Oct. 21, 2024-to DC

Horowitz Travel Oct. 21, 2024-to DC Was that 12 hours we spent in the Istanbul Business Lounge? Yes. Did we survive? Yes. Were we happy about it? No. We couldn’t get a bed but managed to doze and graze our time away. We watched young parents be outsmarted by their infant. Every time they thought he was asleep and tried to put him in his stroller, he woke up screaming. This went on for hours. The other pastime was observing Mediterranean and Middle Eastern noses. The varieties are endless. It’s like there’s a design competition for variety in length, bumps, and humps. I can say that as I belong to a group of folks whose Eastern European noses rival the best of today’s survey. Then there were the shoes. Sneakers galore paced by in a parade of wedged, zippered, gilt, and neon. It was an international diversity of brands worn by people from all corners of the world. It would have been wonderful if we could have locked the doors and refused to open them until those within agreed on a plan for world peace. Cleaning never stopped. Floors were constantly being swept and mopped. Swarms of workers dusted continuously. Food service areas were wiped and polished incessantly, and the player piano never quieted. NEVER. Boarding time finally arrived and we were wheeled right past the secondary bag search for US passengers and on to the plane. Our accommodations are more like a first class mini-room. We have a sliding panel between us, much like a confessional, and a door to afford more privacy. There’s a shallow closet, drawers, and cupboard We kept falling asleep before dinner was served, barely staying awake to eat our sea bass and lamb chops. Managed to sleep 6 hours and were awakened by the not so subtle breakfast preparations . I guess breakfast is going to be chicken salad and mousse. Don’t know what the real time is and don’t care. We have a couple of .hours before landing. We’ll try to make the clinic today but may have to wait overnight. I’ll stay in touch. Toby