Arrived Safely and with ALL My Bags... Check!

I feared a repeat of lost luggage would be in order for this trip, but thankfully my bag arrived when I did. There were a few moments of uncertainty, such as when I was watching the baggage being loaded onto the plane while still in Detroit. I watched them start the process and was getting nervous as the cart became more and more empty and my bag still hadn't been tossed on the plane. Finally I saw it get put on the conveyor belt (the very last of the bags!) and move up toward the door. Suddenly, the belt stopped and started going in reverse and I watched as my bag fell off the belt and on to the ground. I watched it there for several minutes prepared to raise hell if someone didn't pick it up before I got on the plane, but thankfully someone noticed it while walking by and saved me from doing anything rash.

The flights were ok, all were delayed at least an hour. I had a long layover in Chicago (8 hours, haha), so my old roommate, Brian, came and picked me up and we got to visit for the day. Everything in general, aside from the delays, was smooth sailing. On the long flight, I was next to a guy who must have felt he didn't have enough space in his seat because he was constantly bumping me and at one point sleeping with his back against my shoulder as a prop. Meanwhile, I was the most cramped I'd ever been on a flight in part because this window seat had a large curve from the shape of the plane which stole some space. The guy also slept most of the flight and I was only able to get out once from my spot because I couldn't wake him otherwise. Anyway... all was righted when I somehow ended up with a First Class ticket from Istanbul to Antalya! I sat there shocked as the plane was loaded expecting that at any moment I would be kicked out of my seat because I do not recall having that ticket. It didn't happen though and I was treated to a fancy meal, beverages, and stewardesses who were actually really nice!

Murat and his mother picked me up from the airport. I didn't think he'd be able to find me because my phone is not working as it is supposed to be, so I had no way of telling him where I was. Somehow we connected and made it back to his parents apartment where I'm staying while in Antalya. I like the city so far. Its warm, but not as warm as I was anticipating and there are beautiful flowering bushes everywhere! Yesterday we went swimming early in the morning and spent some time in the Old City. We took a boat ride along the coast for another view of the city, which has some amazing cliffs, and the mountains near by.

Overall, its great to be back in Turkey. I will be sure to update soon with some photos and more news. :)