First impressions

First impressions are always important and I have to say my first impression of people in Zurich was not favorable.  Every one I came into contact with was unfriendly and very anti-American.  But my first impression of Istanbul is completely different.  Everyone I have run into has been friendly and helpful.  Different cultures different reactions.  The trip over was uneventful.  I broke down and upgraded my ticket to premium economy, which used to be the regular economy before they downsized the seats and the leg room. It was worth it as I was exhausted from last week's seminar and the extra leg room allowed me to stretch out.  Of course the fact that the seat in the middle was empty helped.  Flew United and it wasn't a bad airline.  I was met at the airport by a representative of the Turkish Cultural Foundation and they brought me to the Hyatt Hotel -- It is quite a place. My additional first impressions of Istanbul is that it is crowded and full of live.  Traffic was almost bumper to bumper all the way in from the airport.  We are on a river cruise tonight.  But first I am going to take a nap and then have a shower.