Day Three: Our Misadventures in Istanbul

              Today we went to reach the ferries the way we normally do, through two separate taxis. We had a very different ending destination for those taxis though. One taxi went to the desired location while the other taxi (the one I was in) ended up at the ferries, on the other side of the Bosphorus. This occurred mostly because of a difficulty in speaking to the taxi driver. Apparently he knew only yes, no, very good, and ferries. While taking the scenic route to our destination we got see a little more of Istanbul. We say men selling water in the middle of the highway, we saw motorcycles squeeze (sometimes unsuccessfully) between two cars, we saw motorcycles drive in the "motorcycle lane" aka the should next to the divider of the highway. Some interesting things our cab driver did was drive on the shoulder of the road for at least 5 miles at highway speeds and we also got to view a result of road rage when our cab driver and another driver began to yell at each other over a near collision while driving on the highway. We eventually arrived at our destination safely and then went on to continue the day.

               Some rules of Istanbul that I learned. First, where ever there can be cars, cars will go. Second, traffic laws are only friendly suggestions and can be ignored without consequence. Third, stray animals are everywhere. Fourth, there is no such thing as a free tour. Fifth, everyone know basic English, except the taxi drivers. Finally, be aware of you surroundings.