Where in the world are Kim and Colleen?

The same place Matt Lauer from the Today Show is of course! Once we arrived and checked in we heard that the Today Show's Matt Lauer chose Istanbul for his next stop on his very popular "Where in the world is Matt Lauer segment". We found out minutes after checking in to our hotel. So, since today is a free day, we walked 10 minutes to the Blue Mosque in hopes to watch the show. Sure enough they were there! We even talked with Matt briefly before the cooking segment and waved to everyone at home! I thought Colleen was going to passout from excitement!

Here are some pictures we took of the fun.

Well... We started this adventure boarding a Turkish Airline flight from Chicago. I didn't really know what to expect since I've never flown Turkish Airline before. I had this idea that one airline was the same as the next - boy was I wrong! Turkish Airline handed out toiletry kits with socks, toothbrush/paste, eye masks and more. The leg room was quite spacious and you won't believe this, considering that it was a 12 hours flight - but I got a lot of sleep and was really quite comfortable! There was plenty to do on the flight to keep us busy. There were tons of movie choices, games, and information on many destinations that Turkish Airlines flies...all from my personal video screen located in the seat back in front of me. I am happy to announce for those of you who sign up for the Israel/Turkey Extension Tour, you will be flying Turkish Airline. You will enjoy it!

Here is Colleen relaxing before take off.

When we arrived in Istanbul we deplaned and purchased our Turkish Visa. Visa's for Turkey are $20 and very easy to get at the airport. Then we proceeded thru passport control and got our bags. Very easy, lots of English on signs and our Rainbow Turkey Tour representative was waiting for us.

What would Turkey be like? I really was anxious to get out of the airport and on to the fun. It was a short enjoyable drive along the banks of the Marmara to Istanbul and our hotel... then we found Matt Lauer and the rest is history...and a great start to our adventure.

We had a wonderful dinner and now we are going to get some rest for tomorrow!

Who knows what will happen tomorrow!

Kim