The flight from Singapore to Istanbul was spent a fair amount of time sleeping.

The entertainment system was shite. Tiny screen. And the lady in front of me had her seat fully reclined, so no matter what angle I tilted the screen, the picture was sub-standard.

There were two Australian/Turkish ladies beside me and both had Australian passports. The one next to the window had to get up for the toilet only once the whole flight, the other not at all. Very good!

I tried watching some TV shows but nothing took my interest, and because the picture was near on unwatchable I decided to get some sleep. Dozed on and off with some good stretches here and there of deeper rest.

I woke up with abut four hours to go. I wanted to have a Bloody Mary but ended up asking for a glass of red wine. Why not? Most other people were fast asleep.

“Troian Bellisario” was seated one row in front, across the aisle, and I watched her play some ten pin bowling for a while. Behind her, next to me, was a pretty Indian girl. Laster, when I noticed her passport, I saw she was Indonesian.

Behind me, at the window seat, was the most striking of red-heads I have ever seen on an Aeroplane.

When breakfast arrived I went with what I’d read: Always choose the Asian option”. Bad move. It was way too spicy, be it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Oh well.

The rest of the flight was uneventful and I mostly watched the flight map and waited patiently for time to pass.

I didn’t know what to expect – what would be waiting for me in Istanbul? It could be either the best experience or the worst. Dangerous? I hoped not.

We touched down in Istanbul.

I remember looking out of the window and thinking the city looked like most from the air. Many big buildings, roads and cars.

As the people rose to exit the plane, I readied myself to begin my time in Istanbul.

But first, I had to navigate Ataturk Airport.

Entering the airport, it struck me how quiet it was. But it was very early in the morning.

It was pretty straightforward walking to the baggage collection area as the signs all had English translations. Before getting there though, getting through passport control was required.

I had purchased my visa in advance, online, so I got to take the quick lane through.

The chap who served me asked for my visa and was quite surly and suspicious. Without any questions though he eventually stamped my passport and visa and I was through to baggage collection.

It took forever for my bag to arrive.

I took the time to observe the airport and the other passengers from the flight, trying to work out who were locals.

Eventually, after more than ten minute, my bag arrived on the carousel and I was on my way to the exit and my waiting transfer.

It was a pretty easy walk to the exit and the waiting transfers stood behind a barrier holding their signs.

I spotted my name on a card with a couple of others and pointed to my name for the man holding it. I had to walk further down the line to get passed the barrier, and I kept my eye on the chap so I didn’t lose him in the crowd.

When I got around to him he told me to wait and I used that time to put my jacket in my backpack. I had tried to ask him if I needed to tip the driver but he didn’t understand what I was trying to ask.

When he came back he pointed to where my transport was as there were quite a few minivans.

I went over and my diver put my bags in the back and I got into the van behind the driver and put my belt on.

And off I went to Istanbul.