My very long day of traveling ended at a cafe under the Galata bridge overlooking the Golden Horn. Some fried anchovies and a cold, dark Efes beer were, it seemed, fine substitutes for luggage and money. I’ll explain.
The beginning of this trip has not gone according to plan. All of my flights were delayed and I practically missed all of the connections (15 minutes in Memphis, 20 in Amsterdam). As I waited in the Birmingham airport, I decieded to call my bank and let them know I’d be traveling and using my debit card. They kindly told me the card I’d been planning on using had been deactivated (long story). I was somewhat annoyed but had my computer. I thought I would transfer money to my other bank and just use their atm card. Done. Then I realized I didn’t have that other bank’s card (it was emptied out of my wallet with all the other things I didn’t think I’d need).
When I landed in Memphis I came to terms with the idea that my luggage wouldn’t be going with me. The flights were fine and my luggageless fears were realized once I landed. My bag should get here this afternoon. The money situation has also resolved itself, after much deliberation. I’ll be getting cash advances from my credit cards and paying them off immediately with funds from my bank. Not too shabby.
And now we’re off to the Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque. More pictures at flickr.com/photos/thegourmetro .
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I’m glad you arrived safely. The photo is gorgeous and I like to imagine you eating fried anchovies and drinking a beer while pondering your travel mishaps. Baggage is overrated. Please let me know if you need cash…