Mind the Gap

So our first hour in London was spent in a downpour, while we wandered the streets looking for our hotel. Luckily, they speak English in England, so we were able to find it eventually, though we arrived soaking wet. We walked and walked and walked all over the place (pictures to be posted soon!) and saw some really cool places, among them Brick Lane -- an amazing area where the Bangladeshi 'hood meets art school chic. Brilliant!

I was sad to leave, but now we are in Istanbul, where the only thing we know how to say (barely) is "thank you" (tesekkur ederim). Luckily a lot of people speak English, but unfortunately they use it to try and pester us into their carpet shops. Do we look like the kind of people who can afford to buy carpets?

In our few hours here, we visited the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya, and a great (though very touristy) cafe/hookah bar with live music and a whirling dervish. He made us very dizzy, so we decided to call it an early night. Pictures soon, I promise!