Mediterranean Trip Day 13: Last Day Abroad!

Find out how I combined sight-seeing with an airport day and navigated issues in a foreign airport!

I started off my last day in Turkey by meeting back up with my guide from the day before. We loaded my luggage into a van and then hopped in and drove to the Dolmabahçe Palace. The palace was absolutely stunning on the outside and was designed to look more like other European palaces. We arrived bright and early to avoid lines and were able to go right inside with no wait. Unfortunately, photos are prohibited inside but it was very beautiful inside as well.

Within the palace, there were examples of traditional royal clothes and you were able to walk through corridors that were traditionally only used by the women in the royal harem. Behind the palace, there was a separate pink building where the women in the harem lived. Again, pictures were prohibited inside, but there was traditional furniture and clothing on display.

Fashion Tip:

• Since I wasn't going to be visiting any mosques, I was able to wear shorts on my tour. If you are not going to any religious sites during your day in Istanbul, feel free to wear whatever you please - there is no expectation for you to be covered when you are out in the city.

On our way out, we were able to view the beautiful Dolmabahçe clock tower and stop at a near by market. Then it was time to make our way the the Istanbul Airport and soak in the last views of Turkey on the way. At the airport we were met by an attendant who helped us get checked in. At the check-in desk, we got bad news. Our flight was significantly delayed and could possibly be canceled. This was especially bad for me because I had to work at my job as a summer camp counselor the day after we were supposed to get back. I was super stressed but there was really nothing we could do at that point except wait. Our attendant took us to the Turkish airlines lounge which was incredible! They had multiple food stations, desert and tea stations, shower rooms, massage therapists, and comfy couches. I enjoyed my time and the food there and finally found out that our flight would not be canceled! We were driven across the entire airport by an attendant and dropped off at our gate.

Once there, they had the men and women split off into two separate lines and guards of the corresponding gender searched through the carry-on luggage. I'd never experienced this before while traveling, but then we got into line to board. Tons of people were trying to board at once and it was super crazy, but once on board we received incredible service. The dinner was served with a mini tea light in a paper lantern, there were separate courses, and the food was the best airplane food I had ever had. Even the bathroom was huge! I finally made it back to New York and took one last domestic flight and just like that... my mediterranean adventure had come to a close.

Thank you all for coming along on this adventure with me! It has been such a treat to share my journey! Until next time <3

Always,

Paris