Layover in Istanbul, Turkey and last leg to Vienna 10/08/2016

At our layover in Istanbul, we found the transfer much easier than anticipated because we were not changing airlines and that meant we didn’t have to go through customs or worry about luggage since it was already checked through to Vienna.

That left us free to grab some food and explore the “Duty Free Bazarre”.  I found some great presents for everyone.   Charles is pretty good at money exchange so I drove him crazy asking how much things were in US Dollars.  We wanted to mail  postcards to Brazil and the US and since there was no post office or stamps available, Charles tried to talk the cashier into letting him give him some money and mail them for us.  He didn’t want to though and I’m sure as soon as we walked away, he muttered to himself about Crazy Americans.

We had some delicious coffee and a couple of pastries since the airline was feeding us pretty well. We had the long haul leg of the trip behind us and we were really looking forward to getting to Vienna.  Not only because we were completely exhausted but because we were so excited to start exploring.

On the plane to Vienna, there was a Turkish Business man reading his paper and I was peeking over his shoulder at it.  When we got off the plane I asked him if I could have it and he answered me in the English that I could.  Look! It's all about the Clinton vs. Trump campaign in the US.

Vienna, Departure Day Friday, 10/07/2016

 On Friday, the day for us to leave on our trip, both of us had to go to work and it SO difficult.  We were so excited to get started on this new adventure.  We have enjoyed other trips together and each one is a treasured memory in our minds.  We forgo expensive toys, jewelry and expensive items in order to enjoy our love for travel which is something we both share.

I had lunch with Nikki, Matt and the boys, which made the day pass much better and then left work early for home so I could handle any last minute details and packing.  Our friend Cheryl will be house sitting and taking care of Oliver and Livy.   That is really the only thing we will miss for the next week, our little dogs, but they will be in good hands with Cheryl and her three dogs. 

We finally were ready to go and left for the Airport.  I felt the same excitement and exhilaration whenever we set off on a road trip or adventure.  We will be making memories that last our lifetime.  Pictures in our heads and hearts, that never go away.

A word about Turkish Airlines, they are the BEST.  Checkin was quick and easy, they served great food, the flight attnedants are not surly or sulky, they seem to really like their jobs.  There were two full meals served on the plane and these small delicious cheese sandwiches and little cakes available anytime you wanted one. We lucked out because we were able to change to an empty row and have an empty seat between us.  For a 11 hour flight, this is a must.  From now on, I'll book the window seat and aisle seat in hopes that no one will want the middle seat.  If they do take it, they will look for another seat once on board.  We will fly Turkish Airlines from now on if at all possible.

We checked in, checked the bags, slung our travel backpacks over our shoulders and grinned at each other like a couple of kids about to eat cake……

Last minute excursion to the city... The best kind!

In 2012...This morning we woke up knowing it was going to be a STEllAR day and decided to jump on the train and head into the city. The plan was to go to Central Park and then to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see two exhibits. One is the works of Augustus Saint-Gaudens and the other was titled The Art of the Samurai.

We got to Penn Station and hopped on the A train.