Way Far Away

I left SFO on Thursday 26 September at 6:45 after being at the airport for a few hours trying to pay for a replacement card for Global Entry – long and very boring story. I landed in Istanbul for athree hour+ layover awaiting my plane for Amaty, Kazahkstan. That left a bit late and after flying for another five hours I got my luggage, found mydriver and after a trek to the city checked into the quite fancy Dostyk Hotel. It was 5:50 AM Saturday morning 28 September.

The new Istambul Airport was just opened this spring – and it is HUGE! I had plenty of time so I venture to the Business Class Lounge as far away from my departure gate as it could be, but hey, I needed the exercise. Almost 1.5 miles,,,

As you can see not a lot of folks, but do they have room to grow! The continuous barrel vaults cover acres of interior space – of course there is not a sign of solar collectors. Too bad.

I am now preparing for Day 1 of the tour which begins at 9:45 (it is 9:35) and goes through dinner. Being semi conscious may be a slight deterrent, we shall see. My room is very comfortable, ditto the bed, but sleep eluded me. I was supine in a dark room, I get some rest points for that.