I woke up today with the intention of getting up at 6:30 and hiking it to Toompea (hill area) to catch the sunrise. But when my alarm went off, I didn't have the desire to go. I was pleased to see it was overcast when I woke up.

Before breakfast, I reorganized my suitcase and put absolutely anything I did not need for Istanbul in my checked red suitcase . I would not see this again until landing in O'Hare. I packed my phone, a few toiletries, my camera, netbook, an outfit and pajamas in my carry on and laundry bag. This way I could depart the Istanbul airport and check in tomorrow with ease.

I went back to the Old Town to purchase some last-minute souvenirs, checked out and asked the lady at the front desk to call me a cab. I could either take a cab to the airport for under 10 euro or take the tram and switch to a bus. The latter sounded very unpleasant and not something I had the energy to figure out, so a cab it was, for 8 euro. #worthit

Tallinn's airport is modern and clean. Security was a breeze, and there were actually some members of the U.S. Air Force in line with me. I spoke to one and he said they were on their way home, which made me glad. I also thanked him for his service.

The flight to Istanbul was late, but my driving company was there waiting for me. That airport was the craziest I have ever seen. Buses and cabs and cars and honking vehicles everywhere.
My hotel room is basic and worked fine for the night. I went to dinner at the restaurant downstairs and are kebaps and hummus. Then I took a walk and snapped some photos of the Blue Mosque, which was pretty incredible.

I'm going to get ready and try to walk around a bit more before getting to the airport for my 11-hour flight back to Chicago. Yay?

Thanks for reading !
Jamie