Hostile Cab Drivers,Helpful Locals and Mark Twain

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We all have stories to tell of hostile cab drivers whether NYC, Hong Kong or ISTANBUL.  My girlfriend and I decided to head directly to the Grand Bazaar and we asked the concierge how much a cab would cost from the hotel to the Bazaar.  He said pay no more than 20 Turkish lira (1.44 lira to the dollar).  We verify with our driver that it will be MAXIMUM 20 lira.  16 lira it cost.  After having fun getting lost in the maze of the Bazaar, we head outside to get a cab.  The first cab driver:  we got in the cab, asked to verify the price, 20 EURO!  When we said no, he backed up at lightening speed so as not to lose his place in line, and shooed us out.  Next cab driver:no.  Next: no.  Next: no.  Finally I see a policeman and ask for his help.  Would he really help?  He also verified that we should pay no more than 20 lira.  He asked 3 other cabs and they all said no.  He finally shouted to a cab driver driving in the opposite direction to take us.  He did at 16 lira.  We quickly learned to only get cabs at hotels or restaurants.  We had a great seafood meal at Sur Balik on the Bosporus. Yes, there are Starbucks but no commemorative Istanbul coffee mugs.  Drat!  Read more...

A Bic Lighter, a Large Suitcase and a Screaming Salesman

We are about to embark on a vacation that begins in Istanbul, Turkey.  I've been fortunate to have visited that great city on a number of occasions.  But what I want to try to bring to life for you is our first shopping experience in the Grand Bazaar.  The building of the Bazaar began in 1455 and was completed in 1730.  It has 61 covered streets and over 3000 shops.  It is not a place to go for the feint of heart or for the OC set.  If you don't know what you want or haven't scoured a map in advance or hired a guide, it will be like trying to see all of Pompeii in a few hours.  Can't be done.  One section is rugs, another semi-precious, precious jewels, another silver, leather, ceramics, souvenirs. Read more...