Turkey - first impressions

Two days in Turkey and I've really only seen the road to Gallipoli, Gallipoli, and the road back to Istanbul.  I'll do a separate post on Gallipoli but here are a few impressions so far. 

Perhaps I should have done some research on the driving rules before I arrived at Istanbul and picked up the rental car.  No matter, I've picked up the rules along the way:

- speed limits only  apply in the slow lane which is as rough a groom after a three day stag do in Vegas
- lane markings should be treated as more of a guideline than a rule
- oncoming traffic has the right to pass at any time and you should move as far as possible to the side of the road in case they choose to do so
- I never have the right of way and should let those crazy nutters go first
- they tell you when you have to slow down but they assume that you are smart enough to know when you can speed up again (which I did, immediately, almost)

The weather has been a bit cooler here so my toes no longer look like little sausages.  It's still nice and warm and there was a nice breeze on much of the Pennisula.  The food however is very similar - I was given a Greek salad with my Kebap last night (which looked nothing like a Kebap that I know, but was very tasty).  They also gave me a plate of what looked like green chillis.  I warily ate the end of one and yip, there were chillis.  The waiter looked quite offended when I didn't eat them but my mouth was on fire after that one little bite.

It's Victory Day in Turkey today to celebrate their independence in 1922 (I think).  There was a short ceremony not far from my hotel room this morning with all the military brass out on display. I think they started with the national anthem as everyone in the street stopped while it played then carried on about their business when it finished.  Kind of like a flash mob - but without the dancing.

Have arrived at my hotel in Istanbul and I'm sharing with Mary from the UK.  She gets an extra 4 weeks holiday every four years and is quite well travelled.  Hopefully she'll be a good roommate.