Once we landed and got off the plane, we faced a long line to purchase our 90-day entry visas, which is the minimum. I believe it was $20 USD, and they did not accept credit or debit cards. Then we proceeded to passport control and were soon on our way to meet our tour guide, Nazim, who was waiting near the baggage claim and airport exit.

Our bus was big and comfortable, and the drive from the airport to the hotel was a perfect time to start taking in the city . Anytime I visit a place for the first time, I enjoy the initial perception I have that is drawn from the air, the smells, the sounds, the trees, the architecture, the people, the traffic, and the landscape.

Weary from taveling such a great distance on planes and through endless airport terminals, I was glad to finally nest in our hotel in Istanbul that evening. Due to the late hour, we went straightway to the dining room where we were served courses of delicious Turkish fare while our luggage was delivered to our rooms by hotel staff.

I've traveled overseas enough to be familiar with the electricity in hotel rooms. You have to deposit your room key into a slot to turn on, and keep on, the lights and airconditioning. I wasn't prepared, however, that we would not have wash cloths. Well, in this hotel, we had one, but there were two of us. In most of our hotels and on the ship, we did not have the option of any wash cloths . I will never travel overseas without packing clean, dry wash cloths. This is an American luxury that I find hard to live without. But, the showers were hot and the rooms were well appointed, so I cannot complain too much.

Istanbul Trivia
    - Istanbul is the only city in the world that stands in two different continents, Europe and Asia. 
    - The Bosphorus River divides the two continents. 
    - With almost 12M people, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. 
    - Prior to 1930, Istanbul was known as Constantinople after the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. Prior to this, the city was known as Byzantium. 
    - Agatha Christie wrote the novel "Murder on the Orient Express" at Pera Palas Hotel in Istanbul.

Istanbul, or Byzantium, or Constantinople, plays no role in the Bible, but is rich in history and represents the heart of Turkish lifestyle and culture.

http://english.istanbul.com/

http://www.venere.com/blog/fun-facts-istanbul-9504/

http://halalmedia.net/top-10-interesting-facts-about-istanbul-turkey/