Off like a herd of turtles.

June 8 has arrived.  I've repacked my suitcase three times.  Have you ever packed for 14 days?  The third time was because it weighed 57 pounds.  I moved the tripod to Frank's bag and we are set.

Last night my phone dropped into the toilet out of a pants pocket.  That has NEVER happened to me and as I watched it sink, I could not believe the timing.  I grabbed it, immediately rolled it in a towel, and whipped off the case.  It was working throughout the process.  (good case!)  After sleeping in a bag of rice, it appears no worse for the wear.  GOOD GRIEF.

This morning Emily texted me a photo of Istanbul on the front cover of the New York Times.  Tents!  Well, I'm certainly not afraid of peaceful folk in tents.  :)

So, ciao for now.  I can't wait for the next post...on the ground in ISTANBUL.

At the Minneapolis airport, awaiting my plane on Thursday, I assembled a few facts and figures, and I will close with them.

-The population of Istanbul is estimated at 17 million.

-In 1923 Turkey's capital was moved to Ankara from Istanbul.

-The Bosphorus Strait is 30 km long and connects the Black Sea with the Aegean Sea (via the Sea of Marmara), dividing Europe from Asia. It is a crucial waterway.

-A nargile is also known as a water pipe, or a hubble-bubble, or a hookah. Nargile cafes are a booming business in Turkey. According to one guide book, "the whole point of nargile cafes is for people to come together, loll around on floor cushions and smoke, chat and chill." (The Rough Guide to Istanbul)

-The average high and low temperatures in June are 77/63, with just six rainy days expected.

-It is obligatory to carry your ID with you at all times - local or tourist.

I'm off!

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