The Mystic Hotel in Istanbul

When trying to plan our trip to Istanbul we knew we would need to find a place to stay. We used all the common search and seizure sites for the best price. One of the main things we found were that it was much pricier to book a room from inside Turkey then from the US. We solved this problem by giving credit card information to Brian, in the states, and having him book the room. We found a lovely hotel online called the Mystic Hotel. It was complete with internet service, breakfast, and the promise of "charming hotel with a mystic atmosphere." The pictures looked lovely. It was in the Sultanahment district which is the old town. The streets are narrow and built like a maze. Many of the homes are abandoned or falling down, more than likely from an earthquake from several years ago.

The first obstacle was finding the place. After 2.5 hours and six taxi cab drivers later (the taxi drivers were just used to ask directions as we had rented a car) we still had not found the motel. We called the motel to receive help with directions. They were as much help as the taxi cab drivers. Luckily we had Yelda, our lovely Turkish friend, to speak for us. It didn't help. It became an adventure and we seriously wondered if the hotel perhaps either 1. didn't exist or 2. seriously was mystic and changed locations on a regular basis.

We finally found the place and remarkably across the way was a cut out perfect for parking. Our first experience here was being yelled at by a man that insisted it was an "otopark" and we had to pay him money to park. There were no signs indicating such, but the nice man in the hotel said that we should pay him.

We have found that there are many places in Istanbul where they insist we pay for parking even though they do not look like parking spots. Such as yesterday parking on the sidewalk for 5 tyl while we went to visit a bazaar. Later we found another parking spot where Ilkon, Yelda's boyfriend, said they only charge tourists and they really do not have the right to charge for parking.

In the case of the hotel, however, we believe, in our own pollyanna way, the man is looking out for our car and making sure that the tires still stay on the car.

Inside the hotel we had to give him our passports, which I found odd, and then pay him for our room. Upstairs we were placed in the Zuluf room, which means sideburns in Turkish. There were four beds, two twins and a double, a wardrobe, one small lamp, a 12 inch television, two electrical outlets, and the theme is purple. I say it has a purple theme because according to the brochure each room has a theme.

When we went down for breakfast yesterday we had a table with cucumbers, hard boiled eggs, cheese (some of which had mold), Turkish yogurt, apples, olives, oranges, salami, and bread. You also had a choice of cay (tea) or something that reminded us of Tang.

While at breakfast I informed the owner that we had run out of toilet paper. He said that when they came to service the room they would give us more. That literally meant that we had to leave the hotel in order to get more toilet paper. This did not bode well with Aidan who had to use the facilities before we left. He then had his first experience with a bidet and a towel. (We also found that the soap canister did not pump, they do not provide any type of wash cloths, soap, shampoo, or lotions. We have resorted to pouring the soap out of the container.)

Aidan also has indicated that a bidet is not an adequate substitute for toilet paper. I hope to never find out.

Upon our return to the room at 11:30 in the evening we found that they also do not clean the room, make the beds, or provide new towels. They simply put in extra toilet paper.

This hotel is supposedly three stars. The brochure is photoshopped and the building does not look like indicated. It is very difficult to find and no one here actually knows where it is. The gentleman that owns it is very friendly and helpful, but his wife or the woman that runs it with him, does not seem overly thrilled to have us here. There are seriously steep hills going to and from the hotel. The building across the way is empty. The building next door has crumbled. There are trucks that go up and down the streets that have speakers yelling about different things they sell such as apples, oranges, or blankets.

I have to say that the hotel does not deserve 3 stars. It's more like a 1 star hotel in the States. You have to police your own room. On the plus side the man that owns the hotel is very nice, speaks English, and is extremely helpful. The extra blankets smell musty and haven't been washed for quiet a while. The shower is extremely hot and has great pressure, but the water kind of backs up the drain.

All in all it's a place to lay our heads at night. All is good.

The Turkish Way is a Turkish Delight

Some people thought when I was going to Turkey that it was a bit unfortunate going overseas and not going to some more popular places such as Italy, France, or the United Kingdom. I think it's been the best possible choice for me. I have found a world of wonders here, but the most amazing part of the entire place has been the people.

As in any place you travel in the US there are some people that are on the streets and beg, but that is such a small minority of what you will find. Here the people are all very helpful and kindhearted. One young man told me, "Turkish people have big hearts." I've found what he said to be very true.

My Turkish is non-existent. Honestly I thought that since I was here to visit my son I wouldn't need to speak it so much. After all, I was only going to be here for two weeks. Since I've arrived I've spent a lot of time trying to learn more words and communicate with them better. Not because I feel it is important for me to learn another language (I already speak semi-fluent French, some Italian, and a little Korean), but because I want to show some very deserved respect to some very wonderful people.

People here go out of their way to make you feel welcome and wanted. They put up with you mispronouncing their language and strive to help you be better understood. Not once have I had someone say, "You're in Turkey, speak Turkish!" as some rude Americans have done in our country. They understand that I am here for a short time and seem to be pleased that I have attempted to master some of their even smaller sayings.

Wednesday I experienced the Hamam, a traditional Turkish bath. It was unlike anything I have encountered in the states. This bath in Izmir is over 200 years old and still practices a unique cleansing tradition. It is almost entirely made of marble inside. You run hot water in small sink and dowse yourself to get your skin soft. Another woman comes and lays you down and scrubs you with a harsh mitt to remove all your old and dead skin. By the time you are finished you have nice pink rosy skin and you feel soft all over.

Here you have to let go of any inhibitions you might have. The room is steamy and water drips from the high marble ceiling with round glass windows to let in natural light. In the center of the room is a huge marble slab where the lay the bodies down as the women turn you from one side to another and scrub every inch of you. Not once did my washer become frustrated with my inability to comprehend what she was saying to me. She simply pushed, did sign language, and nodded.

I thought to myself, "In the US the woman would have thought I was an idiot and would have mumbled obscenities." Here she sang and smiled.

Before leaving the US many people told me that I would love the Turkish food. "Turkish food," they said, "is some of the very best." I have found that the thing better than the food are the people. They love their country, they love life, and they help one another. I think many lessons can be learned from their culture and it's an experience I will not soon forget.

Driving Drunk? Call and report yourself. It works!

Eau Claire's Mary Strey not only knows how to go out and have a good time, she also knows her limits and sets a precedent for those people that may have had a little too much to drink.



If we had more considerate and honest drunks like Mary maybe we would have considerably less grieving families.

Ingrid Michaelson in Madison

It was a semi-family trip to see the remarkable Ingrid Michaelson in Madison at the Barrymore theater Saturday night. The show was sold out and the lines waiting for seating went far down the street. Fortunately is was unseasonably warm for Wisconsin.

The girls behind us were from Appleton and had come to see her last year in November. They were full of youthful exhuberance as many friends made their way to see the show, a few who managed to cut in line with them to take advantage of the "it's who you know" policy. The couple in front of us were from South Dakota. He surprised his woman with a 10.5 hour car trip to see Ingrid for her birthday. It was terribly romantic.

The doors opened for seating slightly later than they should have, but people piled in graciously and willingly had their hands stamped to waltz into the theater in order to find seats. We managed to get 2nd row seats with a great view of the stage. That lasted until the show actually started and people swarmed to the front floors blocking all view so they could be closer to the artists performing. The view then became filled with a mass of people who could have cared less if anyone else could see. Some were rather rude pushing their way through to find a square inch to park themselves for the duration of the show. It became clear that the midsection would have been the most preferable seating, but we found out too late.

The first act was Matthew Perryman Jones who looked hot in his blue jeans, beard, and long hair. My husband, Brian, was not impressed with his good looks and he spouted off, "All his songs sound the same and the boy needs a shave." To which I replied, "I think he's sexy." But I must say that he didn't do much to entertain us except sing and say a few quips to let us know he was live and not lip syncing.

The crowd went wild when Ingrid took the stage. She dressed simply in a purple flow top and black jeans. She wore her signature black glasses and smiled at the audience. She was born to perform. She proved that not only is she a talented singer/songwriter, but she is engaging and charming. She knew how to make people laugh and feel welcome. Her form is tiny but her essence is huge.

The band was very good and versatile. Allie Moss is traveling with her on this tour and did a wonderful job with her vocals and acoustic guitar playing. At first it seemed as if the two female guitarists were at odds, but it must have just been the initial stage fright. The first time Allie smiled her face lit up and you could see she was very attractive. She should spend more time smiling. All in all I give the band an A+. They worked well together and were very professional.

During the performance I only had my foot stepped upon 3 times. The same woman managed to keep shinning her cell phone in my eyes. I was happy when she left and was cautious when she reappeared. Do you say anything in a situation like this? Was it an accident or did she just ignore me? She asked if I minded if she sat on the seat armrest. I said, "Sure, but could you be careful, please, to not step on my foot again?" She had no idea she had done so and was mortified. After seeing her boots I can see why she didn't know she had made the slight faux pas. She ended up being a very nice person. I'm sure most people there were. She even bought me a beer because she lost the bet on how old I was. It does pay to look younger. (Thank you, AVON.)

So, here are some hints for those of you that might join us next year:

1. If you don't want to stand up for 3 or 4 hours, remember to sit mid section or in the balcony.
2. Wear sensible shoes.
3. Visit the ATM before going because the theater only takes cash and checks.

If you do get the chance check out Ingrid Michaelson's music and don't miss a show if she comes near you. I know you won't be disappointed.

(picture compliments of Brian Dunbar)

Sweat Lodge Deaths were Unspiritual

I was horrified when I heard of the deaths of the people in the Arizona sweat lodge. My husband was equally horrified because he knew that it was one practice I have been enjoying with some new and wonderful Native friends in the Dells. The people I practice with are very spiritual and the process is ritualistic from the heating of the stones to the entrance into the lodge. The entire process if filled with love and honoring of the Spirit that they call upon for the well-being and health of those entering and their families and friends.

My experiences have been life altering and beautiful. I gained an understanding of the true essence of the people I shared the experience with and learned a new way of healing and sharing. They had specific rules and guidelines from what you were allowed to wear to what you did once inside. The event cannot occur without certain Holy people present.

This life altering event cost me absolutely nothing but gained me world of new spiritual awakening.

The people in Arizona were not as fortunate in their experience as I. They paid $9695-a-person for a "Spiritual Warrior" retreat. This retreat left people scarred and three people dead. There is nothing spiritual in any of these things.

It is heart rendering that someone profits on stealing a sacred ritual and turning into a money making opportunity. I find it to be a disgrace for him to shame the Native American community and focus his opportunistic endeavors on their spiritual success and turn it into a question as to whether these practices are "safe."

Native Americans are not looking to profit from their spiritual activity. They are looking to help friends and family with a centuries old practice that has rules and guidelines. It is one of the practices they have kept through their generations of hardship in surviving the progression of being overthrown by greedy land developers and cheated out of their properties by over eager settlers relocating for whatever reasons in the 1800's.

James Arthur Ray was not looking to instill a new spiritual awakening in the people he converted, he was looking to make a profit with his charismatic presence. He spoke of being on top and how many material possessions he had and how he had to regain them after his loss.

Ray's lessons for spirituality come with a high price tag. His "Practical Mysticism" classes cost a whooping $5,295. What I find mystifying is that anyone believes that the only people that can help you become spiritually adept are the ones that make you pay so much for it. The price tag doesn't indicate a man wanting to help others as much as someone wanting to line his own pockets.

Spirituality is free, you just have to open yourself up to the possibility. Some of us may not be nearly as rich monetarily but we are rich in so many other areas of our lives. Money does not make you successful, it just give you the appearance of being so.



And not allowing people to leave when they felt too much pressure was negligent. Not allowing someone to help that had the proper training was criminal.

My Stay at the Rosemont Hotel O'Hare in Chicago

Sometimes when you travel you get lucky and find a diamond in the rough. Other times you just find the rough without the sparkle. Which did I find this time?

My daughter, Sarah, my youngest, Cian, and I took a trip yesterday to Chicago. In spite of the GPS's attempt to keep me from reaching our destination I prevailed. There seriously are times I believe that the woman in the GPS is trying to kill me. I need to remember to check and make sure she hasn't used the satellite systems to change the beneficiary on my insurance policy.

After a quick, but tasty, bypass to the White Castle for hamburgers we made it past the $2.50 tolls on roads that needed more work then the free ones we road upon in Wisconsin, we found the Rosemont. It's not the easiest place to get into, I must say. They have a lot of barriers up around the hotel, mostly to keep you from easily checking in or parking. However, if you want to make life easier for $28 you can have a valet park your car for you. Opting out of this you can drive around to park and pay only $18. Nice huh? Not really.

So, when you are finally able to park pray you haven't decided to bring too many bags for your stay. Why? Because you have anywhere from a block to a half a block walk to the lobby. At the check out the girl behind the counter, despite your previous preference when you booked your reservation and ignoring the fact that there are 3 of you in your party, will ask you if you would like a king bed room. When I told her that I had specified a double she replied with, "Well, I'm not allowed to presume." Okay. I didn't think that specifying my preference in advance and actually taking a few seconds to look at it was presuming, but maybe I learned something.

The hotel did have some nice amenities, such as the decor in the room. The rooms are spacious and well decorated. However, there is no complimentary coffee and the ice bucket is actually more like a glass bowl without a lid. They also do not believe in top sheets on the bed.

The hotel promotes wi fi, but in actuality it's available only as a "hot spot" which means you have to pay for it via Tmobile for another $8. There is also no free breakfast or donuts. They do have a menu available and you can purchase a cup of coffee for $8 a pot or $4 a cup. Stick with the water is my advice.

The beds are comfy in spite of the lack of top sheet. Not too hard, not too soft. But don't get too comfy. Even on Saturday the maids decide that a good time to bring out the vacuum and bang it against the wall to make sure no dust bunnies are hiding in the baseboards. If that doesn't wake you up don't be surprised if the maid doesn't knock on your door at 8:15 to make sure you don't want to go ahead and check out and have your room cleaned. Check out is supposed to be noon. But hey, you may want an early start, right?

If you call to ask the front desk if they really want you to leave or if they are just trying to get voted as the "Most Annoying Hotel," they will respond with "If you didn't want the maid to knock on your door, why didn't you put up the 'Do Not Disturb' sign?" Wow. Maybe because they never told me this was necessary at the Hilton or the Holiday Inn. Shame on them. I responded with, "Would that have kept them from vacuuming and hitting the walls at 7:30?"

It's not all bad, honestly. They do have a nice LG large screen tv complete with cable. They have a swimming pool and a sauna, but no hot tub. They also have plenty of running hot water.

All in all I would have to say that it's not likely I'll stay here again, despite the cute decor.

What's Your Leisure Suit Test

I took it and got the "Sexy Siren." I don't know about that, but I do like to sit around in my pj's or something easy to take off so I'm all nice and comfy.

Your result for What's Your Leisure Suit? Test...

The Sexy Siren

40% Lingerie

Honestly you don't mind that naughty tossled look. You go for the sex appeal factor in your life and fun times. You like being a bit naughty and unpredictable, don't you?

Your leisure time activities probably include reading fashion magazines, celebrity gossip, dramas, reading romance novels, and shopping. Of course you like to spend some of your free time in the sack with someone that can appreciate your talents.

Who can blame you?

Take What's Your Leisure Suit? Test at HelloQuizzy