Dr. Mary Travelbest - Istanbul Turkey Part 1

In this episode, the FAQ is: What are the best theme parks for those in their Prime Years?

Today’s Destination is: Istanbul, Turkey (part 1 of 2)

Today’s Misstep- Ask for specific directions and then listen better.

Travel Advice: Get a better exchange rate than in a busy tourist city.

FAQ: 

What are the best theme parks for those in their Prime Years?

Answer: I think the best theme parks for adults are the Disney ones. They have been friendly for generations, and you can always find someone to answer your questions, i.e., a cast member. You will pay more than for other parks, but you have the franchise behind you to almost guarantee you a good visit. Prepare ahead of time with any needs you have for accommodations. My friend Ron was in a wheelchair there recently and agreed that the multi-generation experience was good for him. Listen to some of my previous podcasts about Disneyland and California Adventure.

Today’s destination: Istanbul, Turkey

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293974-Istanbul-Vacations.html

Turkey was a different type of experience, and I highly recommend you go there if you want to see some variety of culture. It is different from most places I have been to in my life. Yes, I did find someone selling carpets, so I will share that later in the episode.

I was in Turkey for 7 nights.

First, it is centrally located near Taxsim Square at the Wabi Sabi Hostel for four nights, then the Second Home for two nights, plus the Airbnb with “Miss” for one night. With all my travel, I managed a budget one-hour massage, which I highly recommend here.

Here’s a Carpet store tale: I was asking for directions and encountered a man named Burak Solak who worked at the Red Apple Carpet store. He sells carpets, purses, and jewelry at his uncle's store. I told him to put an apple sign out front, but he disagreed. What do you think?

If you are solo like me, I recommend the day Tours: Try one of the Hop-on-hop-off $40 for 24 hours. Stretch that over two days so you can do a half trip in the PM and the rest in the next AM.

 Museums: The Cistern Museum was an underground water system where you could see all the remnants from centuries ago. It cost $22 to explore and was cooler than the outside baking heat of the day, so it was refreshing.

https://mshiddengarden.com/

 Today’s Misstep: Ask for specific directions, listen better, and exchange rates.

My missteps in Turkey

Missing the pickup point:

I was getting off the hop-on-hop off the bus and should have been more specific about the pickup point. The driver pointed, but I did not pay attention. That caused me a lot of confusion. It was probably the busiest part of the city and under construction. I was dangerously lost and finally found someone to help me out after walking back and forth for a long time. It was maybe 30 minutes, but the heat was strong, so I was stressed.

Next time, ask for the pickup point.

Second mistake: Don’t try to exchange your cash in any Turkish currency exchange in Istanbul. I got 12 euros for $20 US, which is not a good exchange rate. I should have brought my debit card. Don’t make my mistake.

Today’s Travel Advice- Money Exchange Woes

Don’t try to exchange your cash in any Turkish currency exchange. I got 12 euros for $20, not a good exchange rate. I should have brought my debit card. Don’t make my mistake.

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