A favorite theme, the Agean Sea, and everything named for it.

Arriving at Istanbul over the Black Sea.

First night hotel, total luxury.

We are here to visit 3 universities.  I am taking a stab that this is one of them.

Jim and Caryl enjoying some killer spicy bean wraps.

First night dinner with Nihat, Mahmat, Odese, Caryl, Jim, me, Terry and Sandra and a big giant flatbread with meats.

Ah, apparently every dinner ends with a Turkish tea.

Day 1, arrived in Istanbul after long and comfortable layovers in Toronto and Munich.  Time stands still in travel time and I love it.  Met up with the 6 other faculty members today and it is going to be a great adventure.  Istanbul is huge, 20 million people huge, and it is still on of the crossroads cities on earth.  Long travel days, and looking forward to sleep but all in and immersing.  Almost perfect start.