Oct 8 - Last day in İstanbul for awhile. I go get a printout for our PCR results, which all came back negative. That was the final piece in this huge puzzle of how to get to our next destination. Then, off to Ordu Caddesi to find some clothing for Odette. Unlike Beyoğlu District, this area is all shops for locals. A lot of rain today as we get back to the room and rest in the afternoon. Make a few calls to family, since we don’t know how easy communication will be over the next three weeks. A lot of repacking so that we can travel ‘lite’ again with just two large packs and no roller bags.
Given that İstanbul is such an important ‘base of operations’ for us, my goal with accommodation here was to get a place that would (1) arrange cheap rides to and from transport hubs, and (2) store baggage. I chose the place we are staying mostly because I saw reports from other guests indicating that these requirements were met. It turned out to be also a great place anyway, overlooking the busy stores and cafes, with plenty of windows.
The evening drags on just waiting around to leave. In the shoestring budget days, I would have checked out at noon and just sat around somewhere with my baggage until whatever late hour my transport was due to leave. This often meant a bus terminal, airport terminal, or city park. Now, it just means I pay for the night at a hotel and check out early.
Our taxi arrives at 23:00 and its off to IST airport again. Fortunately, there is less traffic at this hour.
Türkiye IIIran