Well a month away in Ethiopia has begun with our first night spent on the wrong continent, with a rather unexpected 24 hours in Istanbul! Who knew that Turkish Airlines could be so unreliable? “Pfft”

But without being dull and resorting back to the overused saying that there’s always a ‘silver lining’, these first 24 hours really have thus proved it’s truth.

People always say Brits congregate wherever across the world and bumping into four other unfortunate souls (OK one token Canadian) who were equally delayed by TA’s ineptitude has actually led to a pretty exciting stop over in Istanbul. We seemed to magnetise together as a group as we were all trying to make the best of the unwanted delay, which has caused us all to miss further connections in Ethiopia and for one, Tanzania.

As completely unforeseen by us all, the first night has been spent at The Courtyard Marriott Hotel Istanbul with, after some bargaining on our behalf, complimentary food and drink to ease the tempers that we may otherwise have found ourselves penning in letters to TA’s complaints service. However, to the loud woman from Kiev who insisted that continually shouting in Polish to get her way was the best option, I hope you enjoyed the hostel they put you in. You really didn’t help yourself! Apparently patience and a polite smile is worth at least 4 Star accommodation.

With the prospect of a decent shower and probably the best nights sleep we will have for the rest of the trip, plus the promise of a brief visit to Istanbul’s famous Blue Mosque and the bazaar in the morning, things could have ended a lot worse!

So thanks must be said to Sue and Lorrie, Jennifer, and to Anne (the most talented photographer from Canada who we have been blessed to meet) and I guess to Turkish Airlines for the ‘free’ day trip to Istanbul!

Due to be being pretty tired whilst writing this finally on the plan over to Ethiopia I will let the pictures explain what we actually got up to for the morning! Also a note that all of the pictures were taken on my new iTouch … incredibly clear for a small device.

Strangers can meet halfway across the world and out of the blue friendships can be made.

For those reading this, we have now made it safely to Debre Zeit in Ethiopia, after 48 hours worth of travelling. I've hooked up onto the wifi to post this blog. Hope everyone back home is well and I will be posting soon about our first few days here!