The is the American Consulate in Istanbul. We had to leave our cameras in the car. No picutures are allowed inside. We had to go through a lot of security similar to the airport a couple of times. We exchanged our passports for visitor ID tags. Before we could have even visited the consulate our names had to be placed on a list.

Here JoAnne can pick up her mail, visit the health nurse, get gas, use a bank machine, pay Turkish bills, and shop in a small store for American items that are very expensive in the stores here. For example a package of marshmallows that are $.99 at home are 12 lira which is about $8.00 a package. That would limit Rice Krispy treats, wouldn't it? They also have some frozen meat that isn't available...like anything from a pig. So sausage, bacon, ham, pork chop, ect. come frozen and you can still have the taste of home.

To get gas you have to buy a gas coupon. Gas here is $2.94 a liter...which translates to almost $12.00 a gallon. I don't know how people can afford to drive. Many take public transportation. They have an underground metro system, a trax like train, and many many buses. If you ever get into an accident with a bus, it will always be your fault whether it is or not. Buses are immune to any rules or law.