Leaving Istanbul

Hello, We got up at some early hour 2:00 or 3:00am in this time zone we had become adjusted to. Our bags had been picked up outside our doors the night before. What we learned was that they were busing many of us to the airport at the same time. Earliest to leave dictated the time. Our flight was not so early, but it all began to make sense on the long ride to the airport and the giant airport terminal that required many stops, starts, and steps to traverse it. Immediately inside the door we had to go through security. We US fliers were used to the idea of being dropped off by the airline name. Such a system was not in operation here. After security we did spot an information kiosk. We were pointed in the proper direction for British Airways, but it was still a bit of a trick to feel that we were in the right place. There was no one on duty. I cannot remember how we learned that they would not be there until a certain hour. We waited anxiously until more people from our ship also got in line. We could not all be in the wrong place, could we? Crew came, at the appointed time. First, they had to set up, then start processing people. We learned later, we went though quickly because we not in the economy line. I even checked in my carryon bag. I was so happy that I had done that because I did not have to manage that luggage as well as my backpack. Leroy kept his with him. We looked around for the gate, but could find so signs for such. Then we came to another security place. I asked a passenger, “Do you speak English?” He rolled his eyes a little, replied, “Yes.” From him we learned that we must go through security once more. He also gave us excellent directions for finding our gate. Thankful. It was a long line of people. I was happy to be with only one bag to scan. Leroy’s two bags took longer, but we finally got done and headed out for the long walk to the gate. The shopping district in this airport was beyond anything I have ever seen. They certainly wanted us to spend some money before we left. Paula