December 31, 2023

We got up and after another breakfast we headed to the airport for our 5th flight and a journey to Istanbul.

We did get into the lounge at the airport and started to understand the passenger on the first flights rage about not having the Chesapeake Lounge at his disposal.

We arrived in Istanbul and took the Metro to our hotel. We stayed at the Çırağa Palace Hotel (Wikipedia).

While there were lots of fancy balls happening we were not dressed for any of that and set out to find some food. We ventured through crowds ringing in the New Year.

We a Kumruçu serving Kumru sandwiches. It was good and hot the spot for something ahead of the New Year.

We made our way through the crowds and back to the hotel to take in the fireworks across the Bosporus. it was not one single set but you could see displays going off all around. Tens of them for sure in both the European and Asian sides of the city. The Bosporus was also full of boats where people celebrated on the water.

We get 8 extra hours this year as we welcomed in the New Year ahead of the rest of the family.