No Post for my first day in Istanbul

Despite having a working computer, and time, I didn't post yesterday. It was a concious decision. I was very angry (think Edward in Pretty Woman, "I'm very angry..." and sans thousands in therapy to get there, just one troubling experience) with the my decision to go on the tour, the tour itself and the hotel for recommending it. I think the letter I wrote in my fury which I am posting below elaborates. It's not exactly finished material, thorough, or fluid. It's just raw, a pouring of emotions onto paper (well, keyboard). It's not really directed at anyone either, more just the world - well that world which encompasses the hotel, tour, and a little bit of myself:

To whom it may concern:

Upon arriving at the Hotel Kupili, it was suggested with great earnest that I take a tour of the city the following day in order to get a feel for Istanbul, which is a large city spread over two continents. To say that the experience was disappointing is an understatement. Additionally, it was aggravating and I found it to be insulting as well.

To begin, there was a series of misinformation. The fine print seems to be that the places listed are mostly not visited, rather, they are seen from the boat. But, I will begin with the first grievance, that this would give me a feel for Istanbul. How going to a spice market, and then taken to a rug store (which no one wanted to go into, we were told it was a museum of Turkish rugs – not a store), is a good way to discover the city. Especially when your guide makes it difficult to ask questions, and only words coming from him are the occasional naming of a building. There is no context to which our understanding is placed. We were not guided, but rather, shepherded like sheep. Having spoken extensively with Souks in Morocco, I am aware of how the system of commissions works. If I arrive alone, there is a price. But, if I arrive with a guide, then there is a different price because a commission must be paid to the guide. Bringing us to a rug store is not even about our experience, it is solely about commission. Otherwise, the rugs might have received an introduction, or given some historical context. I am fine with a visit to such a place, if it is meant to explain the significance of the Turkish Rug, and not just to sell me something to fill the guides pockets. I inquired prior to signing up if this was an English tour. Yes, I was told. I had an easier time understanding the Spanish guide. I chose an “English” tour in hopes of meeting some fellow travelers who I could share my experience with here. I was specific in my question whether it was all in English, and was lied to outright that it was. The few times the guide was speaking, it was only a third in English. Most of the remaining time he spent talking in Turkish with the driver, or at sites, wandering off and only reappearing when it was time to go leaving no time or opportunity for questions, were he even willing to answer them without being condescending. On the boat tour, which was a complete waste of time as nothing was explained except the occasional naming of a building and year of construction, he sat in another room and used a microphone. The combination of accent and poor sound system made it impossible to hear him anyway.

Other such things like visiting the Harem simply didn’t happen. It was made clear that the palace was a three unit piece, and yet, we only saw one small section, and none of the museums on the grounds. We were rushed through, running at some points. It was insulting.

Lunch was abysmal. If this is what the hotel staff by recommending and the tour company by providing believes is a good representation of Turkish food, then I am sorry. In addition, staff were rude, and generally unpleasant, especially if you weren’t interested in ordering a beverage. On the note of rudeness, when I attempted to pay with my American Express card, one of the options clearly printed on the brochure, I was hassled by multiple people first claiming that the machine is broken, among other issues. Then they kept asking me if I could use other cards, why I didn’t have other cards.

Finally, when we were returning, I had to fight in order to be dropped off at my hotel. I didn’t want to go to the grand Bazaar. They insisted it was a short walk, and I needed to continue to say that I wanted to be dropped at my hotel. It was clearly stated that hotel transfers were provided.

The experiences I had today have left me questioning how much the staff of the agency and hotel truly values my time. If they do not respect my time in sending me on such a disgusting, insulting and aggravating waste of time, I struggle to see how I can respect their time. The product was less than satisfactory, and has had a major negative impact on my experience here. It has cost me the most valuable commodity that I have at the moment: time. I hope that my faith in both organizations can be restored.

Sincerely,

Jonathan