Day 1 -- Istanbul

Preface this post with a disclaimer: can't upload photos to iPad (no USB port). Will figure that tomorrow. Smooth flight to Amsterdam. The airport has a casino (empty), a museum with original 16th century still lifes and landscapes, endless people watching. Additional security screening at connection gate where one passenger got a pat down. He starting yelling, "he copped a feel! How do I report him?". Oh shut up, move to the side and let the rest of us get through. Istanbul customs was a breeze for those of us who read signs directing arrivals to purchase a visa before getting passports stamped. Several travelers missed the very large signs. We change $20 for 36TL and hopped on the metro (less than a buck each.) Had to transfer to the tram; got stuck at the metro station until we and a group of Germans found the token kiosk. Now that we're in town, tram rides are free. Found our way from the tram stop to our hotel without a map. Met many shopkeepers who, of course, wanted us to "step into my shop to look, that's all you have to do is look.". Since we were running on close to empty, we promised to rerun another day. Reg has found a pair of shoes to buy Saturday (shipment arrives with her size that day) and possibly textiles. I'm still scouting shops and vendors who will bargain. Lovely little hotel just off the busy restaurant strip. The staff is quite nice; the front desk clerk is using his limited English to sharpen his witty repertoire. After settling in we wandered to the waterfront. Had tasty snacks from the nut cart vendor. Meandered our way back towards the hotel and got turned around in the maze of winding streets. Eventually found our way to a familiar street. Had dinner at a streetwise kebob cafe. Several stray dogs and cats obviously get scraps here since they kept hanging nearby. The World Cup semi-final match between Germany and Italy started during dinner (9:45 pm). Our little cafe was populated with travelers from Germany, France, Belgium, Holland, us, and Turks. Crazy science, especially when one of the drunk Germans started crying after Italy's second goal. Sad moment all around...then back to beer and laughter. The staff took shots of vodka or the Turkish equivalent every now and again. They weren't hiding it; just went to the beverage cooler, poured it in their glass, chugged it down, went back into the kitchen. Good times! Breakfast on the terrace overlooking the sea and several mosques will be our first bit of business tomorrow morning.