funny soap opera we watch called Canim Aılem- nice cuz there's no sex, drugs, violence, it's just funny and I can usually make out what is going on- otherwise the parents are happy to summarize. Wednesday saw Pride and Glory- liked it. Funny bc only like 4 people in theater- everyone else is at their job or school I suppose. The ticket guy didn't understand me even though I have had him before and was clearly saying one ticket for this movie at this time in this seat. This nice lady behind helped clear things up.

The building manager is supposed to come twice a day to see if you need anything and I swear when we do, he never comes! And it's only once a day I think too. So sometimes I pop out around the corner to get some bread or yogurt- nice that it's so close and cheap too. The bread here is good and the stuff we usually get is maybe a bit over a dollar- would totally get fresh bread every day at home if that was the case.

Went to Emre's parents one night and some guy was there that ended up being his cousin (I've met anothe girl cousin who's an industrial chemist but got introduced that time). He knew English but didn't say anything to me until the night was almost over haha. Saw Bride Wars on Valentine's day didn't even realize- I liked it and made me think of my friend Molly's wedding coming up. I've never been to one before- I hope I don't cry too much!! It was the most crowed I've ever seen! I walked all the way back which didn't take too long (maybe 40 min) and picked up some snacks at the store including a pomegranate! First time ever buying one. Had some roasted chestnuts too (haha can't help but think of the song and in the street they do roast them over an open fire for you to buy!).

Went shopping one day over the weekend with Özlem and Mert. The family is moving so she wanted to pick up some new housey things which was fun and we also stopped by Sephora (I love it!). It was a huge mall relatively new called Palladium. Lots of places sell just corn kernals heated up mixed with various seasonings- I guess like our corn on the cob but neater. I've had homemade stuff with some salt and pepper and spice which is good and a hint of butteryness mmm. We went to her friend Tuba's for dinner- Tuba and her husband used to go to school in Boston! He doesn't sound Turkish at all when he speaks English (she a little bit but him not at all). They are expecting a daughter soon and he made some chocolates for the ocassion for us to try before the big day- reallly good! Their excitement and happiness for the baby and cute home and homey things make me look forward to having all that one day...but not yet! Mert picked up the nickname Stef for me which was cute haha. I remember when my cousin Alana found out about nicknames too- it was so cute she was so excited/proud to know it and use it.

Decided on a nicer day to go to Dolmabahçe Palace over on the European side near Beşiktaş. Stopped by this art gallery which had a good variety of topics and mediums- photographs, modern art, Turkish landscapes, people, flowers, animals. I think I was the only one in there but it was nice to slowly walk around and look up close without other people around. Didn't have to pay which was cool. The entrance to Dolmabahçe is way on the other side of the ferry terminal even though you can see the freaking building right there. Last time when I wanted to go I should have turned right instead of left- now I know! There's a big clock tower that's being restored. Had to go with a group- paid for both main area and harem and to use my own camera! Sheesh. I liked Topkapı Palace better because I felt more informed, like I got to see more for my money, and it was just more interesting in my opinion. Dolmabahçe was still nice but remined me of a smaller Versailles or something. The harem especially- the lady just kept saying ok we'll walk this way then back this way and then that way ok go ahead. There was a crystal pavilion and clock museum there too but I didn't have time nor knew if it woudl even be worth seeing. The ferry I took back was uber nice- 3 stories, really new and looked like newer technology, TVs, English on signs.

Went over to Taksim one day for some shopping (was on a mission to find cute flat black boots that fit and are reasonably priced but haven't and gave up). Walked down Flower Passage with the fish markets and restaurants (but obviously not busy at the time- gets really crowded at night and all lit up). Went to an artsy bar with bands with Emre's cousin Emir. He knows the bar tender and either didn't have to pay or pay much and picked up the tab which was nice. I had said I love tequila so he got some for us- but not limes just lemons. The crowd was young and modern and the band played a lot of English cover songs which was cool- the singer didn't sound Turkish at all when he sang, weird how that is with accents. They played one or two Turkish songs too. We took off maybe 1ish and got some food near the house (still open I love that- I think all the food places near the house were actually)- baked/fried mussely rice things and fried chicken bits. We parted ways after a good night of music and fried foods :)

Was pretty sore from walking so much the day before- you would think I would be in better shape walking around all the time but I guess since it's been cold and drizzley I haven't that much lately? Went back to the Palladium mall one day and got some sushi! It was ok but got charged for some nuts they brought out and coffee I didn't want?? Whatevs at least I got a free brownie sample from a coffee place- I should have just eaten there! I actually also went to pick up something one of the stores didn't pack for us last time we were there. Özlem had talked to them on the phone about it and after some confusion and going to the store while I was at the mall a couple of times, I called Emre to talk to them and basically they didn't want to give it to us even though they didn't pack it in our shopping bag! Lame.

My friend has been searching for an orange dress for our friend's wedding and I saw so many here in Turkey (none in Vienna!). I sent her some pics and went to pick it up- I hope she likes it and it fits!! But before that decided to go to Istanbul Modern since it was in the area and a drizzley day. Thought I could walk along the boardwalk but it was blocked and walked in the right direction but was getting wet so jumped in a taxi (although the guy didn't know what Istanbul Modern was and I couldn't remember the Turkish for it so we drove until I saw it and yelled out OK). Passed this HUGE restaurant all lit up and somewhat crowded that took up the entire building's first floor- I wonder if it is any good. The waiters are all dressed up too. The art museum is in an old warehouse. Checked my coat and started- about 2 hours before it closed but luckily only a couple of floors and wings- it was easy to navigate. I liked the modern paintings on the top floor from Turkish artists a bit more than the equestrian photos and sketches downstairs, although the main thing going on is shadows and silhouettes which was interesting (some shadow puppet and just puppet movies were being shown and only caught a bit but would like to watch them in full some time). I especially like the paintings with bright bold colors and the huge ones that look different close up and afar. There were some statues too here and there and windows with views of the water and historical side- really nice location and they have seats across the windows to just take it in. There's a library downstairs too but I think you have to be a student or researcher to use- too bad I bet they have some interesting art books. The are right by the library is decorated with books hanging from the ceiling. Wanted to get some postcards at the store but they didn't have any. Decided to splurge and eat at the cafe there (heard it was good). Got a table near a window (too bad it was rainy and overcast- I bet it's so nice in the summer and they have an area outside too). Too bad also my camera doesn't take the greatest night pics- I had plenty of shots in mind but didn't try to get. Ordered seafood soup and mushroom risotto but got a minestrone and some beef salad- didn't change the soup but def wanted to change the main order. I even pointed at the menu at the items I wanted and the waiter was looking! I must just have or be bad luck or something when it comes to ordering at restaurants. The risotto was very good though and worth the hassle- so full when I left. I got there around 5 and read but then close to 7 the lights were dimmed, candles lit so I had to stop. I actually had wanted to go get my coat bc the museum closes at 6 but they were like you can get it after it's ok- wellll I had to go OUT into the cold rainy weather to the security check I went through for them to go get my coat for me! Good thing it wasn't freezing or pouring but I knew I should have gotten it before! Walked a bit to get to Tünel up to Beyoğlu- so many Europeans on the tram felt like I was in Europe and not Turkey but guess where we were going is touristy. Went to Mango for the dress and the parents called saying they may go out tonight so I headed back- but they ended up not. The old granny on the ferry looked super tradional but was texting haha! The night ride on the ferry is really pretty and much calmer and quieter than the day ones. Other people on my dolmuş wanted to go to Kızıltoprak too- I see people getting out around here all the time but hadn't had someone on the same ride before.

A small film festival (not the BIG one they have in the spring/summer) is going on. I was planning on seeing Slumdog Millionaire one day but the tickets were sold out so Emre helped me buy them online for another day. My plan was to see one movie on the European side and another one closer to our house- but I ended up seeing both near us right after the other, Wendy & Lucy first and then Slumdog. Got some snacks at the other Migros that's bigger pretty much under Fenerbahçe stadium. This old guy kept switching lanes with his 2 bottles of raki and when a cashier opened a lane for me, he jumped before me and took FOREVER paying and bagging. Lindsey and I noticed Europeans have no sense of lines- at the passport check coming into Turkey from Vienna this old guy totally cut in front of me even though I was clearly in front of him but he was talking to people in front of me, at a bathroom in Athens this older lady totally cut in front of me as I was trying to go in and I said something but she still went in! Argh. So I found the theater- really nice like 5 story building, the top theaters are larger and for special events but regular movies are shown on the other 10 or so screens. I picked up my Slumdog ticket but there was some confusion bc it was in Emre's name but my CC info (his online ticket account). Luckily this couple knew English and explained he was the family I was staying with. I bought the Wendy and Lucy ticket at a self-server kiosk. Got popcorn and headed up- seats comfy, clearly labelled and my seat was right in the middle but sadly I didn't like the movie that much. Came down and read/lounged (they have lounging areas which was nice) a bit before Slumdog which was crowed- my seats much higher up and to the side. Some art outside of that theater so I looked at those too. I liked the movie but unfortunately the Hindi parts were still with Turkish sub-titles so I wasn't sure what the kids were saying there! I'll just have to watch it again with English ones. So many people were leaving so I thought of walking down the other escalator- people before me had the same idea but right before I got to the end it started going and I had to jump to get off- almost fell and people gasped! Whew but a little embarassed. Found a dolmuş after several minutes (actually it found me by honking) and headed home.

Sometime random guys say something in Chinese or Japanese or something to me- it gets annoying. But an old lady said something to me at the store as I was looking at this sesame paste and I wished I knew what she was saying! I usually know at the store what the cashiers say- like how many simits or something which is cool. The computer was out for what was supposed to be a few days turned into a few weeks and I had only found an internet cafe after the first week and a half near our house- good thing it's cheap! The weather was pretty cold in general for February and snowed sometimes a little or on the other side.

Also went to the Optimum Outlets and glad I did bc it had outlet prices! Wish I went sooner- saw more orange dresses too!! Almost bought some leather gloves but they were tight and some Nine West black pumps but the right shoe on display was a little loose. Turkey has some pretty good stores (not sure if they're exclusively Turkish or more European). Decided to get some Chinese food to go but had a hard time saying to go until I said car. I also said I wanted rice and not noodles but oh well. They do have free shuttles to Palladium and Optimum near our house I found out but no reason to go again- but I know where they pick you up now.

Decided the last weekend of February to do some souvenir shopping and also ended up getting a rug for myself! The guy was really nice and not typical Turkish sales guy. Actually was going to CA for a show, even Santa Barbara! Got a great deal and was interesting to hear about the designs- butterfly:independence, hand clasped:togetherness, tents:neighborly and he talked about the colors too but I forgot. Takes a lady about 3 weeks to make one- wool and naturally dyed flat woven rug. So excited bc I wanted one but thought they would be huge. Had some tea and chatted a little. His worker was learning English and from Afganistan- looked Asiany. Saw the Hippodrome, with something from the Temple of Apollo at Delphi which I've also seen :) I could overhear these guys trying to talk to me and discussing if I was from Spain bc I had my Espana bag and some other Turkish guy asked in English if I was Turkish and from Anatolya or something (you think he would ask in Turkish if he really thought I was Turkish right?). One guy was useful (so happens to sell rugs too) when I was near some gazeboy thing in the Hippodrome- he explained it was a gift from the Germans. I headed to the Suleiman complex which was way larger than I knew. I tried to see the tomb of him and his wife Roxelana but this day and the other day I went closed even though the sign showed when it was open and I was there within those times! Met this nice guy who was in the area and told me a bit about it (he actually does private tours for work right now). We saw this group of young religious guys come and pray at someone's tomb who I was informed the same sect of Islam as they are. We met his friend using the WC and all walked around together- neither had a plan but to wander today (well my shopping was finished and they just go exploring the city even though they live there- pretty cool!). We walked through the complex and saw some sunken tea gardens and went to look at a restaurant housed in a courtyard and beautiful domed room (they have been there before to eat). We walked through this restoration/beautificaton area (pretty ghetto and old)- kids were playing in trash and crumbling or destroyed buildings. The new houses the government is working on remind me of San Francisco. We found the cafe they were looking for overlooking the Golden Horn- really pretty- and got some tea and chatted more. We parted ways at the Spice Bazaar but somehow ran into each other by the ferries! I wasn't sure what to do tonight and they were heading to Taksim- I wanted to head home first and drop things off and freshen up and all that so we parted again. Went home, rested a bit, went back out- Tünel was closed so I took a taxi that seemed to take a million back streets. Met them at the Marmara hotel- looks really nice and is like a 5 star hotel. Some of the bars we went into were super cute but small and had no seats so we ended up at one that was a bit smokey (neither of them smoke) but spacious. Had some beer and chatted- really low key and had some interesting conversation. Earlier in the day I feel like it was more introductory topics- where are you from, what are you doing, etc. but we got to talking about various topics- politics, religion, anthropology- which was refreshing. They showed me some places nearby like Babylon which are quite popular- so many places to go in that area! Took the metro to get closer to the dolmuşes- it is new and they had never gone on it either. It went so far down and was pretty empty- well at least it was still running with all the descending. They walked me to the dolmuşes back to this side and although I was confued on this part made sure I was on the one that was going seaside...oh well but that was nice of them and to treat me to the tea and beer. It turned out to be a dry day and night and good company too! Oh yeah just one dolmuş back so much easier than taxi, ferry, dolmuş, and/or tons of walking! And it wasn't very expensive either but I swear I never see dolmuşes by our house going to Taksim, I only see them coming back towards Bostanci. Good bye February, hello March!

Athens Feb 4- Feb 9

So behind I know- sorry!! As you know I had been trying to plan a trip tp Egypt after Vienna but it didn't work out so I headed to Athens, Greece! Not a bad substitute at all and what fun and interesting people I met!

WED Got a meal on the flight again (I am loving Turkish Airlines except for that crash in Amsterdam recently...)- never in the states would a one hour flight come with a full on meal! The airport staff was nice and directed me to the metro and I confirmed with someone on there that it would take me to the stop I needed to change to the Acropolis stop . Didn't take too long and switched at Syntagma for a short ride to Acropolis. The hostel is near a lot of things so that was convenient. Took some time to find the hostel since the directions they gave were unclear- really close to the metro exit actually. The city is so pretty lit up at night- very romantic sigh. Checked in and relived to take a break! Hostel run by Australians and learned that Isla Fisher's brothers or something own it (wondered why there was a signed pic of here up in there). Also signed up for the Delphi tour on Saturday- first one! Where I stayed was the studios so they are like apartments with a living room, balcony, kitchen. It looked like only 2 other people were there out of 6 beds total. Much quieter and I hear nicer than the hostel hostel part. Only thing was shower curtain wasn't big enough and we had to squeege the floor every time we showered. Showered and wore a t-shirt and SANDALS for once since CA!! Got some cheesey thing and fruit and yogurt at the grocer and went on the internet at the hostel (1 euro for 15 minutes!! but the guy was nice and let me use it this time for free). I was going to take it easy and relax in the studio but felt obliged to be social so I headed to the hostel bar. Met a couple of Brazilian guys studying in Dublin (but they didn't know each other before then). Learned cheers in Portuguese- saüge? Got some beers and went out with the hostel staff and other hostelers to a place called Spirit which was DEAD. Met a couple of Americans too from the East Coast. Got some free shots- the lady said red vodka? and some vodka cranberries yay! Ended up getting sick back at the studio and had the worst hang over the next day (or at least one of the worst I have had in a long long time!). I felt so lame bc I was in Athens in bed for most of the next day (oh yeah, the sites close at about 3pm in the winter!).

THU Chatted with my studio mates a bit in the morning (one from the states and one from Austria) and almost went out a couple of times but didn't feel up to it. Eventually made it out almost at 5 to see the city and not sites- saw the National Library, Athens University (but quiet when I was there), Athens Academy, Parliment with the guards, and of course random little ruins as I meandered home on the cobbley streets. Met a girl from Argentina who just got in and walked around a bit with her and invited her back to our studio. Hung out with the studio mates too and another girl checked in from the states as well. No drinking tonight for me haha.

FRI I had to be super productive today and Lindsey (the newest addition) asked me to wake her in the morning to begin our Athens adventure. Was a nice day but turned out to be a little chilly and rained for about 20 minutes. Only had a scarf and sandals again :) The ticket covered a bunch of sites- saw the Acropolis, Ancient Agora (marketplace), Keramikos and cemetary, Hadrian's Arch and Zeus' Temple from the outside. Hike up to the Acropolis was not bad at all and we were there early so the crowds hadn't formed yet. The dogs that hang out around the hostel came with and were like our own tour guides! The Parthenon had some ugly construction going on so we tried to avoid that in pics. It was so crazy to be up there! And the views were amazing especially on such a nice day. Did some souvenir shopping in the Plaka area. Funny how at night I saw things and had no idea what it was and in the day I'm like oh that's what that was! I definitely wandered through the Plaka area last night but didn't know it! So nice to have someone to eat with- Lindsey and I ate at this really cute, good, and well-priced place near the studio. We got the most delicious grilled/fried calamari, garlic bread, and straight from the oven mousakka mmmm it was so good! Went out with hostel staff and hostelers to the Psiori area again (where we were the first night where the bars are- reminds me of Spain where the tables and people spill onto the street except there weren't many lights on the street). Had Rakomelo which is warm raki with honey- not bad tasting but def interesting. Lindsey and I felt a little out of place bc everyone already drank a lot at the hostel bar and knew each other from staying at the actual hostel. The final destination was this after hours club called Kaluha where some DJ was spinning (ended up being technoy and no one was dancing so that was kinda lame) but we had a fun time with the hostel bar girl and the Australian guy that was there too (we lost everyone else at the first bar). It was 15 euro to get in but we got a free drink, they had a delicious bar snack (popcorny cheesy goodness- forget peanuts!), and the coat check was free which was way nice. Met some Greek guys (so diff from Turks I feel like bc no one came up to us to talk or anything). Ended up leaving around 4 or 5? Lindsey went off with their Greek friends and I wanted to sleep cuz we had Delphi tomorrow- ended up seeing the changing of the guards! Really wanted Mexican food or some snack :(

SAT Got up early to see the old Olympic Stadium. Think you can go in but I just wanted a peek before the tour to Delphi. Went to the hostel for breakfast- not very good and glad I hadn't been going. Mishap with the number of seats on the mini bus- tour guide hadn't counted herself so we had one extra person and the bus driver would not drive like that cuz he could get in major trouble so we waited around, wondered if someone would be kicked out, but eventually went to get another bus- one of the big ones. Thought the guide was being funny when she said this but it was the guy's first time driving a big bus as the driver and some other guy walked around the bus. We passed by the new Olympic Stadiums on the way there which was cool. So we head off in our spacious bus and noticed the driver was taking all these side and residential streets. At one point he couldn't make the turn so he backed up with the assistance of our guide. Then we blocked a street as he backed and turned some more to get out, branches scraping the windows, bumping the curb, sometimes going onto the curb. People at this point are honking their horns, leaning out the windows of their home, coming up to the bus and trying to help the guy...eventually a mini cooper type car was physically lifted so that the bus could get through! What an ordeal! The drive to Delphi took about 3 hours. Talked with an American guy for a bit who's been traveling the world! Wow. Actually one of the Brazilian guys I met the other night was doing pretty much all of Europe. I'm jealous they have the money, time, and energy to do that!! We drove through the countryside which is always neat to see- such a contrast to the big cities. We drove through the cute town of Arachova to get to our destination. There was snow in the mountains- guess it snowed in Delphi last weekend. Town reminded me of Italy a bit. Delphi was considered the center of the world and we saw exactly where! We walked along the Sacred Way, hiked up to see the stadium where the Pythian Games games were played, saw the ancient theater, the Temple of Apollo, the old gymnasium, Treasury of the Athenians, Tholos at the Sanctuary of Athena. We headed to the village, whose street was about as wide as our bus (we must have looked funny). There's a cheese they make only there similar mozzarella called formaella which people usually fry or grill- who doesn't like fried cheese?! I really wanted to get some but they were all so big. This French guy bought some and I was jealous! I was able to taste a bit at the shops and it was pretty good. Walked around town, got some small souvenirs, and boarded the bus back to Athens. It was a much quieter ride and I think everyone napped from our long day. It also got dark and cold as we headed home. Funny thing- at one point the driver got out as we were in the city and disappeared for a few minutes- no one knows why haha thanksfully he came back! Lindsey and I were going to head back to the studio and shower and rest but some people went to get food so we went with. I got a delicious Greek salad. I don't like feta at home but in Greece I love it!! We got some free ouzo shots at the hostel too yum. Lindsey had never had it before- she grew to like it :) Got ready for my last night in Athens...or so I thought. I set my alarm and was all packed and Lindsey even asked if she should set her alarm for me. We headed to the hostel bar where I consciencely made us drink water every other drink and kept my water bottle full. It was a guy from Northen Ireland's 25th so we had shots for that plus shots from the hostel bar girl we made friends with the other night. Went with our hostel friend Andreas and a ton of people to a bar but it seemed so far especially from where we had been the nights before. Definitely tried to remember how to get back but luckily he was around to lead us back...with a pit stop for the most absolutley delicious gyro ever with tons of tzatziki sauce mmmmm. I know we were drunk but it was for sure the best gyro we had there or even ever. It started raining on the way back too and I heard from birthday boy the day after it took him a few hours to get home!! The bar was loungey with a cafe in the back, no cover, no coat check, but pretty cute bar tenders and the best snack ever! It had cheesy popcorn plus other things which we did find one part of it at the store but not the others. The French guys at the hostel were fun to dance with. Everybody was smoking though but I got to dance to good music- although it turned technoy near the end of the night. I don't remember what time we left but I guess we were the last ones there! It was a really fun last night and way to wrap up the day and Greece!

SUN Buuuuut either my alarm didn't go off or I just completely didn't care and I woke up almost at 9:30 and my flight was at 10:55 and it takes about an hour to get to the airport. I figured it wasn't work the rush since the next flight wasn't until the evening. All in all, I took the morning flight Monday and everything was fine (I had to pay a fee anyways for either day unfortunately). Lindsey and I did a mellow shopping lounging day and we hung with the people left at the hostel in the bar that night- really low key (although her and I were dressed up a bit since most of our clothes were dirty!). Lindsey wanted to pick up some ouzo and wine and I recommended the place I went- the guy was really nice and let us try a bunch of stuff but I mostly declined cuz at this point I wasn't sure if I was able to get on the 7pm flight to Istanbul or not and didn't want to get pissed at like 1pm so poor Lindsey had like almost 2 glasses of wine (I helped a bit there), ouzo, and some rakomelo liquor haha. It was the beginning of Carnival and we saw little kids dressed up (and all the women were wearing heels and designer sunglasses sheesh!). I finally made it to the bar happy hour (7-8pm) and then we got some ok food from nearby. Everyone just hung out and chatted and it was a really nice time. Unfortunately, the bar closes around 11/11:30pm and they kick you out- we just wanted to sit around and chat- we weren't even loud. We had been talking to the Irish guy- loved the accent but sometimes had to have him repeat himself. This Colombian guy (with a latina mom and german dad I think he said- only in Europe do you find someone like this and I love it!) living in France was leaving for the airport around the same time so we agreed to meet up in the morning and go together on the metro.

MON Got horrible sleep- kept waking up every hour or so probably bc I was paranoid about missing my alarm and flight again. Saw some people up for whatever reason that eary at the hostel and said good-byes. Saw one of the Brazilian guys I was supposed to meet up with (he went to the islands for a few days which is why I hadn't seen him). We started our journey to the airport- but I forgot you can't pack liquids on carry-ons and I had some small ouzo bottles!!! Ah so stupid. Luckily the place was going to be a bit late and I walk fast so long story short, I couldn't mail them after waiting in line behind a guy with a ton of freaking letters, but ended up checking my carry on and it turned out fine whew I did not want to throw them out! The staff were really nice at the airport I must say and I appreciate them letting me go back out and come back in (my passport has 4 Athens stamps for that one day haha). So glad to get some food on the plane but unfortunately didn't nap. Ended up taking a taxi back bc I didn't want to wait an hour for the shuttle- not too expensive. It was rainy boo. I guess Mert missed me; we had pide delivered for dinner cuz Emre and Özlem were going to be late so it was fun just the 2 of us having dinner. Whew what a long day and great adventure!

Vienna Jan 30- Feb 4

Tom's flat is nice and warm! I took a nice bubble bath in his big tub the first night I got in. We made a pit stop to the grocery store befor staying in. You weigh and print the produce labels yourself. They ring you up so fast and you have to bring your own bag or they charge you for some. It was a bit strange trying to convert dollars to euros after converting liras to dollars for so long. I feel like stores close early- I thought all European cities had a late nightlife but not Vienna apparently. And no one cleans up after their dogs- ewwww. I noticed more youth and varied dress and appearances and grafiti here than Turkey. And you can drink from the tap!

People aren't really the friendliest but in the elevator you always say grüss got (a formal hello) and auf wiedersehen (good bye). So yeah, I thought they spoke something different in Austria but it's German, although softer sounding for sure. Marie is learning it a bit but some of the sounds are difficult for me to make!

Tom's been studying none stop so Marie and I spent most of the time together (I'm sure he's glad to have her out of his way for a bit :P and she didn't do too many toursity things yet). He lives in Florisdorf so we take a combo of the metro, trolley, or underground to get into the city center or district 1. Marie got us these daily passes which let us go on pretty much any form of public transportation- although no one actually checked it. I wish the states had decent cheap public transportation.

Saturday we had frankfurts for breakfast and Marie turned me onto Vegamite and then we headed to the city center. Went over the rivers including the Danue and saw the ferris wheel at Praterstern which I guess dates back before the wars. Saw the famous Stephansdom church and went inside. There were people dressed up outside performing or selling things, not sure. The buildings here are very European looking and actually remind me of France or something. There are some mostly pedestrian streets where a lot of shops are. We tried finding an orange dress for Marie for our friend Molly's wedding but there just aren't any! The shopping selection in that area wasn't great- we saw 3 H&M's and 2 Zara's (I love those stores but it was just the same stuff- although one of the H&M's was in a really cute older building with a winding staircase). Saw Hofburg Palace and National Library from the outside. It was so cute there were horse drawn carriages around!

We bought tickets to a Mozart and Strauss show at the Palais Palffy- it was a much smaller production than we had imagined and the guy selling it had made it sound, but it wasn't too expensive so it's ok (although the guys did not wear wigs like Marie was expecting). It also featured some opera and ballet- although the small stage kinda creaked when they would dance haha. Made a pit stop in one of the nicest McDonald's I've ever seen and got some snacks from the 1 euro menu. Went to the Bermuda Bar afterwards for a post-bday celebratory Ottakringer beer and some American music!

Sunday we went to Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetary) where a bunch of famous people are buried. It was much larger than I imagined and somehow we found the musicians area and saw Beethoven, Strauss, Schubert's graves. We though Mozart too but actually that is in another older cemetary that is no longer in use (don't worry we made a trip there my last day). It was FREEZING and I decided not to wear boots that day so my pants were getting soaked at the bottom. But it was really pretty covered in snow.

Some of the normal headstones for families or whomever were so huge and a little over the top. I bet it's expensive to be buired there and you have to go big if your neighbors is all grand. We walked around looking at names and Marie wanted to find her name- which was not hard at all! I think we found lucky number 13 (good thing she's not superstitious). We even found a few Stefanie's- even with the same spelling!!

We got a kasekrainer which is a hot dog injected with cheese stuffed inside a bun with mustard and ketchup. The meat was a little hard on the outside and the bread was doughy. Pretty much the must eat foods of Austria are variations of meat and cheese and bread haha.

Saw the Staatsoper which is the opera house. It's really pretty on both the outside and inside. This guy let us go upstairs to have a look around when the other lady wasn't looking which was nice. Too bad we didn't see a show there but next time! The lady said it was 3 or 4 euro for standing and about 10 for the cheapest seat which doesn't seem too bad.

Monday we went to Schönbrunn Palace (well just the outside), walked through the gardeny areas which would be great during the spring or summer and went to go to the zoo to see the animals in the snow! It is the world's oldest zoo!! The weirdest thing we saw was probably the bright pink flamingos hanging out in the snow. We also went through a bat cave (we're so brave)!! Did some postcard and souvenir shopping. Went by Hofburg Palace again for some night shots and went into a super cute cake/sweets store. Saw Rathaus (town hall) where there is an ice skating rink setup! It was so cute with the lights and little food stands. We had seen a postcard with things to try in Vienna- we got a melange (coffee thing a bit too foamy for our tastes). We made schnitzel for dinner which is just like fried chicken- YUM.

Tuesday was my last day. We did the small downtown Florisdorf area (not much here- much cuter at night!). We got some leberkase from the deli at the market which is like a sausage patty with cheese in a round bun. We got Then headed to St. Marx cemetary to actually see Mozart's grave. It's pretty much in the middle of nowhere and super old. I guess they are restoring the headstones but some you can't even make out what it says and the dead trees and unkeptness really make it creepy. Thank goodness I wasn't by myself. And it was super icy; we almost slipped a few times! We then went to the Hotel Sacher for the famous Sachertorte- pretty good and not too expensive. Not too sweet either which is what I was afraid of. Apparently there are 36 precise steps needed to make this and other versions are just imitations of the original. We walked around some more in the city to look at the night views and saw another famous church Karlskirche. Marie made yummy chicken curry that was spicy but delish!

Had such a fun time with my friend. We stayed in warm and cozy at night and stayed up and watched movies and caught up. They took me to the airport in the morning and I headed back to Istanbul to wait a couple of hours for my next flight to Athens at around 5pm. Passport check was so long coming into Turkey- my luggage was one of a few left waiting for their owners. I really wish airports had somewhere to nap!

On the way to Vienna...

The guys working at the shuttle station made sure I was going to the right airport and the bus driver knew English to ask domestic or international to know where to stop thank goodness! The airport shuttle bus was nice- spacious and high (funny seeing other people at the same level in other high trucks or buses). Did't take too long to get to the airport. I've only gone that way during the night so it was nice to see it during the day- really suprisingly green.

I think I arrived too early bc Vienna wasn't on any of the check in screens yet so I got my itinerary for Athens. There seemed to be a lot of flights to Germany and other more central/western European cities- good to know. The guy at passport control asked a million questions- I don't think I've ever gottan asked even one! Where are you from? Not China? Where are you going? Where are you going after that?

There was a huge duty free store and a ´street´filled with really nice shops (looked outdoorsy). I feel like you can't go throught security until your flight is on that screen which I don't really feel is effective- I just wanted to get to the gate. When Vienna did get on, there were other stragglers for a previous gate and for the other gate too so it took a while. And people were getting antsy and if the airport people asked for France passengers to come through, people would ask can we go (even though they were going to Vienna or Germany). The old guy in front of me took off his belt for security and had to hold up his pants haha. My flight was at 3:40pm but I don't think we even got through until 10 til then! It was maybe 4:30 by the time we took off. And even though I had a seat assigned, they took my stub and told people just sit wherever in economy- thank goodness I was near the front bc the overhead compartments were pretty filled by the time I got on board.

The flight was maybe an hour and a half and we even got a meal! I love Turkish airlines now :) Flying in I wondered why the ground looked odd- turns out it was just covered in snow! Brrrrr! My friend Marie and her boyfriend Tom came to pick me up at the airport! YAY

Catch up- birthday and beyond

The 25th was the dad's bday and we went over to his parents for dinner. Had some yummy food and desserts- sugary cotton candy pistachio thing similar to what my family ate over the holidays from Hong Kong and a pudding like helva.

The big thing was Adriana Lima was in town for a show like deal or no deal. It's regular people with cardboard boxes and they are kinda like regulars except sometimes they can play for money. I guess the show has celebrity guests every month or so- Cristina Aguilera and 50 cent were the recent ones. Like the wheel of fortune it took forever!

Was hanging out with Mert since he has winter break- playing and practicing English. He's much more comfortable speaking it and quick to pick up phrases in our games. Lots of stuff to celebrate- Happy Chinese New Year, happy bday mom, happy bday me and my friend EJ!

Was trying to go to Egypt after seeing my friend in Vienna but it didn't work out so I bought tickets to Athens instead!! Not a bad substitution :) Had some time off on my bday to run errands in Kadiköy and had a lovely dinner at his parents. I was totally in the mood for seafood and the mom had fried fish- yum! Had a pretty good cake too. Packed for cold Vienna and warmer Athens- so looking forward to that!

Changed some money in town before I left- weird though I said Euros and the guys gave me a bunch of liras and then I said Euros again and I got Euros but some lira coins...Left Friday morning via taxi and airport shuttle after the family took off for their vacation to Çanakkale to visit the mom's family and her cousin's engagement party. Vienna and Athens here I come!!