Friday 7 August

Back in London last night and had a good sleep. Up early for breakfast and packed ready to go to Istanbul. Travelled for what seemed like ages in a taxi to Heathrow Airport and then caught the plane to Cologne. Had about one hour on German soil before getting on another plane to go to Istanbul.

Model of Germanwings plane at airport in Cologne

First views of Istanbul as we land around midnight.

Then waited for a prearranged taxi to pick us up and was very surprised to see a minivan that arrived for just the four of us. Off we went and what an adventure that was. Even though it was midnight the cab had to weave its way through so much traffic. Trucks were stopped on the side of the road for long parts of the journey and in some places they only left a small part of the road which was only just wide enough for our van to get through. Although the driving was a bit scary and very, very fast the van was so comfortable and great after being in the planes for so long. I could actually stretch my legs out and rest. We got to the hotel at about 1 am and was given some lovely apple tea then straight to the room for a much needed sleep.