ISTANBUL
Upon arriving at the check-in counter in Kuwait, we stumbled upon information that requires United States citizens to have a visa before traveling to Turkey. Lucky for us, we weren't traveling directly from the USA so we were able to purchase upon arrival in Turkey (which needed to be purchased in USD).  We start our adventure at the beautiful Blue Mosque and are quickly scooped up by merchants of Turkish rugs. Across the way was the legendary Hagia Sophia that cannot be missed (as of 2020 it has been reverted back into a mosque). Other sites included the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and Nusr-Et - home of Salt Bae. We tried to attend a Galatasaray match, but it was extremely difficult to purchase match day tickets as a foreigner; you need certain pins to purchase tickets online and a lot of sketchy scalpers around the stadium. At least we got some tasty match-day food and street spectacles.  

CAPPADOCIA
A bucket list - early hot air balloon ride over the unique Cappadocia landscape.  After what seemed to be at-the-right-place at-the-right-time (in relation to bus departures), we arrived in Göreme. Located in the middle of a national park, there was easy access to short hikes and an open air museum featuring the Bronze Age cave dwellings later used as refuge by early Christians. Unfortunately, our scheduled balloon ride was delayed and eventually cancelled. Our extended stay did give us an opportunity to catch a whirling Dervish performance.