After a long flight on Air France via Paris, the balance of Class 40, Dr. Thomas, Dr. King and Dr. Perry arrived into Istanbul at 5:00 PM Monday after leaving LAX on Sunday at 4:00 PM. Our flight from Paris was delayed due to computer problems on board the air craft, but we made it in one piece! On approach into Instanbul Airport, we flew over several Russian oil tankers and large vessels waiting for a pilot ship to navigate them through the waters on their way to world markets. We were told that 70,000 vessels use this waterway each year, a critical transportation channel. Turkey separates Europe from Asia, 95 % of its land mass is in Asia. We learned from our tour guide, Eugel that Istanbul is one of the largest growing cities in Europe, in 1940 Instanbul’s population was 2 million and today it is 16 million.
On the way to the Old City, the tour bus traveled on the Kennedy Road, built in 1963 and named after the late President Kennedy. The Greeks built Istanbul in 681 BC and it was known back then as the Greek City. Turkey is the second largest country in Europe.
Energy level is high and all classmates are looking forward to our days ahead, as we are exposed to Turkish culture, politics and geography. During our travels in this country bordering two different Empires, we will be reflecting upon our past leadership experience to prepare us for the journey ahead.
For those of you who are trying to reach us, we are 10 hours of ahead of you in CA.
So what is it with Class 40 and aircraft computer systems...as I recall that is what was the delay we faced when we were ready to depart Lexington.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see everyone has safely gathered in Istanbul. May you travel with open minds.
Charlie